• Question: If you gave two pieces of information to someone who is not to good at science but would like to do something with science what would you say??

    Asked by liammcp to Cathal, Ciara, Emma, Michael, Sive on 13 Nov 2013.
    • Photo: Emma Cahill

      Emma Cahill answered on 13 Nov 2013:

      Hey liam, dont worry if you think you are not good at it, if you enjoy science you will find a way to get good at it! But there are lots of related jobs too, some people work in magazins writing about science and reporting on new discoveries for example.
      First advice, talk about, read and watch as much as you can handle of science. You’re bound to come across something that inspires you.
      Second, in a lab there are lots more people than just “bench” scientists, there are accountants and lab managers, administration staff, communication specialists, web masters, IT staff! Lots! Think about what you like doing and then see how could that be useful in a lab environment?

    • Photo: Sive Finlay

      Sive Finlay answered on 13 Nov 2013:

      Hi Liam,
      Even if you don’t get great marks in science at school that doesn’t mean you’re not that good at it! Sometimes science at school can be more about how much stuff you can remember rather than trying to figure out the answers to questions for yourself. I’d say if you’re interested in science then stick with it – it’s very different when you get to college. Also, as Emma said, there are plenty of ways of being involved with science without following a conventional research career.
      So I’d say don’t worry about what you think you might or might not be good at now, just try and follow your interests!
      Sive

    • Photo: Michael Nolan

      Michael Nolan answered on 15 Nov 2013:

      Without knowing what exactly interests you and what you are good at, a possible route is via IT. With the growth in the amount of data being generated, e.g. in molecular biology or large scale physics experiments, people with IT skills in handling and analysing ream of data would be in demand.
      Maybe you are good at communications, so DCU for example offers a science communications course. Journalism is another route to reporting on the newest advances for example.
      Dont go down the admin/finance route – you will make yourself unpopular as you deny request after request for travel/expense/new equipment.

      so there are ways around this and talk with a guidance counsellor as well.

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