YouAlberta
In my third year, I decided to try research, and I think I love it. At first, the idea of undergraduate research was so foreign and frightening. I couldn’t comprehend it. Once I finally got the chance to dip my toes in the world of research, everything changed. Not only was I graced with the opportunity to expand on my understanding of class material, but I got to know myself and how I function. I want to share the little I have learned so far with anyone considering this path.
1. There will be confusion.
Research will never be a straight-line path; I had to learn that the hard way. Everything was trial and error, and I had no idea where I was going with anything over half the time. I feel that what really helped me with this was developing a close relationship with my supervisor. I asked as many questions as possible, no matter how dumb I thought I sounded. I think this aspect of research taught me the importance of vulnerability. I didn’t have to look like the most intelligent person in the room. In fact, the more comfortable I was with the fact that I didn’t know anything, the more I got to learn. So, my advice to you when you first enter this field would be to open yourself up. We’re all confused, but some of us know how to hide it better than others.
2. Your opinion matters
This is very important! Most people you work with care about what you think, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you have an opinion on ANYTHING. It’s very intimidating to find your voice in a room filled with professionals; I get it. If I’m being honest in research everyone learns from everyone. It’s not a matter of who has more experience; you could spot simple things that might have been overlooked. The main thing to remember is that you are an asset to that lab.
3. It would help if you established boundaries.
Boundaries are the key to a good work-life balance and must be set as soon as you start your position. Set boundaries with yourself and with your colleagues. Communicate with your team about what you can and cannot do. I struggled with this because most of the time I was afraid that not accepting tasks would make me look incompetent. I later realized that it’s not about doing everything; it’s about quality. The ability to say no, not just to other people but to yourself, is a valuable skill. Say yes to a nap instead sometimes. Take yourself on a walk. This life is too short to be stressed 24/7.
4. Schedule everything
I put everything on google calendar, and everything changed for me. Balancing classes, research, and other extracurriculars almost drove me crazy. Since there is so much to do, it would be best always to write your tasks down and when you will do them. I set a time for everything I could, including the time I dedicated to myself and my friends. When scheduling, I made sure to factor in time for procrastination or any delays during the day. That said, I had to come to terms with the fact that sometimes it’s impossible to get everything done on time. I asked for extensions on some assignments and work. My advice to anyone who is swamped is to rank your tasks from most important to least important and tackle each task in that order.
5. Choose a lab you love!
I think this goes without saying that you need to enjoy it. You only need one focal point of your stress and I think university has already occupied that spot. That’s not to say you won’t feel any pressure from your research, but it should be an escape for you. I loved what I was doing and going to the lab for me was never a task. To have been given the chance to do my own thing was empowering. I loved the discussions I had with my team, and it made the walks to the lab in the middle of winter worth every second! I felt privileged to have been granted the opportunity to immerse myself in what I was passionate about.
6. Academic Papers are challenging
I struggle with reading journal articles TO THIS DAY. I once read a journal entry three times and still had no idea what was going on. My advice with these is to take your time and ask as many questions as you possibly can. My supervisor was very understanding when I didn’t understand what an article was saying and would try and break it down for me in simpler terms. Just remember that you are here to learn first. You are not expected to know everything before you start your research journey. Be patient with yourself.
7. Don’t forget to have fun
It’s not a chore. It’s a chance for you to get to understand yourself. I learned that I can in fact overcome procrastination if there is a lot at stake. I learned that a good professional relationship with anyone in your career can take you really far in life. There is so much more for me to learn but since doing research I have developed better time management skills and a love for knowledge. I now dance it out when things don’t work out and wait for a chance to try again. You can do this. I believe in you and good luck.