• Question: What advice would you give to an aspiring young scientist?

    Asked by anon-186460 to Verity, Trystan, Raquel, Danny, Catherine, Andy on 5 Nov 2018.
    • Photo: Danny Ward

      Danny Ward answered on 5 Nov 2018:

      Be persistent. Don’t give up when times are tough. You might get a bad exam or people might discourage you but if you enjoy learning and are passionate about science, stick with it and you can make it!

    • Photo: Trystan Leng

      Trystan Leng answered on 5 Nov 2018:

      Be ambitious, be confident, and take every opportunity that comes your way!

      Also, I would say its important to have work on writing skills. Its something scientists often forget about, but it is really important to be able to explain your research clearly and effectively, so good writing skills can make you stand out!

    • Photo: Catherine Smith

      Catherine Smith answered on 5 Nov 2018:

      Danny’s advice is great! I’d also add – get into the habit of being sceptical: question claims that you see or read that seem surprising. Find out what the sources of evidence are or if there is a different possible explanation.

    • Photo: Raquel Medialdea Carrera

      Raquel Medialdea Carrera answered on 5 Nov 2018:

      First of all: It is lovely that you want to be a Scientist!!
      I will recommend you to try learning and getting as much experience as you can!
      It is not an easy pathway, but it is really exciting! 🙂 So, just make sure to keep following your dreams, and keep fighting even when it is not easy to continue! 🙂
      If you have passion in what you do, I am sure you will be a fantastic Scientist! 🙂

    • Photo: Verity Hill

      Verity Hill answered on 5 Nov 2018:

      Do you what you really find interesting! Don’t worry if you think something else might get you a better job, or more publications or whatever – just pick what makes you excited and go with that!
      The flipside of that is don’t get disheartened when things are sometimes hard and there are aspects that aren’t as interesting – there’s always something that isn’t as exciting for you (eg for me, I don’t love maths, and coding is still growing on me, but it’s worth it for the questions I can answer with maths and coding)
      I also agree with Trystan – keep going on writing skills, because it’s something that will make you stand out!

Comments

  • johnmidgley commented on :

    Remember that every day is a learning day. No-one becomes a scientist on their first day at work. You get the right skill set (not always exams, experiences count too), you get a science based job, then as you work you gradually become a scientist.

    One day you realise that you are advising the people who helped you learn. You are all learning together. That’s when you are a scientist.