Central Labs West: Rules for Becoming & Remaining a Scientist

Dr. James Watson, Co-Discoverer, DNA Double Helix

The most exciting keynote of the event was Dr. James Watson. The audience watched in awe as this important figure, read about in science books across the world, took the podium. After a standing ovation from the crowd Dr. Watson reflected back on his life and the contributing factors that led him to become an important part of history. He says he wasn’t a genius, which I find hard to believe, but he shared some tips on how he succeeded including:

Preparing to be a Scientist
1. College is for learning how to think
2. Knowing “why” (an idea) is more important than learning “what” (a fact)
3. Think like your teachers
4. Pursue courses where you get top grades
5. Seek out bright as opposed to popular friends
6. Have teachers who like you intellectually
7. Narrow down your intellectual (career) objectives while still in college

He ended his session on a high note with the statement “You can’t guarantee success but you can certainly guarantee failure.”