Return to the Transferable Skills for PhD Careers Index
Managing Up/Down as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
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.
- Ability to manage others
- Dealing with conflict
- Negotiating difficult conversations
- Seeking advice from advisors and mentors
- Training and mentoring individuals
Managing Up/Down as a Chief Policy Director in Science Policy
Although the policy career that I have is largely flat, there are opportunities to partner where you have to "manage up" to those who have more seniority and stronger relationships with the sponsor, but you have content knowledge. There are times when you have to manage your more junior team in order to produce the best policy resource.
- Ability to manage others
- Dealing with conflict
- Negotiating difficult conversations