Return to the Transferable Skills for PhD Careers Index
Communication as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
I see 'communication' as really 'communication and relationship building.' In order to be effective at partnering with internal and external stakeholders, you need to have well-developed communication skills in order to build relationships needed to tackle large-scale, collaborative projects. At the non-profit where I work, I interact with individuals from a diversity of backgrounds with different communication styles, and in order to be effective at partnering, I need to adapt my communications.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Writing for nonscientists
- Presenting to nonscientists
- Basic writing and editing
- Speaking clearly and effectively
- Oral communication skills
- Written communication skills
How else do you use this transferable skill?
reflective capacity, self-awareness and awareness of others, active listening, intentional communications
Teamwork as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
In organizing a large event, I need to work with a team of people including: scientists (speakers, content), events manager (meeting/catering/hotel logistics), travel agent (logistics), finance (reimbursements, tracking), other non-profits (co-host, co-sponsor), etc.
In order to be effective at team work, communication is critical! You need to be able to provide constructive feedback, be open to the ideas of others, but also don't overstep your own role.
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
- Contributing to institution (ie participating on committees)
- Providing constructive feedback
Managing Up/Down as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
Management is an important skill, in both directions. Often you need to learn how to have influence even when you have no authority. I see it more as leadership - your ability to influence, motivate and enable people -- who may or may not be your direct reports.
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
How else do you use this transferable skill?
inspiring people, executing/delivering
Strategic Thinking as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
Strategic thinking is important for being able to see 'the bigger picture' and more readily identify opportunities and possibilities, and make better decision in complicated and complex systems. I like this article talking about 1 framework for strategic thinking and decision-making.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Creating vision and goals
- Creativity/innovative thinking
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems
- Ability to set a vision and goals
How else do you use this transferable skill?
ability to prioritize wisely, identify future opportunities
Integrity as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
Integrity or honesty is highly valued. Your social capital, and your ability to get things accomplished through relationships, depends on this. Particularly in difficult projects that involved international coordination, it is important to have someone and some organization with a reputation as a trusted, honest, neutral partner to lead.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Demonstrating workplace etiquette
- Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues
- Serving as a role model
How else do you use this transferable skill?
neutrality, discretion
Project Management as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
Most important for my job is project management, or leading an effort to achieve a set goal during a specific time. This could be applied to many different projects: organizing a large event, running a 'request for proposals' on a certain project, writing a white paper, etc.
What specific skills are part of how you apply this transferable skill?
- Planning and organizing projects
- Time management
- Managing data and resources
- Providing instruction and guidance
- Developing/managing budgets
- Delegating responsibilities
- Ability to manage a project
Understanding the Scientific Enterprise as a Science Program Officer in a Nonprofit
My job is at a non-profit organization that funds people and projects in science. Many of the proposed ideas are about long-term issues that are part of the scientific enterprise. It is important to being aware about how science really is done (not just the public's perception of how science is done.) Example areas that require this knowledge include: promotion and tenure system's impact on collaborative science, barriers to data sharing, COVID-impact on job market, etc.
(Note: This question only allowed me to pick a single specific skill)
How else do you use this transferable skill?
understanding entire enterprise -- how science is funded, how it is carried out, how it is published, how data is shared, etc.
Communication as a Executive Director in a Nonprofit
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
Teamwork as a Executive Director in a Nonprofit
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
Strategic Thinking as a Executive Director in a Nonprofit
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
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