Project Management as a Career Path for Ph.D.s

WHO MIGHT LIKE A CAREER IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

If you like:

• Coordinating people, leading a team
• Exposure to many functions and people with diverse backgrounds
• Problem solving and strategy
• Communication in all forms
• Building relationships with many people
• Planning

If you do not mind:

• Working on budgets and dealing with invoices
• Working on contracts
• Preparing progress reports and meeting notes

 

• Project Management is a good jumping off point to a lot of careers because you learn skills that are highly sought after
• https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/project-management-missing-link-acquisition-reform/ 

OUTLINE

• What is Project Management
• My Career Path: transition to non-bench jobs in project management
  • Private Sector
  • Non-profit
• General Advice if you are looking to leave the bench

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

• Strong technical background that allows understanding complex (biological) projects at a high level
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Planning
• Skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Multitasking
• Managing shared resources
• Managing others
• Attention to detail
• http://mycareerinfo.ca/figuring-out-your-transferrable-skills-helps-to-envision-yourself-in-another-job/ 

SHORT RESUMES AND SKILLS OUTSIDE THE LAB

• Experience outside of the lab
• Internship at NIH TTO / exposure to business type environment
• Working on a team
• Communicate effectively with lay audience about technical topics
• Organize scientific meetings or symposia
• Keep a shorter resume (2-3 pages max)
• Highlight accomplishments (e.g., published X number of papers/abstracts)

CONTINUE SKILL DEVELOPMENT ONCE YOU MOVE ON

• Take advantage of any and all training opportunities
  • New software (e.g., MS Project)
  • Professional development coursework (e.g., management)
• If it makes sense and the company is willing to support you, pursue professional credentials
  • Examples from my career path
    • Project Management Professional (PMP)
    • Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Compliance (regulatory affairs courses)