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.

Portrait of graduate student Emma Plater (PhD, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences with Neuroscience) in the Science Atrium at the University of Guelph

Emma Plater

What Makes U of G Unique?

I love the amount of green space, and how relatively small and compact it is compared to other schools.

Sara Wilbur-Collins MCL, Master of Conservation Leadership at University of Guelph

Sara Wilbur-Collins

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

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.

Portrait of graduate student Joshua Salamun

Joshua Salamun

Advice for Prospective Students...

The faculty profiles page, on the Food Science Department website, is very useful to help find research projects that you may be interested in. Do not hesitate to email or talk directly to the faculty members. They are always welcoming, and can even help you apply for scholarship funding! 

Portrait of Toochukwu Urama

Toochukwu Kingsley Urama

Toochukwu's advice for someone considering grad school

Approach every challenge and opportunity with an open mind and unwavering determination. Graduate school is more than just gaining knowledge; it’s about realizing your true potential, pushing your boundaries, and turning your passion into something real.

U of Guelph grad student Jonathan Khosravani

Jonathan Khosravani

Advice for someone considering grad school...

My advice to any prospective grad student is to not rush into graduate school without some self-reflection about your passions, what you love doing and what you would like to study. This is because grad school can be a challenging place but also incredibly rewarding as it teaches you how to read critically, learn systemically, and think deeply. As such, I invite potential students to engage in some introspection and self-reflection about your motivations, desires, and commitments as this is a weird (but wonderful) experience distinctive from both undergrad and from other jobs so its important to not rush into anything without thinking.

Portrait of graduate student Carrie McMullen

Carrie McMullen

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Sometimes as an undergrad it's easy to stay 'behind the scenes' and just go to classes and complete what's required of you. But grad school has SO much to offer, and there are opportunities to gain new experiences around every corner that contribute to both personal growth and look great on a CV. I think getting involved is so important, and creating new relationships with faculty/other students is key.

U of Guelph Political Science MSc student Taelor Reid

Taelor Reid

Words of wisdom for prospective grad students...

While it's true that you should work hard to reach your goal, burnout is real. Allow yourself to take breaks when needed; take a nap, play video games, and laugh at some memes. Life will feel less annoying.

Portrait of graduate student Megan Brasher

Megan Brasher

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

If you're struggling, don't be afraid to reach out.

Portrait of graduate student Amy Zhou

Amy (Ziyu) Zhou

Advice for Prospective Students...

My advice is to challenge yourself to something new every day and be ready to learn as you go.