About the Trainee Advisory Council
The Meyer Cancer Center Trainee Advisory Council (TAC) is a 6-month leadership incubator open to all graduate students (MS, PhD, MD candidates), postdocs and clinical fellows in cancer-research labs at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM). This program provides hands-on leadership development for cancer researchers.
Perks for Members
- Build C.V. by chairing and organizing cancer research roundtables for trainees
- Exclusive career development and leadership opportunities
- Build community with other cancer researchers at WCM
- Build relationships with MCC Leadership
- Receive certificate of completion signed by Director of the MCC
Eligibility Requirements
- Able to attend in-person monthly workshops (Jan – June).
- Dedicate 3-4 hours per month to TAC (inclusive of in-person workshops)
- Participate in organizing and chairing a series of roundtables and workshops based on cancer-trainee needs
- Must actively be participating in cancer research
- Must be a trainee at Weill Cornell Medicine
Leadership Development Training in the Trainee Advisory Council
Trainees will learn and practice skills in conflict resolution, team building, accountability, networking and other skills needed to propel them further into their careers in cancer research.
January: Who are you as a leader?
Trainees will learn and discuss different leadership styles, and the role of leaders in shaping organizational culture. Trainees will also learn about the mission, values, and resources available through the Meyer Cancer Center.
February: Surviving Critique
Being able to give and receive feedback is necessary in growing a professional self and in building relationships with mentors, mentees and peers. Trainees will learn tools to practice giving and receiving feedback and how to thoughtfully invite constructive criticism to improve a project.
March: Building and Running Effective Teams
Building and working effectively in teams is essential in any workplace. Trainees will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental challenges that every team faces, learn how to design and run a team for maximum performance, and develop accountability systems.
April: Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an inevitable part of collaboration. Trainees will learn tools and techniques for how to navigate conflict in the workplace and in teams. This will include managing up and communicating capacity.
May: Networking
Networking is something that benefits scientists in their current role and when they decide to transition to another role or career. Trainees will learn the various ways to develop, deepen and maintain professional networks among peers and mentors inside and outside of their institutions.
June: Trainee Advisory Council Roundtables
The program will end with trainees leading roundtables/workshops using the skills built throughout the last 6 months. The Meyer Cancer Center will provide funding and space to support these events.