Finding a way to network that works for you

Make connections in advance or ask to be introduced via someone you do know – do you know a PhD student or postdoc who works with them, or do you have a mentor that knows them? Take a look at our advice on cold-emailing and event networking strategies. Many people are shy or lack confidence and find starting conversations difficult.

• Listening to other people - try not to feel the pressure of always having something to say.  Just being interested in others and asking them questions about their work can get a conversation going.  Being a good listener is a key networking skill – take a look at our video on listening skills below.
• Helping other people – can you reframe conferences as a way to help people? Make notes during talks on interesting perspectives, advice or resources you can share with the speaker afterwards. Actively speak to someone who is looking a bit lost or nervous. 

Can you try and reframe this to see it as an opportunity to get new ideas and perspectives? Our research is improved by being held up to scrutiny and we network to gain new perspectives on our work. Remember it’s about improving our work, rather than getting personal criticism.

That said, we should not accept unfair or unconstructive criticism. Many early career researchers want to change some of the toxic and hypercompetitive environments experienced at conferences – you can see this from things like the rise of conference codes of conduct. Could a conference be an opportunity for YOU to contribute to that, through finding ways to do kinder science, and actively help people, or listen to them?

Most researchers experience these anxieties and imposter syndrome is common. People worry about ‘showing off’ but sharing your achievements and successes is an important way of establishing your credibility and building trust.

If you worry about saying the wrong thing, being ashamed, being ‘found out’, exposed to criticism or even ridicule, you are not alone. You can find some really helpful ways to tackle these feelings in our Wellbeing resources but also look at the work done by Brene Brown on being vulnerable (see the related links below).

For example, at a conference - don’t feel you have to do everything all the time. Be strategic and set yourself small goals (e.g., talk to one new person a day). You are likely to find it easiest (and less tiring) if you are playing to your strengths, paying attention to your energy levels, or spending time with people who share your values. Make sure you get a balance of this and stretching yourself.

Networking is a reciprocal process.  Instead of thinking of the primary goal as you getting something from other people, focus on the opposite: what do you offer and how can you help other people?  Look at the video on ‘your offering’ below and start to notice and create a list of ideas for where to do add value to others.