Lab Experience

[dnase]

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So as a freshman I did work in a lab, but didn't have that great an experience (didn't like my supervisor, messed up a protocol or two, was nervous). Should I still bother putting this on my resume, or should I just omit this altogether? I don't think the PI likes me that much either; not much came out of the experience. Should I start work in another lab determined to make a better impression this upcoming year? I want to do lab work and have worked in other labs (much better experiences)... I would like to think that this is just bad luck. Any advice? I appreciate it.

 

[KTownGT]

So as a freshman I did work in a lab, but didn't have that great an experience (didn't like my supervisor, messed up a protocol or two, was nervous). Should I still bother putting this on my resume, or should I just omit this altogether? I don't think the PI likes me that much either; not much came out of the experience. Should I start work in another lab determined to make a better impression this upcoming year? I want to do lab work and have worked in other labs (much better experiences)... I would like to think that this is just bad luck. Any advice? I appreciate it.

List it.

I doubt the ADCOMS are going to call your lab instructor to see if you cured cancer. 😛

 

[dnase]

You sure? On my PI's CV, he didn't even list that I was an advisee of any sort. So figured if he didn't list me, I shouldn't list him......

Any other input? Thanks!

 

[munchymanRX]

It'd be very rare for a PI to list an undergrad as an advisee unless said advisee was an author on a publication or received pay.

List it. Your ability to highlight the positive points of your experience (if there are any) can only help you.

 

[dnase]

Actually, I checked again and it wasn't even as an advisee, it was just "undergraduates," whatever that means.
Either way, I should probably look for another lab, yes?

 

[fishbait63]

Not to be insulting:
How badly could you have messed up a protocol? Everyone makes mistakes in the lab, damaging samples etc
Supervisors change every year or so lab managers don't want to stay forever normally, post docs leave after two years.

Find a lab you would be happy with and stick with it.

 

[echolalia16]

Everybody screws up their first protocol. Its like jumping from a skyscraper rooftop for the first time in The Matrix.

 

[dnase]

Alright, perhaps I am just bad at gauging how much supervisors like me... it wouldn't have been the first time I've been convinced that the postdoc didn't like me.. lol

 

[ohgodidonteven]

What if you got fired?

 

[bravofleet4]

how long did you do it? if it's over a year and its your only research experience, then it's almost required that you get one from you PI.

 

[dnase]

It wasn't my only research experience. It just wasn't as good as my other research experiences... It's my second most recent research experience.