Documenting Your Achievements: Meticulous Tracking of Professional exploits in Tales of Adventures
In the world of research, keeping a record of work is essential, regardless of the field – be it sciences or humanities. A series of articles by Lena Koppelmann, published in Junior Paper (JP), provides valuable guidance for junior researchers embarking on their research journey.
The articles, titled "Tips on Finding, Joining and Thriving in a Research Lab!" and "Ready for Action: A Junior's Guide to Independent Work & Research," offer practical advice on navigating the research landscape.
One of the key tips is the importance of recording work. A lab notebook is one example, but papers, ideas, or progress can also be documented. Although chugging through different permutations of parameters for an experiment may not seem worth writing down unless interesting results are obtained, recording every little thing can save time in the future and will be worth it in times of confusion or when exciting findings are made.
Moreover, enforcing a system to review progress every week can help in the long run. Preparing weekly graphs for progress reviews can aid in keeping track of tests and progress. However, the articles do not discuss the potential hindrances of not keeping detailed or well-organized records.
The articles also offer tips for finding and joining a research lab. They emphasise the importance of networking and reaching out to potential mentors. Once in a lab, thriving involves staying organised, asking questions, and learning from colleagues.
In conclusion, these articles provide a valuable resource for junior researchers, offering practical advice on finding, joining, and thriving in a research lab. The articles are general tips for any research lab or independent work, and they do not focus on any specific research field. So, whether you're a budding scientist or a humanities scholar, these articles offer insights that can help you on your research journey.