Most Important Skills for a Biology Project Manager at HELIX Environmental Planning
Managing thirty projects concurrently requires exceptional organizational skills to ensure nothing "falls through the cracks," as Katie, a Biology Project Manager, explains. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including agencies and contractors, using "different terminology," and de-escalate tense situations are equally crucial for success in this high-pressure role.
Communication, Organization, Project Management, Problem-Solving, Stress Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Katie Duffield
Biology Project Manager
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Biology & Related Sciences
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Excellent communication skills are crucial for navigating sensitive situations and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders using appropriate terminology.
2. Exceptional organizational skills are essential for managing numerous projects concurrently and ensuring that all aspects of each project are handled efficiently.
3. Strong problem-solving abilities are necessary for de-escalating tense situations and resolving conflicts that may arise among project stakeholders
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
Communication and organization are really important. Communication is crucial because we often deal with sensitive situations where tensions are high.
You have to say things the right way and understand what's going on. Everyone has a different way of speaking; agencies and contractors use different terminology that doesn't always align.
You need to be able to speak the way different people do and deescalate situations. Being organized is also extremely important given the number of things happening.
I'm managing at least 30 projects right now, with many moving parts within each project and across all of them. Being organized ensures that nothing, or very little, falls through the cracks.