I loved the hands on experience. Because I worked in a NIH funded lab, we had a very diverse range of projects going on. I was able to learn bench work as well as laboratory animal work. I work with Graduate students, Senior research scientists, Post-doctoral students and even undergrads!
What I wish was different
Advice
Ensure the lab you are entering is studying something you are passionate about! Laboratory work is tedious and requires a lot of thought, if you don't enjoy the subject you can never give 100%.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
February 2018 • Athens, OH
What I liked
I love conducting scientific research that is directly correlated to the human body. Research has allowed me to develop my scientific thinking skills while also propelling the knowledge I learned in the past, to the next level. In my lab we are constantly asking questions and learning new things, it never stops. It is endless.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have asked to be hired sooner! I was volunteering in the lab for many months. When I saw a need, I worked hard to fill that need. Eventually I realized I could get paid to do this and had a sit down meeting with my boss. She hired me that day! I was finally able to put my two weeks in at the job that wasn't nearly as beneficial to my future as this one!
Advice
Never stop asking questions. Always take notes and try to gather the plethora of knowledge that is placed in front of you. If you see a need, try to master that skill! Doing this can give you the "in" you may need to get the job.
