Start Networking
Networking can often feel abstract and difficult to practice. However, there are many different ways to network; find a way that works for you. Within this section you can learn strategies on how to start networking now.
Maximize Your Social Media Platforms
Social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) can provide a multitude of ways to expand your network. You can use these platforms to market yourself and to connect with potential collaborators, funders, patients, and other researchers.
- Build your community: Follow groups, people, foundations, institutions, etc. of interest. Remember the importance of diversifying your network so try to be intentional.
- Tell them who you are and the work that you do: First impressions are key. Many people will be “introduced” to you via your social media page. Use your elevator pitch to craft a short “about you” section to tell people who you are and what you do.
- Share news and updates about your work: Regularly post about your recent publications, conference presentations, funding you attained, and the research that you do. Sharing information about your work can start conversations and lead to new relationships.
- Use technology like ChatGPT: ChatGPT, launched by OpenAI, is a chatbot that simplifies technical language and makes it easy to understand and share. Example: Ask the tool to generate tweets on your research topic.
- Congratulations! Your Article Has Been Accepted. Now What? Media, Social Media, and Other Outlets for Promoting Your Work: This resource will walk you through the steps to promote your journal article online.
- Find networking opportunities: Take time to review other people’s posts or the “newsfeed” feature, if possible, for networking opportunities. Look for upcoming conferences, relevant professional groups, learning opportunities, articles that relate to your research, and posts from connections in and outside of your community.
- Connect with others: Use your social media account to reach out to people in and out of your network. Check out how in the “Start the Conversation” section.
Re-Engage Your Current Network
Networking can feel overwhelming, however, you do not need to start from scratch or reinvent yourself. You already have a network of connections that you can leverage. Reach out to your mentor(s), colleagues, university alumni, friends, and past collaborators.
If opportunities don’t find you, seek them out. In their article Remote Networking as a Person of Color, Laura Morgan Roberts and Anthony J. Mayo suggest meeting new people through your current networks. Asking your friends to introduce you to people within their networks will allow you to connect with people from diverse levels and spaces.
Put it into Practice
What Are the Gaps in Your Network?
Use the Map Your Developmental Network exercise to identify gaps in your network.
View the Build a Mentoring Network page of our Mentoring in Clinical and Translational Research Guide for guidance on building strong mentoring networks and approaching new mentors. How could you re-engage your current network to help you to make new connections?
Say Yes (When You Can)
When opportunities arise to speak at conferences, participate on panels, write publications, join groups, or collaborate, try to say “yes,” even when it may feel uncomfortable. Participation in this way can increase your visibility, demonstrate “good citizenship,” and open you up to diverse connections. However, be mindful not to overextend yourself. When considering saying “yes” or “no,” examine how the opportunity can help you accomplish your professional goals. When declining, maintain the connection by offering alternatives or suggesting another person when possible.
Participate in Learning Opportunities
Enroll in conferences, events, and educational activities (both in-person or online). This provides a great opportunity to meet others while learning about an area of interest. Use time in these learning opportunities to connect with fellow participants and faculty.
Put it into Practice
Explore events and educational opportunities that interest you. Use these tips to get started.
- Harvard Catalyst offers a wide variety of educational opportunities. Find the full list of courses on our Train page.
- Learn how to connect with speakers and audience members in the Start the Conversation section.
Toolkit
Worksheet: Prepare for Conferences (PDF)
Complete this Prepare for Conferences worksheet to help you prepare to network effectively and make the most out of attending a conference.
Use Harvard Catalyst Profiles
Harvard Catalyst Profiles, part directory and part social networking tool, not only allows you to search for all 24,000 Harvard affiliated-faculty by name or keyword, but it also helps you explore and understand the different ways that faculty work together.
Get Involved
Engaging in different groups and organizations (professional associations/ community groups/alumni associations) can be an easy way to meet people both in and outside of your field. These groups can also provide access to networking events, online forums, and other resources that can help you make connections and stay informed.
Put it into Practice
Consider how you could become involved with groups or organizations that could advance your career. To get started, explore the following list of groups and events.
- Use websites like Eventbrite to locate conferences and networking events in your area of interest and location. Use the search feature to search for relevant events.
- Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) hosts many events that aim to advance leadership, increase value in healthcare and improve the lives of patients. Additionally, the Boston Chapter of Healthcare.
- Sign-up for listservs for different organizations and take time to review associated emails for networking opportunities.
Network through Community Service
If you participate in community service activities, utilize this network. This can give you the opportunity to connect with individuals outside of your immediate professional circle and can align with other passions you may have. Diversifying who you network with can create a vibrant network and open you up to alternative perspectives you may not have considered.
Content on this page was adapted from:
“Remote Networking as a Person of Color.” Harvard Business Review, 27 Aug. 2021
“What to Say When You’re Reaching out to Someone on LinkedIn.” Harvard Business Review, 16 Mar. 2022