Volunteering and trying out different career experiences is essential to knowing what you like/what you are good at. I often volunteer my time to entomological societies or writing blog posts for the public so I can gain more skills in scientific communication. Practicing your skills is what helps build them up.
There are many opportunities for professional development for graduate students through Open-Ed and the Graduate Student Learning Initiative. As a graduate student, be sure to use both these resources to continue your professional development!
Make your research project/thesis something you're passionate about. If you have a great idea, take it to a professor and see if you can make it into a project.
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.
“My advisor has allowed me to grow as an independent researcher, and ensures I stay on track. I have had a wonderful experience growing into the student I am now. ”
I really encourage undergraduate students to undertake an undergraduate research project. This gives you a lot of experience doing research before committing to graduate school. Volunteering in a lab is also a great idea, or chatting with current graduate students about what their day-to-day life looks like can help give you a better idea on what to expect! Focus on finding a lab and a supervisor that does work that you're interested in.
Being a graduate student was a great experience! UofG supports its students in making the program accessible to people of all capacities. I found myself engaging with people from different countries, stages of life, and experience. I really loved the different perspectives that was brought to my classes each week since the people in my program came from all walks of life.
I have always followed my gut and trusted my instincts. I truly believe I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have had if I didn’t trust that what was meant to happen, would happen at the right time for me. From the short internship that has become a career, to waiting for this program to exist to pursue my masters – timing is everything.
I came from a small town, so when I first moved to Guelph I was kind of intimidated by the transition due to leaving a rural area to come to a city. I have lived in Guelph for almost eight years now and even though it is a city, it has that small town feel which I like.
Try to get involved in activities outside of your research to create balance in your life and choose a research project/topic that you are really interested in!
