Coffee & Project Management — Episode 12: Jami Grossfield

#CoffeeandProjectManagement

Bridging Science, Strategy & People in Clinical Research

In this episode of Coffee & Project Management, I had the privilege of speaking with Jami Grossfield, a Senior Clinical Scientist at MSD, who brings over 20 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. With a background in medical genetics and molecular biology, Jami transitioned from the lab bench to global project leadership roles — combining scientific expertise with cross-functional coordination, stakeholder alignment, and delivery execution.

She’s a PMP-certified leader, passionate about mentoring, connecting people, and bringing structure to complex initiatives. Whether working with start-ups or Fortune 500 companies, Jami’s ability to navigate ambiguity and drive projects forward has made her a standout in the clinical research world.

In this conversation, she generously shares advice every student and aspiring project manager should hear, especially those struggling to land their first role.

“I didn’t start out saying ‘I want to be a project manager,’” Jami laughed when I asked how it all began. Instead, she shared how her early roles involved a lot of coordination between scientists, across departments, managing timelines, and organizing tasks. “At some point, I realized I was already doing project management — just without the official title,” she said. It wasn’t until later that she pursued her PMP and formally stepped into the role.

That’s an important lesson for students: you might already be building PM skills without realizing it.

When I asked what helped her most in those early years, Jami didn’t hesitate.“Mentors,” she said. “And asking lots of questions.”She told me how she observed the way strong PMs worked — how they communicated, de-escalated tension, and stayed calm under pressure. “I mirrored what I saw, and I wasn’t afraid to ask for feedback,” she added. “That made all the difference.” Her PMP certification gave her the formal knowledge, but real growth came from curiosity and people skills.

We talked about the job search process — a topic close to many aspiring PMs’ hearts. I asked her what hiring managers really look for in entry-level project managers.

“They want someone who can bring clarity and structure,” she said.Not just a resume full of tools — but someone who knows how to keep a team aligned, communicate clearly, and navigate uncertainty. She emphasized that it’s not about the job title — it’s about how you talk about your experience.

“You might not have ‘project manager’ on your resume, but if you’ve led a school project, coordinated volunteers, or managed a lab schedule — that’s experience. Frame it right.”

I told her how so many students I know struggle with imposter syndrome — especially when applying for jobs they feel underqualified for.Jami nodded. “I’ve felt that too,” she said.

“But you don’t need to know everything. The best PMs don’t have all the answers — they know how to ask the right questions and keep the team moving.”That stuck with me.

Finally, I asked what advice she would give to students applying for jobs and not hearing back. Her answer was both encouraging and honest.

“Keep going — but stop only applying,” she said. “Start engaging.”She encouraged students to reach out to professionals, ask for conversations, tailor their applications, and find ways to build experience outside of formal roles — through volunteering, side projects, or community involvement. “Everything you do teaches you something. Stay visible, stay active, and trust that it builds up over time.”

💡 Key Takeaways from Jami:

• You don’t need a PM title to develop PM skills.

• Observe and learn from experienced PMs around you.

• Communication and people skills are just as valuable as tools.

• Frame your experiences with PM language: coordinated, led, delivered.

• Fight imposter syndrome by embracing curiosity, not perfection.

• Don’t just apply — connect, contribute, and create your own momentum.

This conversation reminded me that project management isn’t just about certifications and methodologies — it’s about mindset, relationships, and persistence.If you’re a student or early-career professional navigating uncertainty — Jami’s story is proof that your path can be nonlinear and still lead somewhere powerful.