How to become a scientist

Moonbear

Persevering when the going gets rough is a really important trait in a scientist. If your writing needs improvement, keep forcing yourself to work on it. In science, you'll face a lot more criticism than accolades, some of it warranted, some of it not. The ability and inner strength to keep moving forward despite that is what makes the difference between someone who is successful in science and someone who finds another career.

To primarygun, science is stressful. Even if you enjoy it, there are a lot of pressures. If you love it, you'll be able to handle the stress (see perseverance comment above).

To eax, I don't know if you really think you're lazy or just joking around, but you won't succeed in science if you aren't willing to work hard. You work long hours, face challenges that nobody else has faced (or it wouldn't be science, it would be history), and find solutions to problems nobody else has solved. It's an amazing rush when you succeed, there's the thrill of the challenge as you're working toward a solution, and doing anything else with your time would seem boring, but, there's no question it's hard work and can wear you down when things aren't working well. I guess you have to be a little stubborn even. If your personality is such that you don't roll with the punches well and don't like being pushed out of your comfort zone, science isn't for you.

On the other hand, if you like having everything well defined and enjoy a little science, but don't really feel you have what it takes to be truly innovative, there is always a need for technicians. They carry out a lot of the routine lab work that is essential to completion of experiments, but don't really develop any of the ideas or design the experiments, they more or less follow recipes. An experienced technician does know when to question a method or technique and can offer good advice about feasibility, but they always need to check their ideas with the investigator to ensure there isn't a good reason for doing things differently. Most technicians have a master's degree, but some have only a bachelor's degree and learn more as they do the job.

jai6638

how does being an engineer compare to being a scientist??? does engineering require less work?

Bladibla

My older brother is doing biomedical engineering at the moment, and i think he does as much work as a scientist, if not more.

born2bstar

So it it that easy to become a scientist??
Ta, Claire

born2bstar

Job Success Step One. First, if you haven’t already done so, make a thorough examination of yourself as to whether you really do want to go into science and become a scientist. Do you know what becoming a scientist entails? Spend a few days, or longer, doing this self examination. Just make sure that becoming a scientist is really what you want to do. The following may sound cliché to you, but it is very true: so many people just rush into a job because they do not know of what else is out there. So do take a little time out of your busy schedule to reflect if this is what you would like to do for the rest of your life. There is nothing wrong about being a scientist. You may really like it. Just make sure that your temperament and personality fit this type of job and that you know what a typical day of being a scientist is like.

Different people are suited to different jobs. You will excel and be happier in a job that suits you more than in one that is molded onto you by society. All jobs are worthy because everyone can make a difference to society in any job. We need cashiers, people dumping garbage, taxi drivers, computer programmers, etc. In choosing your favorite occupation and excelling in it, you will make your stamp in this world most pronounced.

Job Success Step Two. Get good marks. In order to qualify for university and graduate school, you will need good marks throughout your entire academic journey. Try also to enjoy what you are learning and try to learn for the sake of learning.

Job Success Step Three. You will almost certainly need a graduate degree, likely a Ph.D. Try to find all the programs and schools that you think you might have an interest in and thoroughly read through their curriculum, admission policies, and the success rates of their graduates obtaining good positions. Prepare as early as possible for admission. You do not want to miss deadlines, or not do something that could easily have been done.

Job Success Step Four. Obtain some job experience or do some job shadowing with scientists. This will allow you to find out what being a scientist is like. Maybe you really hate it. Maybe you love it. It's a great opportunity to broaden your horizons even if you decide not to become a scientist in the future. Getting job or volunteer experience will also look very favorable to future employers, as they will know that you were capable enough that someone trusted you with their work. It will also allow you to get reference letters if you need any. Last, but not least, you will gain practical experience and contacts as a scientist that may help you in your future job.

Ta claire

born2bstar

Job Success Step Five. Keep an eye on various places where there may be job postings right from day one that you decide you want to become a scientist. Even if you are not yet qualified for the job, job postings give you a very good idea about what type of skills employers are looking for. You may want to hone those skills or learn them during the next several years. Of course, with technology changing so rapidly, those same skills could become obsolete, so try to pick skills that you think will be around for a while and will be useful in the future in a broad range of situations.

Job Success Step Six. Decide if you want to specialize in the future. If you do, then you should try to go to a post-secondary institution that specializes in your particular specialty. It will make you a more attractive and competitive candidate when it comes time to look for a job. Be careful about specializing too early, though, or even specializing at all, as that specialty may become obsolete or not in as much demand when you are ready to go into the workforce. However, specializing definitely has its advantages, as you will be the recognized expert in your specialty. You may even be paid more, which is why many people specialize. So do consider it to be a viable option.

Job Success Step Seven. Choose your employer carefully. If you do not think that you would fit in a particular company, you probably should not even apply there. Of course, you should try not to be picky, but do try to make an effort to think a little about what type of company and work environment you desire. You don't want to be finding another job in two months.

Job Success Step Eight. Once you have a job as a scientist, try to distinguish yourself a little every day. The objective is not to get a promotion or a pay raise, although that would be a nice bonus, but just as a duty to yourself. A pledge to yourself to try to make your job a little bit better for other people. The extra effort will make yourself feel pleased, as well as really do a service to others. Also consider upgrading your skills once in a while by taking courses or learning by yourself. Try not to over-exert yourself, though, when working or when spending extra time to learn skills. But do put in a good day's work. Work in a relaxed manner. Work at a comfortable pace, but just do not slack at your duty. After all, it's your profession!

Wish you every success with your job as a scientist!

Ta, claire

saba usmani

what subjects to be selected to become a scientist ??? whether to take bio or commerce subjects ???

kramer733

You're an idiot. Studies have shown people who do extracurricular activities involving anything to do with physical activities generally do better in school as well. I know this is true for me. I went to do jiu jitsu and after that my grade went from 40% to 80%. So there. It really does make a difference. The people you meet are great. On top of that, pushing yourself to the limits and saying "i'm going to keep on going and going and never give up" is 10x harder than school. Atleast for me it is. Athletes have great mental strength and many never give up. Given a chance, i'm willing to bet they can EASILY obtain any degree they want just because they're such hard workers.

edit:

nvm saw you were kidding.

arunma

Heh, what an old thread. Let's see, Eax made his post a little over five years ago, when he was in 11th grade. So he should have just graduated college last month. I wonder if he's going to grad school...

saba usmani

plz help me !!! i wanna become a scientist but i am confused help me that which subjects should i choose ?? kindly give a quick reply ... frm saba moreover i am in 8 th standard and i am confused whether to take bio or computers ??? reply fast

SUROJL

Not a Spam , check this article if you like the tips:

http://www.bescientist.info/how-to-s...ence-and-math/

micromass

This thread is 7 years old, the OP probably graduated already.