Thread by @maniermk

In my lab meeting today, I covered networking: what is it, why do it, and how to do it. I did a little thinking and research on this, and there aren’t many resources that are specific for scientists or academics rather than businessfolks. So I share what I learned here. 1/19

What is networking? It is about forming and maintaining relationships. It is NOT schmoozing, transactional interactions, or b**t licking. (what… it says boot, silly goose). Think of it more like making friends and less like trying to get something out of someone. 2/19

When networking, it’s okay to approach it with a goal or an “ask” in mind, but that doesn’t preclude you from being genuinely interested in the other person as, well, a person. 3/19

Networking isn’t always about talking to people. It can also include just being seen. 4/19

Why network? It can help you identify and develop opportunities. These can include job openings but also something that you might not recognize as an opportunity until later. (much later) 5/19

For undergrads (and grads), it can also help you secure more and better (more personalized) letters of recommendation. If a professor can add personal anecdotes that show quality X, the better. Profs won’t have those details unless you talk to them. 6/19

Network benefits you, because you learn a lot from talking to people. 7/19

Networking can help you build a security net of sorts if you need anything like a job, advice, moral support, etc. Your network is a valuable resource that becomes even more important after you graduate and you leave the structure and support of your institution. 8/19

Networking can help you build a security net of sorts if you need anything like a job, advice, moral support, etc. Your network is a valuable resource that becomes even more important after you graduate and you leave the structure and support of your institution. 8/19

Networking is often expected of you, so you should get comfortable doing it. 9/19

How do you network? Step 1: start with a goal. It could be general or specific, long-term or short-term. You could have different networks for different goals, and goals might depend on who you’re interacting with. 10/19

When networking, it’s okay to be a little Machiavellian. Be targeted and strategic - this is not mutually exclusive with wanting to get to know someone personally and establish a meaningful relationship. 11/19

How to network Step 2: Show up. Make use of twitter (good job!) and Facebook groups. I’m old, so there may be other good ones out there that the young’uns know about. If it makes you uncomfortable, lurking is fine for a while, but don’t let it end there. 12/19

Seek out and attend events in the department and on campus - social events, presentations, seminars (not necessarily in that order). Seek out clubs, groups, and volunteer. Go to conferences. 13/19

So how to actually talk to people? Find an event you’re interested in where you will be with people with shared interests. Find a situation that fits your comfort level, if you prefer small groups or more intimate settings. 14/19

Go with a buddy, or find someone you know already there. You can also look for someone who is also looking alone and awkward. If you see someone you know talking to someone you don’t know, go introduce yourself. 15/19

Choose who to talk to based on a mutual interest or some common ground, something you can talk about. Alternatively, if you know NOTHING about the person, you can just start out with “So what do you do?”, “How long have you been here?”, etc. 16/19

When talking with someone, ask them questions about themselves. Then ask follow-up questions. This can take some practice and work. You can also ask for advice. People LOVE giving advice. And talking about themselves. 17/19

Take-home messages: networking doesn’t have to be purely transactional, and it doesn’t have to be painful. Your network will grow over time, and these people will become your friends and support. Water them, and like a garden they will grow. No, not literally. 18/19

Remember, you will miss 100% of shots never taken. Have fun! 19/19