Best Practices for Networking in STEM Fields

How to Build Real Connections on LinkedIn 🌐 After over 100 LinkedIn conversations, here’s my best advice for building real, impactful connections. Whether you're seeking advice, insights, or just expanding your network, these steps can help you create relationships that go beyond the virtual. 1. Approach with Gratitude, Not Transactions 🤝     Reach out with a sincere, open attitude—show appreciation for their time and insights, not just what they can offer. 2. Skip the Big Asks 🚫     Rather than requesting mentorship or direct help, start by asking for advice or insights. It’s a respectful way to gain value without overwhelming them. 3. Do Your Research 🔍     A quick read of their LinkedIn profile can help you have an informed conversation. Reference their work, ask specific questions, and show that you value their experience. 4. Show Genuine Interest 🌟     Focus on them and their journey—show that you're genuinely interested in who they are, not just what they can do. 5. Respect the Clock ⏳     Time is valuable. If you say you need 15 minutes, stick to it. This respect for time builds trust and shows you’re serious. 6. Follow Up Matters 📧     A thank-you message and periodic check-ins go a long way. People appreciate thoughtful follow-up, and it keeps the relationship alive. 7. Offer to Help First 💡     Ask yourself, “How can I help them?” Maybe you can share an article, connect them to someone in your network, or support their work. 8. Empathy & Listening 🎧     Every good conversation includes empathy and active listening. People remember those who truly listen and understand their perspective. Meaningful connections don’t happen overnight. Build trust, stay genuine, and let the relationship grow organically. Your network is your greatest asset—nurture it thoughtfully! 👋 I’m Sandra Park, a financial coach helping women in STEM engineer her path to financial freedom 💸

Dear Debbie, Everyone tells me I need to network to find ajob, but I’m an introvert.  Do I really need to network? If so, how do I do it? Networking Novice in Nashville Dear Networking Novice, I totally get it—networking can feel daunting. Throughout my science and technology policy career, I have hated evening receptions, dinners, and the numerous other events that are part of a Washington, DC, policy life. Yet, it's a key part of the job search puzzle and your long-term professional life. I still reach out to contacts I made at events years ago when I have a question. Think of networking as a way to gather insights and understand the job market better, rather than expecting immediate job opportunity identification or offers. It’s like planting seeds for future opportunities. Here’s how to start: 1. Define Your Purpose: Understand why you want to network. Are you looking to gain industry insights or clarify job roles? Do you want to determine if you’re a good match while considering pivoting to a new career path? 2. Craft Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions like, "What does a typical day look like in your role?" or "What skills are essential for success in this field?" Also, ask how they see the job market for their field and gather suggestions on where to find jobs. 3. Identify Contacts: List 5 "warm" contacts you know and 5 "cold" contacts you don’t. This will help you build a diverse network. Put together a database to keep track. 4. Create a Reach-Out Plan: Write LinkedIn and email message templates to connect with these contacts. Start with warm contacts to gain confidence. Develop a brief profile, shorter than your resume, as background information for your emails and DMs. 5. Follow-Up: Don’t forget to thank the person who chatted with you and let them know where you eventually find employment.  Networking is a long-term effort, not a short-term one. Networking opens doors to hidden job markets and can even lead to mentorship. Remember, every conversation is a step forward. Ready to draft your first outreach message, Networking Novice in Nashville? Debbie

Networking feels fake when you're in STEM. Here's why👇 You walk into that industry event and think you need to: * Hand out business cards to everyone * Talk about yourself to strangers   * Ask for LinkedIn adds within minutes * Set up "coffee meetings" that feel weird * Mention important people you know * ...the uncomfortable small talk continues We're all so focused on what networking "should" look like that we forget most of us chose science and tech because we love solving problems, not selling ourselves (I'm no exception). Building work relationships matters - 85% of jobs come through people you know. But unless we also treat networking like sharing ideas... We'll always feel like we're being pushy. And because it feels fake and salesy, we'll skip it completely - then wonder why others get the opportunities. Here's what worked for me after 15 years in tech leadership: Instead of: "Can you help me get this job?" Try: "How do you handle [work challenge they mentioned]?" Instead of: "Let's meet to talk about job openings"   Try: "Your point about [topic] was interesting - I'm seeing that too in my work" Instead of: "Who can you introduce me to?" Try: "I've been working on [specific problem] - have you dealt with this?" Instead of: "Can you connect me to your contacts?" Try: "You might find this [article/tool] useful based on what you said" The best work relationships I built happened when I: → Asked about their actual work, not their connections → Shared what I learned from my own projects   → Helped others before asking for help → Followed up with helpful resources, not just requests → Made every chat about learning, not asking for favors Stop networking for jobs. Start networking to learn. The job opportunities come naturally when people see you as someone who adds value, not just someone asking for things. ♻️ Repost to help more women in STEM build real professional relationships

Most clinical research advice is over-simplified. And one-size-fits-all. 👉 “Just network with others in the field.” 👉 “Send DMs to recruiters and wait for responses.” 👉 “Attend industry conferences and events.” Sure. But that’s the bare minimum. In 2025, clinical research professionals need to be more intentional. Like: 1. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ↳ Stop adding random people. Focus on professionals who align with your goals—mentors, collaborators, or peers. Personalize your outreach and make it clear why you want to connect. 2. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ↳ Engage in industry discussions on LinkedIn, share insights, or write thought leadership pieces. Let your expertise attract the right connections. 3. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆 ↳ Don't waste time attending every event you see posted. Focus on niche gatherings that align with your career goals for deeper, more meaningful connections. 4. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ↳ Ask your current network for introductions. Referrals are more effective than cold outreach because they come with built-in trust. 5. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 ↳ Instead of just asking for help, offer insights or share resources. Giving value strengthens relationships and attracts the right people. A successful networking strategy isn’t about collecting contacts Passive networking feels comfortable. It’s also less effective. Active networking can be uncomfortable and that's ok. It pays off. So, push through the uncomfortable. If you liked this content, ♻️ repost this, and follow Clinical Research Referral Club.

“I didn’t attend a single conference during my PhD. No travel, no funding, no PI support.  But I still built a strong professional network — from my laptop.” If you feel behind because you're not jetting off to conferences, you're not alone. Francesco Rugolo, PhD (a molecular biologist and postdoc) shares in this honest, practical video how he built his entire network online. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/dq2KDWH4 Here’s 4 things from the video that worked for him (and can work for you too): 1. LinkedIn – Don’t just list your CV. Show up. – Like, comment, share your learning. – Avoid AI-generated fluff. Be real. – Think value: “How can I be useful to someone reading this?” 2. Cold emails + Zoom coffee chats – Reach out to people whose work you admire. – Keep it short and thoughtful. – Be curious, not transactional. – Respect their time. Prepare. 3. Webinars & Online Communities – Join free academic webinars via mailing lists and reach out to people afterwards. – Find Slack/Reddit/Discord communities in your field. (he recommends Alma.Me’s Slack community, you can join here --> alma.me/community-sign-up) 4. Mentorship programs – Many are free and open (even if you're not at that university). “It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t flashy. But it worked.” You don’t need a conference badge to start building meaningful connections. You just need to start. If you’re an academic hoping to build your network, I’d recommend watching Francesco’s video. And if you're setting up coffee chats like Francesco recommends (or nervous to start), check out my coffee chat guide to help break it down into easy steps: https://lnkd.in/dbsfxZac Have you tried any of these approaches? What’s worked (or not) for you in networking remotely? #PhDLife #Postdoc #Networking #GradSchoolTips