Postdoc Dr. Priyanka Ghosh Shares Her Insights on Taking “Leading Self and Others”
By Enryka Christopher
Enryka Christopher (EC): What motivated your interest in LEADERs?
Priyanka Ghosh (PG): My goals of transitioning from academia to industry were my initial motivations for taking up the LEADERs program.
EC: Did your enrollment in the PHDL7600 LEADERs course, “Leading Self and Others,” change how you view leadership? If so, how?
PG: Yes, it definitely did. Before taking the course, I primarily viewed leadership as a role centered around decision-making and expertise. Now, I realize that leadership is also about compassion, cultivating a shared vision, and empowering others. I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking in fostering collaboration, making me more intentional in how I lead and collaborate in research and beyond.
EC: Did your experience in LEADERs influence the way you view the translation of academic research into industry applications? If so, how?
PG: Yes, my experience in the LEADERs program significantly influenced how I view the translation of academic research into industry applications by becoming more self-aware of my transferrable skills. LEADERs broadened my perspective by highlighting how all the valuable knowledge from academia can be effectively transformed into real-world solutions. I was also introduced to all key skills of project management – writing whitepapers, evaluating market characteristics and customer needs, developing Gantt charts to manage timelines, resources, expenses and budgets, and calculating ROIs of products.
EC: What did you enjoy most about the courses and the learning experience?
PG: I had an incredible cohort in PHDL7600 and two inspiring instructors who provided us with hands-on projects and case studies, allowing us to engage with industry-relevant challenges and develop problem-solving strategies. Most importantly, I made some great friends from the course, which helped me find a sense of community at Northeastern!
EC: Are there any memorable interactions or feedback from the PHDL7600 “Leading Self and Others” instructors that stood out to you?
PG: The course helped me refine my ability to balance technical expertise with interpersonal skills. Through many interactive discussions, I learned how leadership is not just about managing teams but also about navigating challenges and building together as a team.
EC: What have you learned during your time with LEADERs that impacted you the most?
PG: What has impacted me the most during my time with LEADERs has been learning strategies for effective communication in any role.
EC: What is your advice for someone who is uncertain if the certificate would be helpful to them?
PG: The program offers a structured way to develop leadership, project management, and translational skills that are mostly not emphasized in traditional academic training but are invaluable in any professional setting. For postdoctoral researchers like me, it could be a great opportunity to have a dedicated mentor who could help you navigate through your journey and challenges with a 1-on-1 mentorship.
Upon completion of the “Leading Self and Others” course, LEADERs program staff and partner companies select fellows who align with specific industry needs. PhDs are supported through the fellowship application process and placed in a specialized role to solve a problem in industry. They go on to earn a LEADERs’ Experiential PhD leadership certificate, with guidance from an industry mentor and faculty advisor. The program is run by the PhD Network, which helps prepare students to enter the workforce as impactful researchers.
If you are a postdoc interested in the LEADERs program, sign up or contact Wendy Eaton, director of LEADERs partnership relations. Follow us on LinkedIn.