Using Conferences to Build a Science Network

#Networking at #Conferences: My Lessons Learned 👇 After sharing some thoughts on hackathons recently, many of you asked about networking tips. As someone who's attended numerous conferences with my team, that's what I have to share: 1. #Prepare well in advance. Define your goals and your key messages for different audiences. This preparation sets the foundation for effective networking. 2. Be #flexible. While it's important to plan, be open to unexpected opportunities. There are often numerous side events, and your initial choices might change. E.g., an interesting person might say, "Hey, let's head to Tony's party!" And wow, you suddenly find yourself whisked away to an event you never planned for – these spontaneous moments can lead to the most valuable connections! 3. Set specific #goals before the conference. It helps focus your efforts (e.g. aim to connect with five potential partners or learn about three new industry trends). 4. Create a '#connection_card' game. Before the conference, make a list of 5-10 types of people you want to meet (Someone who's launched a successful app, A person who's worked in 3 different countries, etc.). Try to complete your card during the event. It's a fun way to diversify your networking and can lead to unexpected connections. 5. Keep your #intro brief and interesting. Aim for a few sentences that spark curiosity. Think of it as a conversation starter, not a sales pitch. 6. Don't just chase high-profile #contacts. Early-stage employees often have more time and practical insights to offer. 7. Have a short #video_demo of your product (ready to share quickly when needed). A 60-second demo can be more impactful than a lengthy explanation and easier to share on the spot. 8. Use the '#Sherlock_Holmes' approach. Before approaching someone, take a moment to observe. Do they have a unique accessory? Are they reading something interesting? Use these details as conversation starters. For example, "I couldn't help but notice your Raspberry Pi pin. Are you working on any cool IoT projects?" 9. Make your #contact info easily shareable: - A QR code as your phone background works well. It's a quick and modern way to exchange details without fumbling for business cards. 10. Take #photos with new connections to help remember conversations. It's a great way to jog your memory when following up and can help solidify the connection. 11. #Follow_up a few days after the conference, not immediately when everyone else is. Your message is more likely to stand out and be remembered if you wait a bit. These approaches have helped me build genuine connections rather than just collecting business cards. What strategies work well for you? I'm always looking to learn more. 🖇 PS: See you soon, Singapore! #Networking #conferences

We rarely talk about how graduate students are supposed to magically know how to network their way into jobs! Here's the reality: 🎓 What advisors say: "Just network at conferences and you'll find opportunities." 🎓 What actually happens: You stand awkwardly by the coffee table, exchange greetings with people who forget you immediately, and wonder why nothing leads to job offers. The problem? We treat networking like it's optional relationship-building when it's actually a core job search strategy that no one teaches properly. The brutal truth about academic job hunting: • Most exciting positions, say at startups, and hiring searches often start in informal conversations • Your CV gets you noticed, but relationships get you referrals Yet somehow we expect grad students to figure this out through trial and error. Here's how to actually network for jobs: Before the conversation: Research who you're talking to. Know their recent work, their company's challenges, their career path. Five minutes of homework beats an hour of generic small talk. During the conversation: Skip "I am …" Try: "What are you working on" or "What trends are you seeing in [their field]?" Follow-up that matters: Within 24 hours, send something useful: a paper they mentioned wanting to read, a connection to someone solving similar problems, or a thoughtful observation from your conversation. The informational interview strategy: Don't ask for jobs. Ask for insights. "I'm exploring careers in [field]. Could I ask you about your experience?" Then listen for pain points you could solve. Turn conversations into opportunities: When someone mentions a challenge, respond with: "That's fascinating. I've been working on something related. Would it be helpful if I shared what I've learned?" The follow-up sequence that got me results: Update on something you discussed Share relevant opportunity or insight Check in with genuine question about their work Don’t make it up! Have genuine reason to email and be excited to do the science! What actually leads to job offers: • Solving problems, look at code, suggest changes etc. • Being the person others think of when opportunities arise • Demonstrating expertise through helpful conversations and open source tools etc, not just credentials The mindset shift: Stop thinking "How can I get a job from this person?" Start thinking "How can I be genuinely helpful and do good science?" Here's what changes everything: Treat every conversation as market research. You're learning about problems that need solving, skills that are valued, and opportunities that might exist. My PhD taught me to identify problems and develop solutions. Networking was just applying those same skills to career conversations. Most grad students network when they're desperate for jobs. Smart ones network when they're still two years out. The best time to build relationships? Before you need them.

Conferences won’t land you a job — but they can plant the seeds if you play the long game. We have all been told, “network at conferences and you’ll land a biotech role.” But let’s be real: most scientists attend to present their work, meet collaborators, or simply take a mental break from the lab. After hours of posters and talks, people want to relax — so walking up to someone rarely works without a real relationship or reason to care. The truth is, most conference “networking” is useless if you expect immediate results. That doesn’t mean conferences. They are powerful if you treat them as the starting line, not the finish line. Here's what might help: - The real value comes when you show up consistently so people recognize you. Go to the same meetings regularly — familiarity makes conversations easier. - Instead of trying to impress, provide genuine feedback on someone’s talk or work — that’s how you become memorable. - Give a quick, thoughtful follow-up after the event and nurture the relationship. Even a short note can make a big difference. That’s how connections compound over time — and that’s when opportunities start showing up. I’d love to hear — has a conference ever directly led to a job for you? :) #networking