Congratulations! You’ve conquered the complexities of cell biology, perfected your PCR technique, and mastered the art of microscopy. As you venture into the professional world, your technical prowess is undeniable, but career success will also hinge on mastering the etiquette of the workplace. This blog will provide invaluable insights into the essential soft skills that you need to not just survive but thrive in your new role. From understanding workplace culture to mastering communication and demonstrating professional behavior, these skills will set you apart and pave the way for success in any setting – lab, hospital, research institute, or corporate office.

1. Understanding Workplace Culture

Navigating workplace culture is key to a smooth transition. The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) offers helpful resources, such as their “Good Professional Practice in Biomedical Science” guide, which offers valuable insights into professionalism in the field. Beyond those resources, remember that every organization has its own unique culture, defined by a mix of values, a particular set of standards and sometimes just unspoken rules and expectations. Here’s some general advice to help you fit in and get off to a good start:

• Observe and Learn – Those first few weeks are all about observation. Pay attention to colleague interaction, meeting formality, and workplace customs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also learn by watching what everyone else does.
• Dress Code: Dressing appropriately, whether in lab attire or business casual, shows you’re professional. Make sure you’re familiar with the prescribed dress code. If working in a lab, follow safety attire rules, in an office, dress appropriately based on company culture. When in doubt, opt for business casual.
• Clarify Expectations – If unsure about something – whether it is a dress code, professional email etiquette, or meeting protocols – do not hesitate to ask your manager or colleagues. It’s much better to clarify than to make a mistake. Here is a useful guide to starting your first job.
• Be Punctual and Reliable – If there’s one golden rule of professional etiquette, it’s punctuality. Arriving on time demonstrates that you respect other people’s time, that you’re organized and on top of things, and that you are committed. It’s always a good idea to arrive five minutes early until you get a feel for what’s considered normal. If punctuality isn’t something you’ve prioritized in the past, brush up on some time management tips to keep yourself organized and aware of your to-do list.  
• Team Collaboration: Strong teamwork is key. Foster a collaborative environment by being approachable, helping, and valuing diverse viewpoints within your team. Networking within your organization can also open doors to mentorship and new opportunities.

2. Effective Communication Skills

Effective communication plays a crucial role in fostering strong working relationships, regardless of whether you’re interacting in person, via video, or through email, text or phone. Here are some tips to ensure your communication remains professional and helps prevent misunderstandings:

• Email Etiquette – Keep emails clear, concise, polite and professional. Use appropriate greetings (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith), use formal language with a professional tone, respond in a timely manner, proofread before sending. For a comprehensive guide on email etiquette, see [Science.org’s guide to professional communication].
• Meeting Conduct – Listen actively, do not interrupt, take notes, and contribute thoughtfully to discussions. Mind your technology, too – mute your phone and do not look at your laptop and smartwatch. If attending virtually, dress as you would in the office, and ensure your microphone and camera are working properly.
• Professional Conversations – Whether speaking with supervisors or team members, maintain a courteous and respectful tone. Use clear, professional language, avoid slang, and keep personal discussions to a minimum in formal settings. remain courteous, avoid slang, and keep personal topics minimal in formal settings. Most importantly, steer clear of workplace gossip.
• Active Listening: In meetings and collaborative settings, listen attentively to colleagues, avoid interruptions, ask clarifying questions, and provide thoughtful feedback. In virtual meetings, mute your microphone when not speaking, turn your camera on if others have theirs on, and ensure your background is simple and professional. For more tips on virtual meetings, check out Indeed’s comprehensive guide.
• Documentation: In the lab setting, it’s essential to keep clear records of everything: procedures, results, and observations. Clear documentation is crucial for reproducibility and accountability.

3. Upholding Ethical Standards

Regardless of the setting you choose to go into be it hospital, research institute or a lab, as a biomedical science professional, you are expected to:

• Put Patients First: Always think about the impact your work has on patient care and make sure you’re always working towards the best possible outcomes for them.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Handle all patient and research data with the utmost confidentiality, sharing information only with authorized personnel.
• Demonstrate Integrity: Be honest and transparent in all professional dealings, acknowledging errors and taking responsibility for your actions.

4. Commitment to Continuous Professional Development

The IBMS encourages ongoing learning to maintain competence in the evolving field of biomedical science:

• Stay Informed: Regularly read scientific journals, attend workshops, and participate in seminars to keep abreast of the latest developments.
• Seek Feedback (and Handle it Gracefully): Regularly request feedback on your work. Be open to constructive criticism – it is a great way to improve and grow. Take the feedback positively and ask questions if you need clarification.
• Professional Memberships: Engage with professional bodies like the IBMS to access resources, networking opportunities, and further development programs.

Professional development is a lifelong journey. While this blog has covered some key areas of professional etiquette, I encourage you to explore further resources available to you, including “Becoming a Professional in the workplace” pathway that is designed to enable you to make a professional transition into the workplace, and sign up to two upcoming Graduate Success Series Workshops Ready for the Workforce: Navigating Your First Role after University and Mastering Workplace Etiquette and Communication with Enterprise Mobility These workshops will help you gain an understanding of how to make a good impression in your first few months at work, and learn what most employers expect of their employees. 

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Author: Dr Natalia Ciofu, Careers Consultant Project Officer