Make sure you need grad school for your future career before you do it. Reach out to other grad students while you're in undergrad; most people will be more than happy to share their experiences.
I couldn't imagine a better fit than the University of Guelph. The opportunity to work within a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of graduate students across campus as an inaugural Arrell Food Fellow was an extremely enriching experience on both academic and professional development fronts that sets U of G apart. Under the leadership of the world renowned food scholar Dr. Evan Fraser, the Arrell Food Institute supported my aspirations to develop an innovative food product for student nutrition programs by connecting me with industry partners off campus in addition to the plethora of researchers and staff on campus to enhance my doctoral research. The Arrell Food Institute, CBaSE, the Catalyst Centre, the Accelerator Program, the Guelph Food Innovation Centre and the close proximity of OMAFRA across the street from the university are world-class resources that enhanced my U of G experience everyday. U of G invests in its students both academically AND professionally, offering a large suite of programs and specialized resource centres that assist students in developing research as well as business skills which accelerate their alumni post-graduation.
My student philosophy is that anyone can learn anything. However, to succeed and enjoy your graduate school education you need to create good relationships with your mentors and those you look up to and get involved in student life by joining things that resonate with you whether that be student councils, clubs, intramural teams, etc!
Guelph was actually one of my top choices for my undergraduate degree. Having chosen a different university to do my undergrad, when applying for graduate school, I knew I wanted to attend Guelph to continue my studies! The CJPP program appealed to my criminology background and my work experience in the criminal justice system.. I knew this was the program for me!
My research dealt with using biostimulants as environmentally friendly alternatives to fungicides, for preventing dollar spot disease, which is one of the most prevalent disease that affects turfgrass on golf courses worldwide. My research will hopefully help to identify species and cultivars of turfgrass that respond positively to various biostimulant applications and therefore have a lower disease incidence. This will potentially allow golf course managers to use fewer fungicides in the future by switching to biostimulant applications, which will reduce the environmental impact that they have on the surrounding ecosystems.
This is a program that is very responsive to student needs, so if you have a question or want to pursue a line of discussion, be sure to ask! There is a considerable commitment to participants' career and personal growth, as well as to the more formal education elements. I appreciated that "all-around" approach.
