Should I work at a machine lab as a Physics student?

[Phys12]

I have a machine lab at my university and I have heard that if you want to be an experimental Physicist, then it's a good idea to get some experience in the Machine Shop for it would help not only your skills, but also your CV when you apply for grad school. Is it so?

Thanks!

 

[Choppy]

If you are so inclined, developing some machine skills is great. When I was a graduate student we were often encouraged to take part in workshops that the machine shop put on. If nothing else, this can help to give you an idea of what's possible to build in order to conduct your experiments and the process that's involved.

It probably wouldn't trump getting direct research experience if you have to make a choice. But it will certainly be helpful.