Regardless of where they work and their role, chemical analysts tend to share certain traits in common. An analytical approach to problem-solving is an essential skill and creativity is also a requirement. Good motor skills and hand-eye coordination are needed for laboratory work and the ability to focus on repetitive or tedious tasks for long periods of time is also important. A chemical analyst should also be an effective multi-tasker, as he/she will often run several experiments simultaneously and work on other tasks at the same time. As with other scientific disciplines, the analytical chemist's education is ongoing and he/she must keep up with new experimental techniques and technological advances in the field.