• Question: Would you call yourself an introvert or an extrovert, and how has that helped you further your scientific career?

    Asked by anon-244771 to Zoya, Tom, Stacey, Laura, James, Connor on 16 Mar 2020.
    • Photo: James Lees

      James Lees answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      I’m somewhere in the middle. On the day to day i’m very introverted which means i’m happy staying long hours alone in the lab.

      On the other hand I can be very extroverted in bursts which is helpful for all of the outreach talks and workshops that I do.

    • Photo: Connor Prior

      Connor Prior answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      I’m very much an extrovert! This has helped me because I can work well with others and I’m willing to communicate with my opinions across.

      BUT, in my lab we have a mix of introverts and extroverts. Neither, should halt you wanting to become a scientist we are all different!

    • Photo: Stacey New

      Stacey New answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      I’m like James, but probably swing slightly more towards the extrovert end of the scale as I love working in teams, playing team sports and definitely feed off of other peoples energy. But I also don’t mind working alone and sometime prefer it. Scientists come in all packages, some are super extroverted, some introverted. Anyone can be a scientist which is why I love science.

    • Photo: Laura Mason

      Laura Mason answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      Like some of the others I’m in the middle somewhere. I’m quite introverted normally especially with people I don’t know but open up when I get more comfortable. This means it can be challenging in new situations but I always try my best to put myself out there as I know it will be worth it in the end. It doesn’t matter where you fall in the introverted-extroverted spectrum, science is open to all but knowing the area you can work on will always help you

    • Photo: Zoya

      Zoya answered on 17 Mar 2020:

      I’m pretty much like james. I like to be by myself most times, but I’m a huge extrovert when I’m at work or outside in general.

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