A Summer of Science: How to Make the Most Out of Networking Events
- esther9796
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Summer can be a great time to pick up new interests and skills, and going to events and networking can be a great way to do that. We’ve got some tips and tricks to help. If you’re looking to make the most of any science-related events you go to this summer and beyond, this post is for you.
Choose an event
This summer, there’s a range of interesting events happening. We’ve been working with The Catalyst in Me (TCIM) and Jonta Kamara to put together a handy list of events for you to browse. Check out the calendar below:
Tip: Click on the image to be taken to the interactive calendar on the TCIM website!
To keep up with the latest events and for handy resources like a PhD application guide, scientific career tips, and job opportunities, check out TCIM’s website. You can also find some more public health-specific events on Jonta’s website.
Network
Going to events can be a fun way to experience new areas of science, and they can also be good springboards to help you get further along in your chosen career path. Using events as networking opportunities can help you do that.
Networking is all about building connections with people to help you grow your skillset and develop your career. It sounds easy to say, but it can be difficult to reach out to people and maintain a relationship once you have, especially if you are more introverted.
To make the most out of a networking opportunity, it may be helpful to:
Think about what your current strengths and skills are – that can help boost your confidence when talking to new people. It could also help you figure out what you don’t know and what you would like to know, which might make it a little easier to direct your networking attempts towards the people who are in the best position to help you learn the specific things you are looking to develop.
Come prepared with some ice breaker questions like ‘what is one interesting thing that you are working on right now?’ – a few well-placed questions can help you start and keep a conversation going with the person you are networking with. Focusing on questions that help you get to know the person you are talking to can help to build a connection and can help take the pressure off yourself if you are not as comfortable talking about yourself. Conversations don’t always have to be about jobs; it’s probably best to start with some small talk and work your way up to career advice.
Have a mental note of what you want to take away from the event - A lot of networking advice focuses on the number of connections you make, but you won't get the same thing from each event. Some events you may just need a space to vent and be in community with others, leave recharged with no connections. Alternatively, when you are searching for general guidance, you may be more inclined to seek connections with people who have the soft skills you desire to learn. Your goal for the event may be to speak to as many people at different career stages and only reach out to a handful for follow-up conversations. If you are job hunting, a panel event might provide the inspiration and knowledge you need to help you take your next step.
Try not to dismiss anyone – you might get talking to someone and find that they are in a different role or industry than you are aiming for. That doesn’t mean that it’s not worth connecting with them. Everyone has something valuable to offer, just as you do. Ask questions and get to know everyone you can. You never know, they might know someone who could offer you some more relevant career advice.
Look for opportunities where you can help – networking doesn’t just have to be about you gaining something. Some people may be more comfortable building a network if the relationship feels more reciprocal. Don’t underestimate what you can bring to the table. Maybe helping looks like making introductions or volunteering to do some work. Helping someone else can help build a stronger connection, and although it might not immediately benefit you, maybe, at some point down the line, they might return the favour.
Exchange contact information – the best way to ensure that your hard work doesn’t go to waste is to have a way to follow up with the people you are networking with. Connect on LinkedIn, swap phone numbers, or even email addresses. If you don’t have one already, make sure that you have a ‘professional’-sounding email address that you are happy to share with people you meet! To ensure you are remembered, send a message stating the event you attended soon after the event or within the next few days.
Follow Up
Once an event is over, it’s important to keep the connections you made going. After you’ve exchanged contact information, following up can look like emailing/messaging the newest member of your network to schedule a time to meet up and have a longer conversation to get some advice, and talk about your goals and next steps. Attending more events in fields that interest you could help you extend your network and may even give you a chance to see members of your network again, which is a great way to stay at the forefront of their minds.
Following up can also look like a post-event LinkedIn post. You either love it or hate it. Posting after an event can feel ‘cringe’ or ‘forced’, but it's a nice way to connect with others, checking that hashtag for people you may have missed. You get to notice people, and people notice you. It’s a great way to share your thought process and things you need with a wider network. The beautiful thing about the internet is how far-reaching and impactful a single post can be if directed towards the right people.
Hopefully, this short guide helps you make the most out of any events you attend this summer and beyond. If you’d like some more networking advice, we’ve also got a series on networking online. If you have any other useful tips and tricks, please share them in the comments.
Good luck and happy networking!
By Esther Ansah, Blog Writer & Adama, TCIM
Comments