Building Strong Manager Relationships in Early STEM Careers

Understanding what makes an effective manager is vital for career growth and satisfaction. Unfortunately, not all managers are great leaders for their employees, yet early-career professionals often accept the behavior of their first manager as the status quo, without assessing their management abilities or evaluating the relationship dynamic. This issue is particularly prevalent in STEM fields, where many supervisors are promoted based on technical skills rather than leadership abilities. This session will equip early-career professionals faced with an ineffective manager with the knowledge to analyze and strategize steps towards building a better relationship with them. By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to recognize effective management practices, develop actionable plans for improving manager-employee dynamics, and know when to seek outside help. Attendees will leave empowered with the tools to navigate their first working relationships with confidence and ease.