Management Development Program

This section describes why I dedicate time to the program and why it is well-invested.

The Management Development Program at Princeton (MDCP) is facilitated by Human Resources for having the highest standards in manager/employee relations for their university staff. For that, more than 20 courses were designed covering different aspects applicable to a 'managing/being-managed' role. Not directly in this target group, I got however permission to participate for better preparation of my aim in pursuing a managing and leadership role. Furthermore, I wanted to understand better how certain reasonings of my superiors are to be rationalized. I started the program end of 2016 and completed the required 8 courses in summer 2017. However, I continue the program by participating in the remaining classes, which is completed beginning of 2018.

Becoming a manager has multiple facets, with the MDCP focussing on parts of it. It provides tools and awareness as well as a comfortable space for practicing. However, the strongest impact is obtained when going back to the work place trying to apply what has been learned. The guidance from non-scientists for improving our research environment in terms of mentoring, project management, communication, etc. is very powerful. I see this sort of awareness lacking in the natural sciences and unfortunately I am constantly under the impression that scientists are already not 'textbook examples' for adorable interpersonal skills & behaviors. Therefore, I enjoy to have been giving the opportunity as a postdoc for joining the MDCP and especially because I see my interactions with superiors and students in the laboratory and for external projects improving steadily. 

Since, the program helped me, I believe that it can be profitable for other postdocs in the natural sciences as well. I have therefore been in contact with the chemistry administration to initiate tailored courses for postdocs in the chemistry department. This has been appreciated and is further developed by the department with intended implementation by the universities career service.