Mastering Soft Skills With Kaitlin Mingirulli

Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

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Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! Today, we’re diving deep into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of both academic and professional life: soft skills. Joining me is Kaitlin Mingirulli, a Ph.D. graduate in engineering sciences and founder of the Mingirulli Group, dedicated to helping scientists navigate the challenges of grad school and beyond.

With Kaitlin, I explore the importance of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and self-awareness during and after your Ph.D. journey. Kaitlin shares her personal experiences and offers practical advice on managing relationships with advisors, the value of reading body language, and how introverts can excel in people skills.

So, whether you’re a grad student, an early career researcher, or just someone looking to improve your interpersonal skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips. Tune in and join us as we go beyond the thesis to uncover the true impact of mastering soft skills.

Kaitlin Anagnost received her BS degree in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, followed by her PhD in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College. While specializing in image sensor design, Kaitlin recognized the importance of soft skills in grad school, the workplace, and at home, and founded Mingirulli Group to help others who need guidance in this area. She now works in Silicon Valley as an engineer and helps others improve their soft skills, graduate school applications, and grad school experiences.

What we covered in the interview:

• The Power of People Skills: Kaitlin shows how soft skills like effective communication, collaboration, and managing advisor relationships during the PhD are invaluable in any workplace. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, actively improving your people skills can significantly enhance your career trajectory.

• Practical Communication Tips: We discussed how to “read the room” and use body language effectively, with tips such as preparing questions in advance and observing body language cues to better understand and engage in conversations.

• Continuous Improvement: Personal journeys in learning people skills are ongoing. Adhering to consistent communication practices, being aware of situational timing, and practicing self-awareness can go a long way in refining your soft skills.

🔗See the resources section below for links!

This episode’s resources:

• Website | MingirulliGroup.com
• Mingirulli Group| Linkedin.com/company/mingirulligroup
• Mingirulli Group| Facebook.com/people/Mingirulli-Group
• Grad School Applications Webinar | https://buff.ly/3MPf7dE
• PhD Advisor-Student RelationshipWebinar | https://buff.ly/47yfmDs

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Thank you, Kaitlin Mingirulli!

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