How do I build my professional network? Mary Czerwinski, Microsoft Research, Soha Hassoun, Tufts University,

Professional Networking is … Making professional connections and using them wisely. Systematically seeking out and becoming acquainted with people in the service of your professional goals.

Your Network!! Academic Setting Advisor, classmates, labmates, professor Researchers at your school and beyond in your area and adjacent topical area Members of professional local societies Industry Setting Current and prior: managers, co-workers, directors, other areas of the company, recruiters, members of professional societies Social Setting 3

Who should you network with? EVERYONE, cast your net widely.

Why network? 5

Networking can further your career… Makes you known Makes your work known Good letters of recommendation Invitations to give talks and to interview Invitations to be on program committees New ideas, or different slants on old ideas Form new collaborations Can form new & lasting friendships

Bottom Line Networking makes you more effective and more productive. 7

Networking is not … A substitute for quality work “Using”people

Let’s practice your elevator pitch Have an elevator talk that is short and sweet and will draw the person’s attention—1 to 2 sentences Be active, confident, cheerful– SMILE 9

Network: How Network with managers, co-workers, directors, other areas of the company, recruiters Show interest in projects related to your project and meet those people Attend team activities, company activities, and TALK TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND YOU DON’T KNOW Make an mentor list, who is where you want to be? Outside your profession, research zone Volunteer activities, friends, neighbors Meet people you’d otherwise not, new opportunities

Network: How Network: How Discuss your research whenever, wherever Have an elevator talk that is short and sweet and will draw the person’s attention—1 to 2 sentences Be active, confident, cheerful– SMILE Do your homework before networking During the meeting, have questions, be curious, ask how they got where they did today Be respectful of your advisor’s time—know when to close and THANK THEM for their time Take notes, follow up – It is YOUR job to follow up

Tips for networking Networking is an investment YOU need to initiate and create your network Little things goes a long way – business card, resume, , phone call, compliments, questions Always be open, honest, humble, respectful and *listen* Invite new people to lunch, coffee, or for a drink Always have some questions to ask, a topic to discuss

What not to do Don’t ever burn bridge Don’t have a low tolerance or take things personally Don’t treat your network as a dumping ground for your personal problems Don’t use network as a gossip ground (especially professional network) Don’t use too much of people’s time (conferences)

Summary Networking is an investment, treat it like the stock market You can’t go very far without networking Work on building the brand “YOU” Rules of Networking – be ambitious, be enthusiastic, and be out of your comfort zone You are what you make of you - it is your job to take and make use of opportunities Don’t let an opportunity slide just because you are shy