I was a genetics major, so of course there was plenty of labs to apply to. I even participated in the iGEM competition (alas, I digress).
I learned so much!
Things off the top of my head:
- general workings of a lab
- proper and improper lab techniques
- working with other researchers
- dealing with the inevitable 'red tape'
- learned and applied advanced concepts
- time management
- learning how to search databases that professionals/professors use to apply to your research
- got used to reading primary literature (this term is used to describe literature that is published in scientific journals directly written by the researchers) --> which led to me starting my Science-related blog
It really was a rewarding experience and quite an eye-opener. I felt myself being driven to do the research because it had so much meaning behind it. If you want to take a look, you're welcome to look at the lab website.
The options include getting paid or doing it for credit, and I did the latter.
I also learned a lot about myself. I thought I was capable of anything and everything if I applied myself to it, but I found out that I could never be a doctor after working in a mouse lab. Frankly, I am weak sauce. :(
