Approaching Networking: Tips and Techniques for Effective Connection Building
Feeling awkward about networking is common, but it is an essential activity for professional growth. Learn effective strategies for networking, asset mapping, and network mapping. Understand the importance of networking, different approaches, and platforms for online networking. Enhance your networking skills to expand your opportunities and connections in your field.
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Presentation Transcript
(Almost) Everyone Feels Awkward Networking But You Still Have to Do It How I approach networking Tips on how to network Asset mapping Network Mapping
IGAC Project International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project The IGAC Project seeks to advance atmospheric chemistry towards a sustainable world by advancing knowledge, fostering community, building capacity, and engaging society in matters of atmospheric chemistry. Advancing knowledge: international collaboration around scientific questions through community-proposed IGAC activities Fostering community: through biennial IGAC conferences, workshops, summer schools, IGAC regional working groups, and communications (website, social media, newsletters, mailing lists). Building capacity: through summer schools, workshops, biennial Early Career Short Courses, early career programs during conferences, and events created by the Early Career Scientific Steering Committee Engaging society: through policy maker discussions, decimation of results, communications
Networking Workshop Agenda Introduction to Networking Tips on Networking Online In-Person Breakout rooms for icebreakers and asset mapping Introduction to Network Mapping Breakout rooms for networking mapping Return and final Q&A
What is Networking and Why Network? Networking: The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts General networking - expanding contacts with interesting people working in similar or related fields Informational Interviews to learn about different types of jobs (not during an interview process) Task-focused networking for a specific report/paper, hobbies, finding a new job Why Network? Allows you to achieve something you cannot achieve on your own (why IGAC was created!) Expands your knowledge of professional and personal opportunities Growth in your current job You are part of any network you have! Think about what you have to contribute to this network.
When and How to Network Online Linked-in: formal professional networking Maintain a general presence (update regularly) Follow organizations and people you admire Repost and make relevant posts for your network Good place to reach out for informational interviews, find out about job opportunities Twitter/BlueSky: informal professional networking Maintain a general presence Follow organizations and people you admire Engage in conversation about scientific topics of interest Good place to expand professional network outside of job seeking Other social media: I personally try to avoid having professional contacts on FB/Instagram, but not every person is the same. But think about how you use each type of social media. Things like Facebook can be great for personal networks (hobbies/friends) Also think about the appropriateness of messaging people for work-related things on personal platforms.
When and How to Network In-person Conferences Poster sessions: Great way to connect After talks: Asking questions to speaker or even your neighbor Networking events Do your homework before! Try to connect online to people you want to meet Seminar series/workshops/leadership classes Advisory Boards/Community Groups Hobbies Generally good for low-stakes practice with socializing! Introduces you to more non-scientists, expands network
Networking Tips (to make it a bit easier) Know that most people at professional events are also looking to network! Know your strengths Map these out and know them! Give yourself confidence when networking and make it a conversation of mutual benefit, not just a take. Strengths can be your gives in networking Know your limits Are you better at small groups or one-on-one conversations? Find events that facilitate those. Are you better if you have a topic to talk about? Ask people questions about themselves! And follow-up questions. People like talking about themselves, generally! Show your strengths, but also show you are collaborative. Try not to be the only person talking. Find a buddy/networking wingperson you can introduce each other to good contacts. Open your circle in networking opportunities (invite others in, make connections in your existing network). Have an icebreaker opening on your person (interesting jewelry, nametag with your networking needs on it, etc).
Asset Mapping: what skills do you already have to bring to a network? Why Should You Asset Map? Process of creating an inventory of the skills, talents, or resources that exist Supports your goals Builds cohesion, and creates connections and efficiencies Better planning and evaluation of your progress Opportunities! How to fill out an asset map: Think about both your internal and external assets and strengths , such as: your skills and expertise and go beyond just your specific area of study, but think more broadly about skills like data analysis, public speaking, writing for different audiences, understanding the policy making process, grant writing .you have so many skills to contribute! experience like mentoring others; serving on different types of committees, talking to the media; planning events And then characteristics: maybe you really enjoy having difficult conversations with people about climate change! maybe rather than being around large groups of people you prefer to focus on a project by yourself and share it with the group. It s important to reflect on these characteristics both to think about how these can be a strength for you and the issue you care about, but also to ensure that you re getting involved in a way that is actually a good fit for you; because if you don t enjoy volunteering or taking action, you re not likely to stay engaged over time. And then external assets like connections: Connections to Professional Associations, alumni networks, community or grassroots groups. **Adopted from AGU Voices for Science
Your Asset Map Skills/Expertise Experience Characteristics Connections to networks Other Presenting research for different audiences Public lectures, skype a scientist , outreach Enjoy big picture discussions Community advocacy groups
Breakout Room 1 Introduce yourself to fellow breakout room participants and pick one icebreaker question to answer Everyone add their strengths to the asset map Think about your asset map what can you bring to a network you join? What is your strength and how do you envision that helping you contribute? Take 5 minutes for each person to fill in one full row, then look for common themes and discuss anything missing. https://docs.google.com/document/d/18BVnEBu3HNaFB0KQTUpdnMswkmv2qOUod Kpn18tgbp0/edit?usp=sharing
Return from breakout room: What came up? What sort of strengths did people identify? What sort of networks are people already a part of? What might be missing from their networks? What strengths might people want to build? Questions so far on networking?
Expanding your network mindfully You can/should network both for social and professional reasons Social networking is just making friends/hobby partners Professional networking is somewhat different than making friends, it has a purpose and reason tied to professional goals Past contacts often a good starting point to build your networks. Reach out, keep in touch (through social media, emails about topics of mutual interest, forwarded memes, whatever works). Taking stock of who you have in your network, and what role they play, will let you see what other people you may need in your network. Follow-up with new contacts quickly but respectfully.
Substantive Feedback & Advice Endorsements & Access to Opportunities Boss/Senior Colleagues 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Cheerleaders 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Career Aspiration Role Models 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Inspiration 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ In-Person Community 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Virtual Community 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Building My Building My Network Collaborators & Professional Development Internal Colleagues 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ External Colleagues 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Emotional Support Family 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Friends 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________
Breakout Room 2 Instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZMmAFcpo83e6VAp1uA457AW90sTxCxOLjXFDoj1hAds /edit?usp=sharing Take a moment to look at the network map. Copy and paste into another document and fill it out, if you are interested. With the network map in mind, round-robin where everyone answers one question below What is an example of a situation where you effectively used your network to access an opportunity or advance in your career? What are the most challenging parts about Building Your Network? What are some ways you may be able to overcome those challenges? In what areas of your career development do you think that you are lacking the most in your network? What strategies could you use to Build Your Network and fill those gaps? Where are your networks strong? Where are you looking for connections?
Return from breakout room, report, and Q&A Questions? Future Goal Setting? What is one action item I can take in the next week to follow-up on something I learned today? (e.g., update your LinkedIn profile, e-mail a colleague to follow-up on a discussion, sign up for a training/course, ask someone to introduce you to a mutual colleague, ask someone for an informational interview, sign up as a mentor/mentee in a program) Set a goal that you hope to achieve in the next 6 months related to networking or mentoring. (e.g., complete at least 3 informational interviews, e-mail follow-up with at least 6 colleagues after a conference, develop a mentor/mentee relationship with at least 1 colleague)
Resources An introvert s guide to networking: https://www.themuse.com/advice/an- introverts-guide-to-networking Networking tips for scientists: https://cheekyscientist.com/networking-tips/ The difference between networking and meeting friends: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/08/06/the-difference- between-networking-and-making-friends/?sh=72c91251eddc Faculty member mentor map: https://www.ncfdd.org/ncfddmentormap Seven networking tips for scientists: https://www.stemcell.com/efficient- research/networking-tips
