If you plan on working in a laboratory of any kind, it’s a good idea to learn the differences between working in a lab and working in an office. While there are many similarities, working in a lab provides different challenges that you’ll need to be ready to face. Laboratory technicians need to be able to adapt on the fly and analyze information faster than the average person. Here are a few tips for succeeding in your laboratory technician job that should help you settle in and acclimate you to your new environment quickly.
Be Open To Learning More
You don’t get to be a lab technician without knowing what you’re doing. Whatever your field of study may be, you know the ins and outs already if you got the job. However, academic work and work in the real world can differ in a lot of major ways. It’s important to never assume that you know how to do something the best way, especially when you’re first starting out. When you open yourself up to continued learning beyond your schooling, you’ll find more long-term success in your job.
Respect Every Piece of Equipment
Everything from the smallest test tube to the largest machine has value when you work in a laboratory. The more you show respect for the instruments that you use on a daily basis, the more professional you appear to others. Work on using your tools in the correct way so that you can prolong their lifespans. Even the most well-funded laboratory has budget constraints, and you do not want to be the reason your lab has to take on another expense.
Work on Communication Skills
Working in a lab isn’t a solitary job by any means. Everyone who works around you is doing work that’s just as important as yours, and you all will rely on each other’s work to get the results you’re looking for. Being able to explain the processes you went through, communicate your results and findings, and connect with other personnel will make your time in the lab go a lot smoother and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Stay Flexible With Responsibilities
No day is ever quite the same when you work in a laboratory. Don’t be surprised when you’re suddenly ushered onto a different project in order to help out, or when an emergency request comes in and everyone needs to change what they’re doing at a moment’s notice. One of the best tips for succeeding as a lab technician is to be ready to adapt to new situations on the fly because they will come out of nowhere and surprise you.
