Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Sonya Leigh Ogilvie

Sonya Leigh Ogilvie

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Pursue research that you truly believe has the potential to improve life. Knowing you are working toward something more than just a degree can help you find the drive to make it through the difficult or dry aspects of your time in graduate studies. 

Your time in graduate studies will provide many opportunities, but don't lose touch with yourself. Take the time to do what you need to in order to maintain your sense of purpose and direction, then live out of that. Don't be afraid to try new things, but remember that no one can do everything. Be selective.

U of Guelph Integrative Biology PhD candidate Michael Lim

Michael Lim

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Although I think most prospective grad students have been told about the importance of picking a study/project that interests you, I think it's also really important to take some time to see how you interact with your supervisor and lab. These will be the people you work the closest with for the next several years, and help provide support to you in some of your toughest moments.

Headshot of University of Guelph Graduate student Jamie Armstrong

Jamie Armstrong

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Try your best to reach out to faculty and make connections with people who share the same passions as you. Everyone at the University of Guelph is happy to share their expertise and provide guidance, and those connections are very valuable in expanding your knowledge and reaching your goals.

Shannon Klingel

Shannon Klingel

Advice for Prospective Grad Studies...

If I were to speak with someone considering Guelph, I would tell them that although it may not be a very lucrative venture, it is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Additionally, for those thinking about diving into graduate studies but are unsure about the difficulty or commitment, always remember: a little drive and determination can go a long way! 

U of G graduate student, Anastasia Stellato (PhD - Epidemiology) in the Science Atrium at the University of Guelph

Anastasia Stellato

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

There are animals everywhere, from seeing eye dogs in training to horses and cows at the research barn.

Julia Billings portrait

Julia Billings

Advice for prospective grad students:

I encourage prospective graduate students to embrace interdisciplinary learning and seek out mentorship opportunities. Graduate school is about more than just coursework—it is about developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and building professional relationships. Stay open to new perspectives, actively engage in discussions, and take advantage of the research and networking opportunities available at U of G.

Ashley Millar

Ashley Millar

Words of Wisdom… 

If you come to Guelph, your program will be full of like-minded students who have the same passion that you do for your research. The environment you will be in is the most supportive environment you can have for when you are pursuing something that you love.  

Portrait of Emma Harris

Emma Harris

Words of advice for someone considering grad school:

There's no "right time": just do it! The time will pass anyway. You may as well be accomplishing big goals. 

Portrait of graduate student Keely Kavcic

Keely Kavcic

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I would tell any prospective grad students to visit the campuses they are applying to, and talk to students in their program(s) of interest! A major factor in my staying at Guelph was the campus community, and knowing that I would be supported throughout my studies in not only my academics, but also through the social atmosphere on campus.

Michael Lever

Michael Lever

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

If you are considering graduate studies, I suggest that you take your research interests and see who on campus is pursuing something that aligns with them. Given the wide range of topics and fields of study here, I would not be surprised to see at least one other individual or faculty member engaged in some research that closely mirrors the interests of the student.