Return to the Transferable Skills for PhD Careers Index
Empathy as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
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 Vice President in Consulting
As a self-employed consultant, clear and effective communication is critical for me in the acquisition and maintenance of client relationships.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Basic writing and editing
- Oral communication skills
- Speaking clearly and effectively
- Written communication skills
Integrity as a Vice President in Consulting
Telling a client "no" or having to deliver bad news is never easy, but standing firm in doing what's right by your client is important in being successful in the consulting space.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Complying with rules and regulations
- Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues
- Upholding commitments and meeting deadlines
Project Management as a Vice President in Consulting
Juggling multiple clients and projects is tricky. Having strong project management skills makes it much easier to handle plotting out project timelines and managing workload to provide reasonable delivery timelines to clients as well as being a good steward to your own personal time.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to manage a project
- Managing data and resources
- Planning and organizing projects
- Time management
Interpreting Information as a Vice President in Consulting
Government regulations play a large part in the consulting work that I do. Being able to interpret and then practically apply governmental guidelines for clients is a critical part of my consulting practice.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to gather and interpret information
- Ability to learn quickly
- Interpretation of data
Motivation as a Vice President in Consulting
Being self-employed, motivation is a key component to moving my business forward. Without a "boss" or other team members propelling me forward, I have to rely on my own motivation to seek out new clients, improve on my methodology, and ensure that my work is getting done.
Teamwork as a Consultant in Consulting
In consulting, it's typical to be staffed on teams on 2-5 people for ~3 month engagements. The ability to work with others and with various working styles is crucial to the success of the project
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to work on a team
Managing Up/Down as a Consultant in Consulting
In consulting, it's typical to be staffed on teams on 2-5 people for ~3 month engagements. Teams will generally have a manager, whose focus is on the broader project timeline and deliverables. The manager will be less focused on the day-to-day so the ability to manage up and express roadblocks, challenges, etc is important. Furthermore, as one becomes more senior and serves as a project manager, the ability to manage a team will a focus on final product delivery is fundamental to the role.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to manage others
- Dealing with conflict
- Negotiating difficult conversations
- Training and mentoring individuals
Strategic Thinking as a Consultant in Consulting
As part of consulting you conduct primary and/or secondary research. It is crucial to take that information and frame findings around the key strategic questions the client is hoping to address.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems
- Creativity/innovative thinking
Project Management as a Consultant in Consulting
As one becomes more senior they generally grow into the role of project or team lead which involves managing timelines, deliverables, budget, as well as training and mentoring more junior team members.
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
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OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)
Date: April 23, 2024
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Assess Yourself: How inclusive are you at work/in the lab?
Date: April 30, 2024
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Assess Yourself: How ready are you to manage your mentee/employee’s productivity?
Date: May 2, 2024
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