Professional Development

Antonia Soldovieri

Don't forget to take breaks. There will always be more you could be doing, but taking care of yourself, building in rest and finding time away from your work will allow you to do better work in the end.

Khaled Ahmed

Be sure that you are passionate about your field of studies/research before pursuing it. Work hard, but don't forget to have fun.

Abisola Kehinde

When starting your graduate studies, it's crucial to ensure that your living situation is conducive to your mental health. Don't hesitate to spend a little extra to get a comfortable apartment that promotes your overall well-being, including…

Justin Wyss

• Explore UBC and Vancouver. You are at a prestigious university in an amazing city, which has a lot to offer. Take advantage of it!
• Connect with people in your field and beyond. There are many interesting people whom you can learn…
  Read More

Becca Beutel

My advice for new graduate students is to take control of your time by setting your own deadlines early on. While grad school might lack structured deadlines, creating your own and sharing them with your supervisor adds a sense of accountability…

Eric Lee

I guess there are three things that come to mind. First, “expect the unexpected”; be excited for every opportunity and every encounter, because you never know what’s going to happen the next second. Second, “seize the day”; every second counts,…

Kate Wahl

Bring a growth mindset to your graduate experience! Now is a great time to explore challenges, take intellectual risks, and learn to capitalize on setbacks. Knowing that not everything will go according to plan, remember that your colleagues will…

Mirta Roncagalli

Grad school can be challenging and, from time to time, overwhelming. Try to make time for your own way to decompress and talk to your peers! You will realize you are not alone and that all grad students are in the same boat!

Harjeev Sudan

Talk to people! Building relationships of mutual trust, empathy and support with those around you can make graduate school feel far less overwhelming and isolating. Find mentors and don’t be afraid to seek support. Be a mentor when the…

Kayla McIntyre

Breathe. Know your limits and advocate for yourself; you know yourself better than anyone else so remember to recharge and relax. It can often seem fast-paced, so take this opportunity to engage with your community and build meaningful…

Elizabeth Castle

Ask all the questions! Imposter syndrome is definitely something I have felt very acutely, especially towards the end of my MSc and the starting in a new field/lab for my PhD. However, coming into my PhD, I set a simple, but valuable personal…

Harris Wong

My biggest piece of advice for new graduate students make sure to prioritize things like hobbies, physical activities, and relaxation. It is a bit cliche, however, there is an ever-growing pile of work that you need to complete in graduate school…