How can you be an effective research assistant? It’s a valuable opportunity for any student of science, but it takes a special skill set to do it well. You must be analytical, curious, and detail-oriented. Let’s look at the qualities of a good research assistant to start you on the next leg of your academic journey.
Curiosity
Ask lots of questions—it’s an effective way to learn. When your mentor sees that you’re eager to learn about their processes, they’ll recognize your intelligence and engagement in your study. Be excited to learn, and your mentor will be excited to guide you.
Dependability
This is a crucial skill for every working adult, but take care to show up to the lab on time. If you have assignments, complete them before the deadline. A flaky assistant slows down the workflow of the entire lab; be a reliable cog in the machine to keep it running.
Critical Thinking Skills
Collecting and analyzing data is a big part of a research assistant’s job. Look beyond the surface and take time to think about what all the numbers in front of you really mean. When you’re able to look at a table of numbers, deduce what they mean, and understand them as part of the whole, your work will greatly benefit the lab.
Diligence
A poor research assistant leaves their notebook closed and says, “I’ll remember that for later.” A quality research assistant keeps detailed notes in a notebook they can refer back to regularly. Dot all your I’s and cross all your T’s to make lab work easier for you, your mentor, and the others in the lab.
Communication Skills
All the work you put into your experiments won’t do others much good if you can’t communicate your findings effectively. You don’t have to be a prize-winning essayist or a public speaker, but you do have to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.
When you begin working in a lab as a research assistant, set yourself up for success early on. Make a good impression on your mentor and the others in the lab every day when you walk in. These qualities of a good research assistant will keep you conscientious and focused on your research.
