2. Conduct a self-generated training needs assessment with a focus on becoming a valuable member of a research group as

(a) undergraduate student,

(b) graduate student, and

(c) postgraduate student. In particular, what are your levels of the skills and attributes mentioned in this chapter in comparison with what you believe are the desired levels? Develop a list of the skills and attributes with two columns to the right: current level and desired level. Feel free to use a combination of personal characteristics that include dependability, communication skills, word processing skills, spreadsheet or database skills, programming skills, statistical analysis skills, and literature searching. After you complete your needs assessment, think about how to address any deficiencies you identify. Reading books suggested by more experienced colleagues, asking for tutorials, and requesting a mentor are some strategies that you might deploy to increase your value for a research group.