UCSF OCPD Handshakes, Eye Contact, Small Talk. How to Network as a Trainee (Student or Postdoc)

Presented by Naledi Saul: [email protected]

University of California, San Francisco

Handshakes, Eye Contact, Small Talk:

How to Network Effectively as a Trainee (Student or

Postdoc)

Copyright © 2010 The UCSF Office of Career & Professional Development

© 2012 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

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1. Networking, in a Nutshell: Deciding why you – yes you – are networking: your goals.

2. Language & Logistics: Talking about yourself, and your work, professionally

3. Social Media, Career Exploration & Job Search: How to explore your options and find positions.

4. Tend To Your Garden: You’ve met them, now how do you maintain a professional relationship over time?

Our Agenda & Learning Outcomes



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I came to this session because I’m going to a conference next month.

I’m hoping to understand how to network to find a job.

I’m in the Tetrad/BSS Program

OR

I’m a postdoc in Liz Blackburn’s

Lab

Hello. I’m Diana

Prince,

Name Organization(affiliation) Why Are You Here?

OR

N.O.W., Why You’re Here

I know networking is important, but I’m not exactly sure how to do it.

OR



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The Concept:Networking in a Nutshell

• Conversations you have• Relationships you build with these people….

…while you’re pursing your professional goals

Networking

Your Professional Community

Your Professional Goals

You

Job Search: How do I network to find a

job?

Job Search:How do I interview well

(job talk, answering questions, negotiating compensation, etc.)?



Diana’s Goals5

Diana Prince: Late Stage Postdoc

Job Search: How do people use their professional network to find job opportunities? I’m looking within the next 3-6 months.

Job Search: How I interview well for them (giving a job talk, represent myself well during the interview, negotiate)?



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Peter Parker: Late Stage Sociology Student

Career Exploration: What are different career options available to someone with my skills and interests outside of academe?

Postdoc or Not?: What are the pros and cons of doing a postdoc?

Peter’s Goals



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Jon Stewart: Early Stage Life Sciences Student

Choosing a Lab: How do I select a lab that is a good fit for me?

Jon’s Goals



Bruce’s Goals8

Bruce Wayne: Early Stage Nursing Postdoc

Research & Collaborators: Want to meet others who are working in my field: PTSD. I feel isolated, because my PI isn’t particularly familiar with my topic. I want colleagues to talk with, to learn about what’s going on, to feel connected with; I want a community.



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Barbara Gordon: Mid Stage PhD Student

Conflict With my PhD Advisor: I am clashing with my new advisor. We’re disagreeing about the definition of scholarship and it’s damaging our professional relationship. How can I handle this skillfully?

In a Rut: I’m stalled at organizing the writing of my dissertation and feel frustrated. What are resources and strategies to get through this phase?

Barbara’s Goals



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What are your 1-2 current (now-next 6 months) personal, academic or professional goals?

These will be the basis of your conversations and relationships with those in your professional community

Think, Pair & Share!



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Networking in a Nutshell

• Conversations you have• Relationships you build with these people….

…while you’re pursing your professional goals

Networking


Your Professional Goals

You

Job Search: How do I network to find a

job?

Job Search:How do I interview well

(job talk, answering questions, negotiating compensation, etc.)?



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1. Networking, in a Nutshell: Defining why you – yes you – are networking: your goals.







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Language & Logistics: Pick one person/situation where you’ve felt tongue tied/unsure what to say.




The Elevator Pitch “You, Summarized”

• Who you are• What you research• Why your work is important (impact)

• Asked, “Tell me about yourself”• Asked, “Tell me about your work”

• You need to present your skills and expertise

Language:2 Key Approaches

The N.O.W. Approach“What would you like to talk about?”“Why are you here?”

• Name• Organization• What would you like to talk about?

Inviting someone to chat, in casual or professional conversations.

Covers

Idea

Use

ful w

hen

alumni.hbs.edu/careers/pitch/

Havard’s Pitch Builder Walks You Through Each Step



The Elevator Pitch “You, Summarized”

• Who you are• What you research• Why your work is important (impact)

• Asked, “Tell me about yourself”• Asked, “Tell me about your work”

• You need to present your skills and expertise

Language:2 Key Approaches

The N.O.W. Approach“What would you like to talk about?”“Why are you here?”

• Name• Organization• What would you like to talk about?

Inviting someone to chat, in casual or professional conversations.

Covers

Idea

Use

ful w

hen



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Start a Conversation: N.O.W.

Name Organization (affiliation)

What do you want to talk about?

Pro Tip: Think ‘conversation’

not ‘counseling appointment’.

It’s YOUR goal, but THEIR story.



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Dr. Stark? Hi. I’m Diana Prince.

I study X at UCSF

I attended this session because have an

opportunity to network with people in my field at the ABCD conference next

month.

Why did you decide to attend?

Name Organization(affiliation)





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Hello, I’m Peter Parker

My work is in diabetes at

UCSF

One of my goals at this conference is to ask to ask everyone for one piece of advice about choosing a

postdoc.

Do you mind if I ask you what two things you think

are important with evaluating options?






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Hi. I’m Bruce Wayne …from UCSF

I look at factors influencing PTSD rates in children and adults who have survived a

natural disaster.

How does the speaker’s work relate to your own?






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Have you heard Naledi speak on this topic before?

What are you finding useful about this session so far?

What other events have you attended or resources have you used that you have found helpful? Why?



OR

OR

It’s your goal, but their story:


Start a conversation!

What is your area of research?

OR



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Trying to get all your questions answered at once. (it’s a first date!): Instead, employ a graceful exit and plan to

connect with them again later (with a thank you, or an informational interview). This is how you build a relationship over time.

Sliding from a ‘conversation’ to a ‘counseling appointment’: Remember, it’s your goal, but their story. By

focusing on others, you get the information you need.

The top 2 ways trainees suck people dry



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By focusing on others, you get the information you need

A Conversation1. In your experience, how have

people found opportunities with your organization?

2. How did you enter industry from an academic postdoc? Is that a common path?

3. What advice would you give someone about targeting their CV and cover letter?

4. What do you think candidates don’t realize when interviewing in your field?

5. What have you seen as the difference between those who present a job talk well, and those who don’t? Focus, length? Something else?

A Counseling Appointment

1. How do you suggest I find contacts in your organization?

2. How can I best make it clear that I have the skills and interest to pursue a career in industry?

3. Do you think I should shorten my CV?

4. What’s a compelling way for me to talk about why I’m leaving academe?

5. Do you think I should include my PhD & Postdoc work in my presentation?



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Leave something left unsaid so you have a reason to follow up.

Stay in ‘conversation’ land – be conscious if you are slipping into ‘counseling appointment’ land.

Don’t be a conversational vampire



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When winding down the conversation, Diana waits for a pause and says:

Well, it was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope the session is productive for you.

She then gives the other person a moment to register the end of the conversation and shift gears.

End a Conversation Gracefully



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1. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope have a you have an enjoyable evening.

2. I’ve enjoyed our conversation. I want to connect with Dr. Hal Jordon before he leaves. It was great to speak with you. Perhaps we’ll run into each other again.

3. Well, it was great to meet you. Thanks so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.

4. It was good talking with you – it was very helpful hearing your interview experience, particularly the unexpected questions. Thank you.

5. I’ll follow up with you by email before next week.

A general ending:

Ending if the person offered/offers you advice.




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1. Navigate your event

2. Navigate the buffet table

3. Enter group conversations

4. Introduce others

4 Things About Logistics. How to….



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1. Take your networking notebook/pen: So you can write down people’s contact info, how you met them, what you talked about & impressions

2. Case the joint: Who is here? What is the set up? What’s the vibe? Who’s ‘open/closed’? Who’s ‘in the center, on the edges’?

3. Take a wingperson: Approach people together, tag team conversations with senior individuals, speak well of each other

4. Use your nametag

Logistics: Navigate your event



Help people remember your name31

Obi-Wan Kenobe“oh-bee-ONE”

UCSF

Hello, My Name Is:

Boba Fett‘Bo’

UCSF

Hello, My Name Is:

1. Legibly write your name in large block letters

2. Put your name pronunciation or nickname below your name



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1. While in line, make preliminary eye contact, smile, and talk to people in front and behind you.

2. Always have one hand free (beverage OR plate)

3. Small plate: 4 items – don’t crowd!

4. Go back for seconds / thirds

5. If you’re taking home a plate – cover with a napkin.

6. Eat first and then start networking

Logistics: Navigate the Buffet Table



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1. Be considerate: Assess if the conversation is ‘open’ or ‘closed’

2. Be graceful: Enter in the line of sight of the speaker or slide in right next your friend

3. Don’t fight/ follow up: If one person is dominating the conversation, consider folllowing up with the key person later

Logistics: Enter a group conversation



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SIDE A: 1. Start a conversation

(N.O.W.: Your goal, their story)

SIDE B:2. Case the joint: is the conversation open or

closed? (eye contact, body language)

3. If open, enter the conversation

Your Turn!



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1. Be considerate: Assess if the conversation is ‘open’ or ‘closed’

2. Be graceful: Enter in the line of sight of the speaker or slide in right next your friend

3. Don’t fight/ follow up: If one person is dominating the conversation, consider folllowing up with the key person later

4. Be the host: Recognize others and invite them into the conversation with introductions/ getting them up to speed; share the talking stick

Logistics: Enter a group conversation



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Be the Host: Connect people in your community

1. Professor X, I’d like you to meet Dr. Logan.

2. Dr. Logan studies pediatric sleep apnea at UCSF.

3. Professor X works in stem cell research and he is the chair of the biology department at Xavier University

4. Dr. Logan, Professor X was just speaking about…

If people are at different stages in their careers, say the name of the senior person/guest of honor first.

If people are in the same stage of their careers, say the name of the person you know best, first.

1. Jean, I’d like you to meet Scott Summers. Scott’s a fellow postdoc at UCSF.

2. Scott, It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my longtime friend, Jean Grey. Jean is a postdoc at UCLA.

3. Jean, we were talking about dinner…



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SIDE B: 1. Start a conversation

(N.O.W.: Your goal, their story)

2. When someone from side A approaches, introduce them

Your Turn!



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1. Approach one person using NOW.

2. Remind yourself if you’re slipping out of ‘conversation’ and into ‘counseling appointment’ mode

3. Leave one thing left unsaid, so you can follow up

4. Memorize one graceful exit

5. Scope out the event before you approach

6. Choose beverage OR food

7. Use your name tag well!

8. Take a wingperson

9. Enter a conversation next to your friend

10. Be the host: Introduce someone

11.

What’s one thing you’re going to do differently?



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5.




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Social Media: If you do nothing else…..

Google yourself

Use LinkedIn to Explore Careers and Find Jobs

Social Media & You!



10 Job Titles

Map your galaxy:Explore your career options effectively

10 Organizations

Erivedge10 People

Life Cycle Leader

Staff Scientist

Group Project Manager

Biosample Operations Manager

Medical Communications Officer

Medical Editor

Associate Director, Project Management

Research Associate

Senior Scientist

Product Marketing Manager



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1. Explore Job Titles & Organizations

2. Find People in Your Community

3. Target Your Resumes, CVs & Cover Letters

LinkedIn describes itself as a database of 60 million resumes

…And here 3 ways it helps you explore careers & find jobs.



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1. Google yourself

2. Join LinkedIn

3. Find five people you know in real life, or from Facebook, Twitter, etc. and connect with them on LinkedIn

4. Find three job titles interesting to you by using keywords

5. Find three organizations you would be interested in working at

6. Get ideas about your resume by looking at those in the field/organization you want to be a member of

7. Find one person who’s position is interesting enough that you’d like to ask them about their work

Social Media: What one step will you take?



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By focusing on others, you get the information you need

A Conversation1. In your experience, how have

people found opportunities with your organization?

2. How did you enter industry from an academic postdoc? Is that a common path?

3. What advice would you give someone about targeting their CV and cover letter?

4. What do you think candidates don’t realize when interviewing in your field?

5. What have you seen as the difference between those who present a job talk well, and those who don’t? Focus, length? Something else?

“It’s your goal, but their story



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1. Google yourself

2. Join LinkedIn

3. Find five people you know in real life, or from Facebook, Twitter, etc. and connect with them on LinkedIn

4. Find three job titles interesting to you by using keywords

5. Find three organizations you would be interested in working at

6. Get ideas about your resume by looking at those in the field/organization you want to be a member of

7. Find one person who’s position is interesting enough that you’d like to ask them about their work

Social Media: What one step will you take?



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Think of two people who you met, and would like to be in touch with them again. Why do you want to keep in touch?

Think, Pair, Share



Tending to Your Community Garden: How often do I keep in touch?

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1. Every time something the person said helps you.

2. Every time you see something of interest or would help the person.

3. 6 months to one year.

Pro Tip: Let people follow your adventure


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Keeping in touch Jan.

Feb.

Dec.

Initial conversation at mixer

Thank you follow up email. Thanks for suggesting that article. Would you consider giving me feedback on my revised CV?

Thanks for suggesting resource. It was helpful because of X. Would appreciate keeping in touch.

Hope you’re well. Just wanted you to know I came across another resource, Y. You might find it interesting.

Will you be at the mixer this year? Would be great to see you.

I joined the Association of Women in Science. Thanks for suggesting it.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Nov.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct. Hope you’re well. I am finding the strategies from the article you suggested still helpful in these ways. This is a brief summary of what’s going on for me now.

Got positive feedback from Clark Kent from Amgen about my CV. Thanks for your help.

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Keeping in touch Jan.

Feb.

Dec.

Initial conversation at mixer

Thank you follow up email. Thanks for suggesting that article. Would you consider giving me feedback on my revised CV?

Thanks for suggesting resource. It was helpful because of X. Would appreciate keeping in touch.

Will you be at the mixer this year? Would be great to see you.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Nov.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.



Tending to Your Community Garden: How often do I keep in touch?

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1. Every time something the person said helps you.

2. Every time you see something of interest or would help the person.

3. 6 months to one year.

Pro Tip: Let people follow your adventure




Tending to Your Community Garden:

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How to keep track……




Clark Kent

Works in Metropolis

lab. Oncology

Potential collaborator -

computer simulation….

.

123 Krypto Rd.

Bethesda, MD. 20817.

[email protected]

April 2011 at EB

conference at poster on

X

April 2012 at EB

Follow up with them by May 2013 – just to say

hello

Nick Fury

Works at Novartis in

product marketing

Industry contact

456 Shield Ave. San

Francisco, CA 94143.

[email protected]

March 2012. Contact of

Phil Coulson met through

Linkedin

Sept. 2012, informational

interview. Jan. 2013,

reviewed CV.

Knows Phil through

marathon training

Use your own database….

Contact Note Address FirstContact?

Later Contacts?

Notes

mailto:[email protected]




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…Or use LinkedIn



What one thing will you do to keep in touch?

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1. Email them and just say you were in a networking session last week, and realize they are someone you’d like to keep in touch with?

2. Email them and tell them how something they said or did, helped you?

3. See if they are on LinkedIn, and connect with them?

4. Ask them if they are going to an upcoming conference and can you meet for coffee?

5. Ask them for advice about something?




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Final Thoughts

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Be collegial: Rather than focusing on how to make a ‘good impression’ or ‘being perfect’, focus on being clear, curious and respectful.

Be gracious: Remember to thank people for their time and efforts, regardless of how helpful their advice immediately appears to be.

Be in touch: Send an email and tell them it was a pleasure to meet them, or that you’ve been considering what they said. Give them an update, or ask for advice. Small gems.

58Want more help?: Explore resources, programs and services at career.ucsf.edu

Presented by Naledi Saul: [email protected]

University of California, San Francisco

• Elevator Pitch• Sample correspondence• How to make an appt.• These slides!

Education

UCSF OCPD Handshakes, Eye Contact, Small Talk. How to Network as a Trainee (Student or Postdoc)