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Asked by anon-256499 to Radha, Krishna, Katherine, Kaamila, Danica, binuraj on 9 Jun 2020.
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Katherine Haxton answered on 9 Jun 2020:
Patience. Patience to learn all the stuff, patience to check through experiment methods before doing it and be able to trouble shoot when it goes wrong, and patience to repeat things until you’re certain. It’s really easy to rush ahead because some results look interesting but you need to make sure you understand as much as possible as you go.
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Comments
Daniel commented on :
Problem solving is a really important skill in chemistry. We’re not just doing chemistry for the fun of it (though it is fun!) – we are looking to solve some sort of problem. With that in mind, you need to be curious! Exploring and doing experiments is essential to solving problems and that is fuelled by curiosity! As Katherine said above in her really good answer, patience is important too! Sometimes, not getting carried away is the hardest lesson to learn (and all of us forget it sometimes in the excitement!).
Alex commented on :
I would also add to Daniels great answer if that you must enjoy the job you are in. Why do something you do not like or cannot have fun. You are at work for most of the day so it is just as important to enjoy it and enjoy what you do.
I also learn a lot – never stop learning
David commented on :
That depends on what type of chemist you want to be. I used to be an offshore chemist working on oil rigs.being sociable and able to work well with others, curious and willing to learn new things and have the ability to troubleshoot problems then explain the solution in simple terms to others who may not have chemical backgrounds are all very great skills to have.
Leanne commented on :
I’d say definitely patience. Things can and will without a doubt go wrong, whether it be with an experiment or with a piece of equipment your using for analysis or even just your PC breaking with all your data/ reports stored on.
Andy commented on :
Yes been there many a time with issues with software on ICP-AES systems playing up when trying to analyse metal sample mixtures and also for HPLC drug analysis experiments for Masters students.
Also had issues with packing on columns when trying to do separations of Ferrocene derivatives.
Andy commented on :
Patience and resolve to see projects through to the end . Ability to think outside of the proverbial box of conventional thinking and being accurate in all your work.
Willing to seek advise from others who work in more diverse fields than yourself to inject fresh perspective.
Kat commented on :
Some skills that I think you need are:
Being inquisitive/always asking questions. Being able to sit on the fence and think about things without making assumptions.
Being tenacious / determined – many experiments fail and some results are impossible to analyse making it really hard sometimes, but that’s part of the fun! It’s never boring.
Able to work alone and in teams. Able to take on advice and questions from peers and colleagues to enable you to get to the answer of a problem. Be happy to ask for help.
Problem solving – practical ideas/creativity as well as to understand results. Often a new piece of equipment is needed or some modifications to what is available and you need to be able to tinker around and make things work.
Attention to detail and able to keep accurate records.
Good fine motor skills – lots of experiments, lots of glassware, you need to be able to have great control of your hands in order to be accurate, consistent, safe etc.
Good at handling large amounts of data – don’t worry you learn this as you go along.
Be able to learn new skills quickly, be adaptable to change. Experimental results can mean anything.