Hey Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed our #Macademics posts last week. This week we're going to be talking about networking. Networking is important in all aspects of your life, it's not just useful in finding jobs. Getting into educational programs is also about who you know, not just what you know. So I'm going to give you a few tips I have for networking
effectively.
Find Common Interests.
This one is important. A lot of times networking feels like a chore. It's a lot of work, but it doesn't have to feel forced. If you focus on what you and the person you're trying to add to your network have in common, a genuine bond will form. It's a lot easier to ask for academic/career advice from someone you're comfortable with.
Be Consistent.
Here's a scenario. So you're at an event and exchange contact information with someone that could help you move closer to your goals. They're able to set up a meeting with the person that's going to give you the opportunity of a lifetime. What do you do next?
I hope your answer was keep in contact with that person, because that's my advice. You don't want to add someone to your network and then blow them off after you've gotten what you wanted out of them. You should try to stay in contact. This way your relationship can grow and you both can help each other along your journeys. You never know when you might need them again. Now I'm not saying you have to be BFFs, but on a professional level it's always good to know people.
Be Selective.
My final piece of advice is to be selective about who you add to your network. Not everyone is going to have your best interest at heart so you want to have QUALITY people in your network. It's not about how big your network is, but how effective they are. I've always kept a small friend circle and I do the same for my networking circle as well. You only want people that can add something to your life/career around you.
Let me know some of your tips for networking.
See you next week!
-The Chemist
Comments