How to Become a Scientist

Focus on the subjects needed in high school. Starting from high school and continuing into the university years, you should choose subjects that train you analytical and critical thinking skills – important skills of a scientist. You must do this to have a chance to grow later.

• You need to specialize in math. Scientists in the physical sciences use a lot of math, specifically algebra, calculus, and analytic geometry, while those in the biological sciences use less math. All scientists need to know enough about statistics to apply in their work.
• Consider going to a science camp while in high school. You will be involved in more intensive projects than the usual science program in the classroom.

Start with the basics in college. Although your specialization will be more specific later on, you still need to choose basic courses in biology, chemistry and physics to get the foundation of each science, as well as the scientific method. used for observations, hypothesising, and testing. You can also study some optional electives, depending on your interests or to learn about many fields, helping you to determine your major later. After a year or two, you can focus on a specific branch of science.

• Skills in one or two foreign languages will also help you, helping you read scientific articles that have not been translated into English. The most recommended languages include French, German and Russian.

Choose to major in a field that interests you. Once you’ve experienced a bit and become more familiar with the career direction, choose a major in a specific scientific area. Planetary science? Medicine? Psychology? Genetics? Agriculture?

• If you want or if your college doesn’t have the options you need, you can wait until later (in graduate school) to define a more specific major. There is no problem with a general discipline like chemistry.

Internship at the university. You should build relationships and start working as soon as possible. Contact one of your professors about internship opportunities – you can also get your name in a journal article.

• The above method will give you 100% practical work experience in the laboratory, which will help in your graduate studies and assist you in finding more serious jobs later. It also shows that you value studying at university and understand what people expect of you.

Sharpen your writing skills. When you become a scientist, you need to write well to receive a research grant and publish your research results in scientific journals. High school English classes and university writing courses on professional topics will help you improve your skills.

• Always read scientific journals and follow the development of the science you pursue. At the right time, your name will soon be in those magazines. Read journal articles to learn about the structure and basic elements of a standard scientific paper.