Navigating life as a graduate student in Canada can be difficult. From finding the right school and program to learning how to bank, there are many challenges to overcome. But for those who are up for the challenge, becoming a graduate student in Canada can be an incredibly rewarding experience. In this blog, I have provided you with 7 golden tips to help you find your way through your graduate journey in Canada.
Be selective with your program
Given your goals, there are many various types of degrees that may best suit you. You might be considering a graduate program to get the education and credentials you need for a higher-level career, or you might be looking for a program that will give you the skills and credentials to launch a new career path. You might be considering a degree from a public or private institution, or you might be looking for a program that offers you the flexibility to work while you study. Choosing the right school and program is critical to success. It is important to research and select the program that best meets your educational and professional goals.
Below is a list of things you can do to choose the school that best fits you:
- Research the schools by reading their websites and any published rankings
- Contact the schools directly to request information about the programs and request application materials
- Join with other prospective students to start a conversation about the value of the program and school for your goals
- Ask about the data for the program’s graduates and the number of students who graduate each year
Get to know the school campus
It is helpful to research the weather type in the city your university of interest is located in; the support systems that are available to international students; the campus facilities; accessibility to your culture and your community; the price of housing and accommodation; and transportation system. It is always best that you connect with students who are studying there and learn from their experiences.
Pick your graduate advisor wisely
Be fastidious with who you pick as an advisor. Good mentorship is not only essential for professional success, but it is pivotal for driving innovation and building your character as a future scientist. Do not choose your advisor solely based on their research interest. Pay attention to their passion and mentorship ability. An advisor who is not a good scientist cannot train you to become a good scientist.
Examine your advisor’s reputation by evaluating their publication history; try to book virtual or if possible in-person meetings to assess their personality type and teaching styles; connect with their former/current students or even senior faculties to further appreciate their scientific abilities and persona.
It is also wise to search for advisors with multiple funding resources. This way they can pay you for your work. Having a good mentorship is a significant contributor to your academic success. Be meticulous when it comes to choosing your advisor. It is not about where you study, but who you study with. Please, take some time to read these articles on how to pick a graduate advisor.
Be ready to study hard
Graduate school is equal to hard work. Many people after graduate school feel exhausted and disappointed. Most of the time they choose a path different from that of academia and enter the industry. Understand why you are choosing to pursue your education. Do it out of passion and have a perspective. Do not look at graduate school as a way to merely occupy your time or escape with a degree. You are going to spend a minimum of two years in graduate school. Those years are years of your life that can be quite crucial and extremely important turning points. Be ready, be strong, and believe in your path.
Have plans for after graduation
Time flies. Before you know it, you will find yourself graduating. Prepare yourself for graduation. During your studies, build circle of networks that will increase your employability. Do not only work on your research, try to get involved in different projects in different labs other than the lab you are working in. Even if you are graduating from a top school, it may still be tough in the beginning to find a job. Take advantage of your time in school to prepare yourself for the job market or work on ideas that will help you earn passive incomes. Do not just look to graduate.
Finance smartly
Be smart with your money: This is my golden advice! Many students do not put a lot of thinking into their finance until after graduation and when they have secured a job. It is fair because a lot of us have not been financially educated and you may think as an international student you are surviving and barely making money, let alone managing and saving your money. Unfortunately, I learned through experience and a lot of hard work, the importance of smart financial management, and I can tell you even with little money, but smart management you can back up yourself with a fair amount of savings. Canada offers different investment opportunities even for international students that can help you put your money into work. I have talked about this later in the financing section.
Take care of your mental health
Take care of your mental health. Like everything else in life, graduate school has its ups and down. There are times your methods will not work and your results will not be favorable; You may have conflicts with your supervisor; be ignored, or not listened to; you may feel homesick, and you may face unpredictable circumstances. Cultivate a resilient mindset. Increase your coping skills, and make yourself comfortable with changes that take place. Your mental health is the key component of your success. Take time off when you need it and take care of your health, mentally and physically. Here, they have a saying “work hard, play harder”.
If you need help with graduate school applications, book your free consultation now!