Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Valencia Gaspard (PhD, Rural Studies) in the atrium of the Albert A. Thornbrough Building, University of Guelph

Valencia Gaspard

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

Being a graduate student at U of G means being part of a commitment to improve life.

Chelsey Tremblay

Chelsey Tremblay

Being a Graduate Student at Guelph… 

It is so crazy and will likely be one of the busiest times of your life, but it will also be one of the most rewarding experiences. 

Portrait of graduate student Grace Teng

Grace Teng

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Pick an advisor you work well with! Or make sure to meet your advisor before committing to doing grad studies with him/her.

Danielle Bourque

Danielle Bourque

Words of advice...

The Biodiversity Institute/Centre for Biodiversity Genomics is the IB departments best-kept secret, in my opinion! There are endless opportunities available if you take initiative.

Portrait of graduate student Katie Francis

Katie Francis

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

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.

Portrait of graduate student Jordon Bell

Jordon Bell

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Know who you are and what you want out of a program, your education. 

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 Nick Nunn

Nick Nunn

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Take advantage of the many resources available to you at Guelph - go to seminars, networking events, connect with your colleagues.

Portrait of graduate student Rana Telfah

Rana Telfah

Advice for prospective grad students...

I highly recommend University of Guelph graduate studies for the prospective grad student who is looking to build their skills and improve their knowledge. This great learning experience will make students more employable in the labor market. The best thing in grad studies is the working opportunities offered to students while studying which improves their networking and can prepare them for the labor market.