NETWORKINGA Tool for Building Relationships and Expanding Your Career Options

Dara Wilson-Grant, MSEd and National Certified CounselorAssociate Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Redefine the term “Networking”

“Networks exist to foster self-help, to exchange information, and to share resources” – John Naisbitt

Top 5 Networking MistakesA lesson in what not to do

Mistake #1: Expecting more than advice and information

Time to talk more in-depth about day-to-day activities

Time to pick someone’s brain on industry trends

Advice and feedback on the steps you are taking to break into the field

Time to discuss the tenure process at his/her institution

Time to pick someone’s brain on trends in his/her department

Advice and feedback on the steps you are taking to position yourself for similar institutions

The Informational Interview

• Why it works

• Where to find contacts•Meetings / Conferences / Events

•Alumni Databases

•Professional Associations

•LinkedIn

Mistake #2: Assuming your needs are priority

Following-up versus stalking

Initiative and personal responsibility

It was nice meeting you last week at Y. I wish I had been able to spend more time talking with you, but I had to return to the lab. I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions about my career search.

I am pursuing a career in clinical and/or regulatory affairs coordination with a long term goal to be in a project management position. I am currently looking into positions at X. However, I thought it would be wise to expand my search to Z as well.

Would you be able to give me some advice on how I would tap into jobs at Z? Or, if you have any contacts in clinical research or regulatory affairs at Z and could pass those names along, I would really appreciate it.

If it would be useful, I will go ahead and attach my CV here so you can get a better sense of my background. This may better help you identify people at Z that I should be talking to.

Thank you,Xxxxxxxx

Mistake #3: Not following up

Send a “thank you”

Reciprocate

SAMPLE “THANK YOU”

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. The information and advice you shared will help as I continue to develop a plan for the next phase in my career. In fact, the insight you shared regarding some of the challenges in your field prompted me to look into several free leadership development courses offered at Y. Thank you for also suggesting I speak with X and providing me with her contact information. I will follow up with her in the near future and will keep you posted on my progress.

Again, thank you and if there is anything I can do to return the favor, please do not hesitate to ask. It would be my pleasure.

Warm regards,

Mistake #4: Failing to maintain your network

Mistake #5: “Friending” professional contacts

Protect your professional image

Respect personal / professional boundaries

Try Linked In

DARA’S FINAL PEARLS OF WISDOM

Be reasonable

Be sincere

…and maintain your network

Thank you for attending today’s program!