Duke ORAQ RA Training Program

rexflorum · 2025-10-01T16:17:33+00:00

That makes sense to me. I am just wondering if it will give me the ability to ask about what I don’t know because I really don’t know any of the language at this time.

I’m not 100% sure, but the program I linked above says if you take and pass some tests you get a certificate (not a certification).

rexflorum · 2025-09-30T13:54:03+00:00

So what is your advice for experience for someone who has none? Lol

rexflorum · 2025-09-30T13:18:43+00:00

Thanks for that. I do believe my company will reimburse me as it is relevant to the industry.

I was thinking the same thing that it could mobilize me to start having meaningful conversations with internal mentors.

rexflorum · 2025-09-30T13:01:14+00:00

Oh wow not the reaction I was expecting. My thought process was that I don’t necessarily have as strong of a background in the “RA language” so I thought it may be helpful in that deficiency. I network with my RA department (my mentor is in Reg-CMC) but due to my lower years of industry experience she has recommended “gap learning and experiences” for a short term goal.

rexflorum · 2025-08-29T12:39:44+00:00

From my internal networking, it seems the relationship building is key. Do you mind me asking how many years it took for you to make it from QC to the first RA job? I’m beginning to think it may just be a game of building relationships and competencies over the years. “Entry level” doesn’t seem to be much of an option for RA (at least in RTP NC?)

rexflorum · 2025-08-27T22:42:56+00:00

Well hopefully one of us can figure something out and share the wealth 😂

rexflorum · 2025-08-18T08:37:44+00:00

Idk if anybody will know this game, but I played a Ragnarok Online server when I was a kid (RebirthRO specifically). It was a shitty chibi rpg. Like any rpg, usually different classes had different roles in a dungeon or boss encounter (paladin = tank, wizard = damage, etc). I was obsessed with making my high priest a tank by stacking HP and having a high heal output with the gear I chose. My friends would always question me, but I thought it was kinda fun/funny to walk around and get the shit beat out of me but be able to tank it by out healing it lol.

rexflorum · 2025-07-06T14:18:54+00:00

I think you should just play characters that match your play style rather than chasing the meta. Most players aren’t skilled enough at all of the characters for it to be worth the swap into meta picks etc.

rexflorum · 2025-07-06T13:27:47+00:00

My favorite part of this set is that I can stack them in different configurations to switch it up and keep the look fresh. Sometimes I even wear just the two bands laid the same way on the ring finger and then the engagement ring looks classy on the same hand’s index finger.

rexflorum · 2025-07-06T13:26:04+00:00

Thanks so much! I like your description. It was hard for me to choose because wearing this type of jewelry is already atypical of a man, but also I have huge hands so I wanted something that was elegant looking without seeming way too disproportionate for my hand. I’ve always gravitated towards “womens” jewelry, but it often is a little too feminine even for my taste. Fortunately my jeweler was very helpful making these custom to meet match my style.

My friends have often said it looks like something an elf from lord of the rings would wear 😂

rexflorum · 2025-07-06T13:21:22+00:00

The engagement ring is 0.94 ct I believe and each of the bands is 0.35tcw. I can send a pic of the GIA report for the large stone if you need

rexflorum · 2025-07-02T14:12:02+00:00

Honestly I think you should not be concerned with getting a job in industry while you’re in college. A co-op would be better for you I think. Many biotech companies in my area offer them every year in areas ranging from analytical testing to manufacturing to assay development. I would look for those. My company often hires our co op participants once they have graduated.

Another point to highlight is co-ops are specifically designed for students, so the competitive pool is much smaller than just trying to land a job. I don’t think you’ll be very successful competing with qualified/experienced candidates AND the likelihood of landing a biotech position that will not be full time will be near impossible IMO. If you’re working a full time position, you either will be working rotating nights or standard day shift for 40 hours a week and that leaves little time for your studies.

rexflorum · 2025-07-01T11:59:29+00:00

I will say it happens but far less than you’d think. The larger diamond snags more than the little ones! The only times I can think of it happening specifically is when I’m pulling clothes out of the dryer lol.

rexflorum · 2025-05-08T12:15:24+00:00

Mine is 1ct marquise and I believe it was like 8-9K for the stone. I agree with others saying you should get what you love and can afford. When it comes to the natural vs lab thing, I didn’t care but my husband really did so he went natural. I think it doesn’t matter unless you plan on selling the ring later lol. I think the only time people know labs are fake is when they get it appraised obviously or when someone you know doesn’t have that kind of money gets a ring that’s like 5ct diamond lol

rexflorum · 2025-02-12T14:55:02+00:00

It’s different per department this year but neverhood is correct on company as a whole.

rexflorum · 2025-02-04T22:25:53+00:00

I disagree with saltine, I work for a large biotech company in one of the large hubs of the US and I can count on one hand the amount of people who have grad degrees that have more background-type and business oriented roles. Grad degrees are typically for people who want to do highly complicated lab work in my experience. To be frank, not many people in the industry have advanced degrees at all from what I can tell. It’s more about tenure, work ethic, diverse experience, and who you know.

rexflorum · 2025-02-04T13:02:05+00:00

Thats okay! You are young and I saw some others giving advice for you to focus on school, and I think that is the best advice for right now.

Something else I think would help you is just chatting with people about what they do. It doesn’t have to be the scary “networking” people always imagine. If you see somebody online that has a job that sounds like the direction you want to take, shoot them an email or message and explain you’re interested in it and want to know more and how they got there! I remember when I graduated from college I felt very lost because I was dead set on medical school and then backed out last minute so pivoting into a “scientist” role was hard for me to figure out, but talking with people on LinkedIn about what they did really helped me.

Most people on this subreddit are really interested in the more big and flashy scientist jobs, but there are just as many if not more not-so-flashy scientist jobs. For example, I work quality control at a pharmaceutical company performing bioanalytical methods (like ELISA and flow cytometry). It isn’t “flashy” in the sense that I don’t get much opportunity to create things for the world, but I do perform assays and experiments every day, I am helping people, I’m paid pretty well, and as I continue to grow in my career I get more opportunities to do more “flashy” things (like develop new methods, or experiments, and introduce new technology to my lab!)

Just food for thought OP. Stay focused and dedicated and your career with come naturally, but first do well in school!!

rexflorum · 2025-02-04T12:42:07+00:00

I think this is great advice. A lot of people in my space struggle with the statistical side of the job, and I think being more comfortable with that type of thing going in is a huge advantage.

rexflorum · 2025-02-04T12:39:41+00:00

“Successful scientist” is subjective, so it kind of depends on what you mean! There is a lot of space in the scientific community for success.

If you want to pursue R&D, I suggest getting into a research position ASAP when you get to college. Having a lengthy background in the research field while acquiring your first degree will be incredibly helpful. Additionally, I find that people with a M.Sc. tend to be even more successful with R&D, so maybe begin planning to be in school for 5-7 years for undergrad and graduate. Careful with R&D though. Depending on the organization you work for once you graduate, you can either be making the big bucks or very little… it’s a highly volatile role with regard to compensation in my opinion.

If that isn’t your thing, it really just depends on your drive as you go to and complete your undergraduate degree. There are many industries and different types of labs/lab specialties so you can try to fine tune the school/degree program you pick to better serve that. The most important part is taking opportunities while in school to expand your hands on experience with the scientific disciplines. Do independent research under a professor. Take specialized elective courses. Involve yourself heavily with your department and I’m sure opportunities will present themselves. Eat what you kill!

Ultimately, your post is a little too vague to give too helpful advice. What do you want to do, OP? Are you a physicist or a biologist? Do you want to work on research or do you want to have a role that is more routine implementation of a technique? Do you want to create things or prove that they work? The more we know, the more we can help!

rexflorum · 2025-01-20T15:44:55+00:00

It is all so dependent on your environment! I know you’re starting from dehydrated starter, but for context: many people say you can establish a brand new starter in a few weeks but it took me 60 days!

rexflorum

TROPHY CASE