4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Victor’s Answer
While developing technical skills is very important, one of the larger problems in the research community is the ability to communicate. If you develop your presentation skills (e.g. public speaking, PowerPoint presentations, poster design), you will certainly have an advantage over your peers.
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hi Christopher, besides R or Python, I've noticed a lot of researchers get familiar with Java. Additionally, Excel (ex.: for quick calculations, mice experiments, cell-line, etc. ) , Adobe Illustrator (ex.: to design biomedical products, tools, etc. ) and any video maker (ex: premier pro, apple movie, for quick videos - like speeding up a video to look like a time-lapse, etc. ) would definitely be skills worth investing in especially because when you are an experiential researcher, you don't usually have a lot of free time to figure out these skills. It may give you a leg up from others, and could lead to a smoother experimentation process.
Updated
Carina’s Answer
I agree with the above responses. The ability to do the research using technology such as R or Python is important; being able to communicate is essential. I'd recommend taking a communication or public speaking class. Additionally, the ability to use Excel to create graphs/charts/illustrations to communicate your work is great.
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hi Christopher,
I agree with Victor's response above in that many researchers struggle to balance the IQ needed to do their research with the EQ needed to allow others to understand it. There are countless resources out there on how to communicate with any audience, my personal favorite being TED Talks. If you can develop your communication skills to the same level as your technical skills, you will almost certainly stand out against many other applicants especially during the interview process. Best of luck!
I agree with Victor's response above in that many researchers struggle to balance the IQ needed to do their research with the EQ needed to allow others to understand it. There are countless resources out there on how to communicate with any audience, my personal favorite being TED Talks. If you can develop your communication skills to the same level as your technical skills, you will almost certainly stand out against many other applicants especially during the interview process. Best of luck!