As a scientist, a majority of your time is spent in the lab working on your research – or elsewhere, continuing work on your research. But there are several other caveats to being a successful scientist that go outside of your bench work. Here are some tips that allow for holistic development of your professional career.
Network with Peers consistently:
Whether it’s in person through events and conferences, or via LinkedIn, networking is the key in any professional career. If you’re unsure of how to approach a stranger at an event, make one connection, and request them to help you meet more peers. After, keep in touch via email, LinkedIn or over text.
On LinkedIn, it’s much easier. Keep in touch consistently through comments, likes and shares. Congratulate achievements and ask questions – small interactions go a long way in strengthening your network. Spending even 15-20 minutes a week on LinkedIn is enough activity to keep you connected.
Attend seminars or additional courses and grow your knowledge of the industry:
Expand your knowledge and expertise in all topics relevant to your industry – not just of the topic your research is focused on. This will make you a better professional and peer, who can be relied upon to have great expertise in their field.
In current times, it’s unlikely you’ll attend many educational seminars in person – but there are hundreds of free courses and webinars being held around the world that are open to everyone. Select Science, Labroots, and other such scientific media companies, as well as several large and small manufacturers all regularly hold free educational webinars that explain new technologies and trends in various scientific industries.
Be a team player:
Help and ask for help. Being a team player ensures that you’re up to date on current research, as well as sets you up as a peer who can be approached. Others will then in turn help you when you need suggestions, support, scientific help, or even simple introductions to the right connections. Being a part of advancing science never hurt anyone.
Improve your writing abilities:
You don’t have to be a great writer to be a good scientist. However, you must be able to successfully convey your studies in a concise, clear and interesting format. There are many free courses online that can help you improve your writing skills. Becoming a more effective writer is paramount in having high quality papers.
Learn how to use new applications and softwares:
Keep up to date on the latest softwares – both free and paid (several have free trial periods) that can help you in your research, and make your bench work more efficient. Whether it’s cell counter softwares, or auto-analysis softwares for your experiment runs, there are lots of new tools available on the market. Check out websites of technology manufacturers for these resources and lots of others. Another way of keeping up to date is reading up on new technologies that have been developed for your field. What is the trend of your industry? Is there a new and upcoming technology that is gaining popularity? Find free tools to learn the basics! That way, you’ll be ready to implement this new technology whenever you need.
Find these tips helpful? Have more tips that you think will benefit your fellow researchers in their professional development? Tell us in the comments below!
