Top 6 Ways Postdocs Can Effectively Network Professionally With Other Scientists
The following is a guest post by Glendie Marcelin, a postdoc at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
1. Networking DOES NOT mean sending numerous e-mails to someone who has never met you
Never correspond with just e-mails. Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face contact (if possible). Use an e-mail as an initial lead point to connect but if possible meet in person or correspond by phone.
2. Use social networks!
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for connecting with other scientists, DO NOT use Facebook or twitter if you have posts or pictures that you would not want future colleagues or employers to view!
3. Introduce yourself!
At scientific conferences, scientists too often are apprehensive to meet other scientists that they admire or respect. You will be surprised that some of the most well-respected scientists are pretty down to earth when approached by a junior scientist.
4. Make and distribute business cards
Obvious reasons
5. Join associations and organizations relevant to your field
A great resource in searching for organizations is the National Postdoctoral Association
6. Become a member of your institution’s post doc association, if they don’t yet have one, CREATE ONE!
Share your tips for networking with other scientists with us!
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July 04, 2011 at 6:53 pm, Zen Faulkes said:
I’ve seen far more scientists building professional networks and collaborations using Twitter (especially Twitter) and Facebook than LinkedIn. Most of the scientists I’ve seen on LinkedIn are there, but they aren’t sure exactly why they’re there.
As always, you need to use common sense and good taste in what you post, just like in face-to-face conversations. You shouldn’t be afraid of appearing to be an actual human being to future colleagues and employers.
July 12, 2011 at 4:50 pm, Glendie said:
That is a great point Zen, Facebook and Twitter are also great tools that scientists are using! Unfortunately, these websites are often used for socializing and as result we forget that the people we communicate (including scientists we are networking with) may view unflattering photos or information on these websites.
Bottom line, scientists are smart people! We shouldn’t post anything on these websites that would pose a potential problem. Thank you for your comment!