May 12, 2008 David D. Moore Career Development Course: Networking - Professional societies, study sections, meetings etc.

Networking is essential and to be successful your personality must conform to…

…what it already is.

What is networking?

Networking is the process of discovering and utilizing connections between people. Genuine networks stem from friendships or business relationships. Everyone knows other people, and thus has a network. But "networking" implies movement beyond one's immediate network and involves tapping into other people's networks, perhaps far removed from one's own. Lim et al. (2006) Cell 125(4):801

Why is networking important?

Because “all politics is local” Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, Jr.

How do I do it? You already know: MAKE CONTACTS

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At BCM Collaborate and communicate Don’t just go to seminars, ask questions Volunteer for things - contribute to the community Go to meetings - local, national, intergalactic

At A Meeting Ask questions at the talks Ask questions and introduce yourself at the posters Identify people you want to meet beforehand, and do it Take advantage of social opportunities

Join Your Society Societies often have trainee membership The Endocrine Society has 33 committees 3 relate to trainees

How are conferences organized? Conference “non-profits” are businesses. Speaker lists must be prepared well (>1 year) in advance. Organizers overwhelmingly invite speakers they already know. Meeting organizers are generally chosen by previous meeting organizers. Some organizations encourage new meeting proposals: GRC, FASEB, Keystone Organizers are highly motivated to identify new speakers and speakers from under-represented groups.

How are study section rosters chosen? /HowScientistsareSelected+orStudySectionService.htm Study sections are thematic and are mainly composed of “full” members supplemented by a few “ad hoc” members Study section members must be “recognized authorities” and have a grant Full members serve 4 year terms and typically start as ad hocs If you are female and get an R01, be ready for a call If you have a Y chromosome and want to be on a study section, contact the chairperson or someone you know who is a member