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)
- Examples from my career path