Return to the Transferable Skills for PhD Careers Index
Empathy as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
I collaborate with a lot of people in my work, and it's important to be understanding and connected. Sometimes people have things going on in their lives that makes meeting deadlines difficult, and findings ways to move forward as a team and support those who are unable to focus on the project at the moment is an important aspect of my position.
Communication as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
I communicate with the media, with policymakers, with colleagues, and I write for lay and professional audiences. Communication is a big part of most aspects of my work.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Basic writing and editing
- Oral communication skills
- Presenting research to scientists
- Presenting to nonscientists
- Speaking clearly and effectively
- Teaching in a classroom setting
- Writing for nonscientists
- Writing scientific publications
- Written communication skills
Teamwork as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
I work on part of multiple teams, and I've learned quickly that being an effective and high functioning team is critical for meeting deadlines and producing deliverables. I also serve as a liaison between our research team and our partners at the state and in a large national organization, so being able to connect across teams is important.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to work on a team
- Ability to work with people outside the organization
- Providing constructive feedback
Managing Up/Down as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
I manage three staff from different skill sets and backgrounds, and dealing with conflict and negotiating difficult conversations is an important part of the project management work I do.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to manage others
- Dealing with conflict
- Negotiating difficult conversations
- Seeking advice from advisors and mentors
- Training and mentoring individuals
Strategic Thinking as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems
- Ability to set a vision and goals
- Creating vision and goals
- Creativity/innovative thinking
Integrity as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
We regularly must withhold commitments and maintain deadlines.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Can identify and address research misconduct
- Complying with rules and regulations
- Demonstrating responsible authorship and publication practices
- Demonstrating workplace etiquette
- Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues
- Serving as a role model
- Upholding commitments and meeting deadlines
Project Management as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
I use project management daily to keep our teams on track to be able to accomplish all tasks in the required timeframe.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to manage a project
- Delegating responsibilities
- Developing/managing budgets
- Managing data and resources
- Planning and organizing projects
- Providing instruction and guidance
- Time management
Interpreting Information as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Deep knowledge of specific research area
Motivation as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
Motivating others within the organization and the organization as a whole is important. When motivation was feeling especially low in the midst of the pandemic, I instituted twice weekly check-ins for our team where people could sign on to Zoom and join others to chat and connect. I also started offering a meet up just for parents. These groups have helped to keep motivation and address potential barriers to motivation during this challenging time.
Understanding the Scientific Enterprise as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
A big part of my work is communicating scientific knowledge and processes to state officials and staff who are much less familiar with the scientific enterprise.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Discipline-specific knowledge
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