Importance networking 5

Importance of
Networking
 RESOURCE HOME
 ARTICLES
 EVENTS
 STUDENT VOICES
 SERVICE PROVIDERS

SUBSCRIBE
05/10/23 | 10 MIN READREVISED 08/22/24

Chances are you’ve heard a colleague or mentor mention the power of networking.
The importance of networking cannot be understated. Networking plays a pivotal
role in both personal and professional development, offering a gateway to new
opportunities, collaborations, and insights. Whether in the realm of academia,
entrepreneurship, or corporate settings, cultivating a strong network enables
individuals to access resources, exchange knowledge, and foster meaningful
relationships. In today's interconnected world, the ability to network effectively is
not just advantageous—it's essential for navigating career advancement, fostering
innovation, and achieving long-term success. The following article will provide
networking tips and underscore the importance of networking for long term
success.

What Is Networking?
Networking is meeting new people with whom you share a connection such as a
profession, industry, or interest. Networking, according to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, is developing connections and personal contacts that can take
place anywhere. These events can specifically be networking events, a business
casual meeting, a formal get-together, or a chance meeting over coffee.

Sometimes, the individuals you meet are strangers, or sometimes you share an
intermediate connection or several, as you find there is a link between your
networks. It may sound like you are just casually meeting someone new, however,
the purpose of a network is drastically different. Networking aims for professionals
to connect and help each other grow in their careers.
Through networking, you can be helping a coworker, a friend, or supporting your
career path.

What is the Importance of Networking?

According to a recent research study announced by Consumer News and Business
Channel (CNBC), 70% of all jobs are not published publicly and 80% of jobs are
filled through personal and professional contacts. This statistic shows us how
beneficial and essential networking becomes for career success.

The formula behind this statistic is simple: creating relationships through

networking builds trust and that is the fundamental building block for hiring
someone. When hiring, recruiters have hundreds to thousands of applicants.
Choosing one person can be daunting, but choosing somebody they know and have
interacted with before is an easier and safer decision compared to selecting
someone they’ve never met or only met through a brief interview.
Knowing you are more likely to be hired when the hiring manager trusts you
should motivate you to want to begin building that trust now. For a college student,
nurturing these relationships early can be profitable long term.

Further, in the dynamic and competitive realm of life sciences, securing a job in
research, laboratories, or STEM-related fields often requires more than just
academic qualifications and technical skills. Networking emerges as a potent tool
that not only opens doors to exciting career opportunities but also fosters
professional growth and development.
By interacting with a large network, you are inviting more opportunities. As a
college student, you are in the position to meet someone who could own a big
company in ten years, or be the next well-known professor, and a mentor with
years of experience and a well-established name.
This makes college the perfect place to build your network and attend networking
events, and you never know when the hiring recruiter might be your friend.
Overall, networking will get you acquainted with those in your industry so they
can become your client, partner, or employer someday.

This is particularly important in the STEM world, as research realms, lab specifics,
and life science roles are smaller worlds than you may think. A microbiology
professor may be connected to a valuable Principal Investigator of a lab of interest,
or an advisor may have influence with the local medical school. Capitalizing and
nurturing relationships has a long term impact.
🔬 Learn About: The Importance of Networking

Types of Networking
Face-to-Face vs. Remote

To grow your network early on (specifically in college), start by taking advantage

of the different opportunities you can access. In short, attend in-person networking
events. On a college campus, networking events are not hard to find because of the
numerous workshops and opportunities available for enhancing your career and
professional development.
For example, office hours serve as a valuable networking experience. Speaking
individually with your professor, lab director, or graduate student mentor can spark
a long lasting connection and open you to a network of other researchers, industry
professionals, and other educators.

Further, graduate students often are open to help from undergraduates in the lab,
and they are connected with professors, physicians, and mentors at universities.
Capitalize on opportunities to speak with them face to face and engage in work
with them.
As a college student, you will find that most events you attend will include
networking opportunities. Networking events occur in both casual and formal
settings; start where you feel most comfortable.

Some networking events include:

 Industry Nights
 Career Fair
 Conferences
 Alumni Meet and Greet
 Seminars
 Office Hours

In contrast, you can also network remotely through online platforms. Virtual
networking can be a great way to connect with people.

Remote networking allows you to either connect with the individual yourself or, if
you notice you two have a mutual connection, you can ask the mutual connection
to introduce you. A variety of platforms offer remote networking, including:

 LinkedIn
 Email
 Indeed
 Handshake
 School-based portal or alumni network

All these places, and more, are open occasions for starting up a lasting partnership,
which can be very helpful after college. At the core, networking is about the C’s:
cultivating connection, communication, and collaboration.

Benefits of Networking
When networking, you can build a professional circle that expands to include other
small circles. It's often said to "never underestimate the power of your network,"
and this rings true as our networks are incredibly valuable resources in today's
world.

There is much you can gain and provide through your networked connections.
Whether it be a future job for you or someone else or gaining experience, networks
exist to build stronger social dynamics. These social dynamics will make your
college career because they provide a backbone for the rest of your career.

Further, networking can help you navigate the next best steps for yourself. For
example, establishing a network within the research community can 1) give you
access to lab positions and publication opportunities, and 2) connect you with
individuals who can provide an inside scoop into lab culture which may help you
decide which labs to join or avoid.
As one MBA graduate noted, obtaining a college degree also means gaining access
to a vast network of peers and professionals. The benefits of networking are many,
including improved social well-being, increased innovation, strengthened
connections with other professionals, and enhanced professional interactions.

This is especially true of your university’s alumni network. Because of your shared
connection of going to a specific school, alumni are generally more willing and
enthusiastic to connect, provide advice, and serve as valuable networkers. Do not
underestimate the power of the alumni network.

Social Well-Being
Regarding social well-being, research explains networking leads to the “six
degrees of separation.” This concept suggests that all people are six or fewer social
connections away from one another.

In college, these networking chains are especially helpful because they connect
individuals in society and lead to lasting relationships. The importance of
networking while you have university resources at your fingertips cannot be
emphasized enough. These relationships are sometimes the main connection you
need to make huge strides in your career. For example, I did my undergraduate
career at UC Berkeley where I had a mentor who helped me with my graduate
school application for UC Irvine. This mentor did his undergraduate career at UC
Davis. Fast forward, I was having dinner with my sister and her research colleague,
as we are all graduate students at UC Irvine. My sister's research colleague
attended UC Davis, and although we never met before, she knew my mentor from
UC Berkeley. Especially in life sciences, circles can run small and you never know
who might be connected to other vital connections.

Ultimately, taking the time to build your network while in college is an investment
in the future of your academic career and beyond in your respective field.

Innovation and Collaboration Through

Networking
Networking propels academics and career fields because individuals share ideas.
When two or more people participate in a conversation, share an event, or post
their research and accomplishments, this communication contributes to a giant hat
of ideas you can pull from later, contributing to more innovative work.

In academic and science settings, networking serves as a catalyst for innovation

and communication, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and knowledge
exchange among researchers, scholars, and practitioners. By connecting
individuals from diverse fields and backgrounds, networking creates fertile ground
for the cross-pollination of ideas, methodologies, and perspectives. Through
collaborative research projects, joint publications, and shared resources,
networking enables scientists to leverage complementary expertise and tackle
complex scientific challenges more effectively, leading to breakthrough
discoveries and advancements in various fields.

Moreover, networking in academic and science settings promotes open dialogue

and facilitates the dissemination of research findings, driving scientific progress
and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. From attending
conferences and seminars to participating in professional societies and online
forums, networking opportunities abound for scientists to share their work, solicit
feedback, and engage in constructive discussions with peers and mentors. This
exchange of ideas not only enhances the visibility and impact of individual
research efforts but also catalyzes collective learning and innovation within the
scientific community, ultimately advancing our understanding of the natural world
and addressing pressing societal challenges.

Further, networking is a communication skill. The more you practice networking,

the more comfortable and effective you will be at it. As you develop more
confidence with navigating social settings and professional settings, the ability to
network will come more easily. With ease of networking comes increased dialogue
and collaboration. Communication, collaboration, and innovation are all intimately
linked; networking encourages all of the aforementioned.

🔬Find Out: The Importance of Informational Interviews

Importance of Networking for Building a Diverse

Set of Contacts
Networking with a diverse array of people, spanning various backgrounds,
professions, and research focuses, is crucial for building a robust and inclusive
network in the dynamic realm of life sciences. Firstly, engaging with individuals
from different disciplines and research areas exposes scientists to new
perspectives, methodologies, and paradigms that they may not have encountered
within their own field. This diversity of thought stimulates creativity, sparks
innovation, and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, ultimately leading to novel
approaches and breakthrough discoveries in life science research.

Furthermore, networking with a diverse group of peers and mentors offers

invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. By connecting with
individuals from different career stages, educational backgrounds, and cultural
contexts, scientists can gain insights, guidance, and mentorship from diverse
perspectives. Mentors from underrepresented groups can offer unique insights and
support, serving as role models and advocates for diversity and inclusion in the
scientific community. Moreover, networking with peers from diverse backgrounds
cultivates empathy, cultural competence, and collaborative skills, which are
essential for navigating the complexities of scientific research and fostering a
welcoming and inclusive environment in the laboratory and beyond.

In addition to enriching scientific discourse and professional development,

building a diverse network in the life sciences enhances researchers' understanding
of global challenges and societal implications of their work. By engaging with
scientists and stakeholders from different regions, industries, and sectors,
researchers gain a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of science with
broader societal issues, such as healthcare disparities, environmental sustainability,
and social justice. This holistic understanding enables scientists to develop
innovative solutions that address real-world problems and have a positive impact
on society, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusivity in driving
scientific progress and social change.

Overall, networking with a diverse array of individuals in the life sciences is

essential for fostering innovation, promoting inclusivity, and advancing scientific
excellence. By embracing diversity in all its forms—whether in terms of ethnicity,
gender, socioeconomic background, or research expertise—scientists can harness
the collective intelligence, creativity, and passion of a diverse community to tackle
the complex challenges facing humanity and pave the way for a brighter, more
equitable future.

🔬 Learn: How to Find a Mentor

Importance of Networking for Boosted
Interactions
Advancing your career through networking inherently boosts your professional
development skills. In college, there are plenty of opportunities to practice your
networking skills through networking industry nights, with your professors, or
other students in your class. Be bold and initiate interaction among your peers.
Developing new relationships with other professionals helps you foster your
professional capabilities because it requires initiative.

The more you facilitate these interactions, the easier networking becomes because
you are developing social skills. Furthermore, forming multiple relationships can
lead to business relations, which strengthen society over time as cross-
collaboration grows and is encouraged. For college students, these relationships
mean everything and can help in the future if you or the other party need help.

In summary, here is why networking matters:

1. Access to Opportunities: Many job openings in the life sciences sector are
filled through referrals and connections rather than traditional job postings.
 Networking enables individuals to tap into the hidden job market, accessing
roles that may not be publicly advertised.
2. Industry Insights: Engaging with professionals in the field provides valuable
insights into industry trends, emerging technologies, and research directions.
These insights not only enhance one's knowledge but also demonstrate a
proactive approach to staying abreast of developments in the field.
3. Career Advancement: Building a robust network of mentors, peers, and
industry leaders can significantly enhance career progression. From guidance
on skill development to identifying potential career paths, networking opens
avenues for advancement within the industry.
4. Collaborative Opportunities: Life sciences thrive on interdisciplinary
collaboration. Networking facilitates connections with experts from diverse
backgrounds, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and address
complex scientific challenges.

Networking Tips
When you know you are going to attend a networking event, always prepare
yourself. You want to prepare your elevator speech, bring a pen (you might need
it), business cards, a plan on how you will maximize your meetings, and another
co-worker, friend, or colleague.

When you begin making your way through each potential connection, introduce
yourself with your elevator pitch. Allow them to introduce themselves and start
engaging in the conversation. You might ask questions or ask for advice, but you
really cannot go wrong with inviting conversation. Keep in mind, however, that
each discussion should last no longer than 30 minutes, you want to leave feeling
like you need to connect again.

Before moving to your next connection, try asking for a business card, LinkedIn
connection, email, or another form of contact information. This tip is an important
part of forming a connection because you want to keep in contact. As the saying
goes, “It is better to receive a business card than to give one.”

As for the pen and the plan, these are intended to take jotted notes about who you
spoke to and what you spoke about. These notes are meant to help you remember
who you met and information about the conversation. When you reach out to them
virtually, start by using these notes to remind them of the conversation you had and
then pick back up where you left off.

🔬Learn About: The Value of a LinkedIn Profile

Networking Tips: Keep the Connection
After welcoming a new connection, you want to keep these newly formed
relations. LinkedIn offers many avenues you can use, including keeping your
connections up to date with your career by posting your accomplishments and
milestones. If you do not have LinkedIn, you can personalize this relationship and
send emails to those who you want to keep informed about your career progress.
No matter which way you choose to stay in touch, sending your connections up-to-
date messages about your career and checking in on them always helps make them
feel good. For example, if you meet a recruiting manager for a position you know
you want, you might take little steps to become qualified during your college
career.

With every smaller goal you attain, keep the recruiter informed. Then when you
are prepared let them know you are now qualified for the position. These small
updates over time will help develop a trusting relationship, which in turn can result
in your next position.

Key Considerations While Networking

  Be Genuine: Authenticity is key when building professional relationships.
Approach networking with a genuine interest in learning from others and
contributing to the community.
 Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Prioritize building meaningful connections
over accumulating a vast network. Quality interactions are more likely to yield
valuable opportunities and support in the long run.
 Maintain Professionalism: Present yourself professionally in all networking
interactions, whether online or in-person. This includes timely follow-ups,
courteous communication, and respect for others' time and expertise.
 Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Look for ways to offer
assistance, share resources, or provide insights to your connections. Adding
value strengthens relationships and fosters reciprocity.
 Diversify Your Network: Seek connections beyond your immediate circle to
broaden perspectives and opportunities. Engage with professionals from
different organizations, academic institutions, and sectors within the life
sciences ecosystem.

Examples of Networking in Action:

 Job Referrals: A recent graduate attending a scientific conference strikes up a
conversation with a researcher whose work aligns with their interests. This
connection leads to a referral for a research assistant position in the
researcher's lab, bypassing the competitive application process.
 Collaborative Research: A scientist attends a networking event hosted by a
biotech company and meets a fellow researcher working on a complementary
project. Their ensuing collaboration results in a joint publication and secures
funding for further research.
 Career Guidance: An aspiring biotech entrepreneur connects with industry
veterans through online networking platforms. These mentors provide
invaluable guidance on navigating regulatory challenges, securing funding,
and scaling their startup venture.

In conclusion, networking is not just a supplementary activity but an integral part

of career development in the life sciences. By cultivating meaningful connections,
staying engaged with industry trends, and actively seeking collaborative
opportunities, individuals can unlock a wealth of possibilities and propel their
careers forward in this dynamic field.

Have fun networking and remember, your network is power.