Department Leadership OpportunitiesDeveloping leadership skills within your program department may seem like a daunting task, but all it takes is some strategic networking and a willingness to get involved! Below are some examples of ways in which to develop leadership skills at the department level:
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Group / Laboratory Leadership OpportunitiesDeveloping leadership skills within a laboratory can be hard. Your PI or lab manager may require you to spend more hours in the lab than you would prefer and not abiding by this requirement could affect graduate funding, employment in the lab, or other issues. Developing other skills may have to take a "back seat" to research until the timing is appropriate...Or does it? Below are some examples of ways in which to develop leadership skills while working in a laboratory:
Responsible Conduct of Research Training (RCR)
MSU's goal is to prepare researchers to become globally-engaged citizen-leaders. Central to achieving this goal is the ability to conduct quality research / scholarship. For student and postdoctoral trainees, professional development occurs under the guidance and leadership of individual faculty through partnerships intended to be mutually beneficial. To be successful, these partnerships must be based on a shared commitment to responsible research / scholarly practices based on key principles of research integrity. Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), formerly ORCBS EHS supports the mission and guiding principles of Michigan State University through leadership, guidance, education, and partnership to promote and establish programs in health and safety, protection of the environment, and regulatory compliance. EHS provides live and online training classes throughout the year to educate the employees and students of Michigan State University on safe work practices. |
Tips from Current Graduate Students
Challenges You May Face..."What classes am I supposed to take?" (Navigating the Graduate Path)
"I tried talking to the PI of the research project I'm working on, but they kept blowing me off. I have some ideas I would like to try out in the lab, but nobody will listen to me!" (Laboratory Challenges)
Your PI assigns you an undergraduate student and is asking that you train him / her. (Laboratory Challenges)
You want to develop your leadership skills, but you are faced with your PI's disapproval. What do you do? (Laboratory Challenges)
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How To Navigate Challenges...Get to know your Graduate Advisor! They can help you plan classes and make sure you're on the right path towards graduation.
Keep talking! Talk to other graduate students, lab managers, and keep trying to talk to your PI about your ideas and offer to manage a project to test your hypothesis outside of your responsibilities within the lab. Eventually someone will hear you!
Do not hesitate to contact your PI and ask for guidance in how to go about training the undergraduate student. Also, talk to senior lab mates and / or post-doctoral students in your lab or office. In addition, be organized and delegate to them after thorough training. Use the opportunity to prepare them for graduate school, if they show an intention to continue their education.
This issue is pretty commonplace at large research universities like MSU. At this point in your graduate career, research is the primary goal. It is your job to communicate and convince your boss of the importance of development programs which are essentials for securing employment post-graduation.
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