Networking in STEM Communities

Networking feels fake when you're in STEM. Here's why👇 You walk into that industry event and think you need to: * Hand out business cards to everyone * Talk about yourself to strangers   * Ask for LinkedIn adds within minutes * Set up "coffee meetings" that feel weird * Mention important people you know * ...the uncomfortable small talk continues We're all so focused on what networking "should" look like that we forget most of us chose science and tech because we love solving problems, not selling ourselves (I'm no exception). Building work relationships matters - 85% of jobs come through people you know. But unless we also treat networking like sharing ideas... We'll always feel like we're being pushy. And because it feels fake and salesy, we'll skip it completely - then wonder why others get the opportunities. Here's what worked for me after 15 years in tech leadership: Instead of: "Can you help me get this job?" Try: "How do you handle [work challenge they mentioned]?" Instead of: "Let's meet to talk about job openings"   Try: "Your point about [topic] was interesting - I'm seeing that too in my work" Instead of: "Who can you introduce me to?" Try: "I've been working on [specific problem] - have you dealt with this?" Instead of: "Can you connect me to your contacts?" Try: "You might find this [article/tool] useful based on what you said" The best work relationships I built happened when I: → Asked about their actual work, not their connections → Shared what I learned from my own projects   → Helped others before asking for help → Followed up with helpful resources, not just requests → Made every chat about learning, not asking for favors Stop networking for jobs. Start networking to learn. The job opportunities come naturally when people see you as someone who adds value, not just someone asking for things. ♻️ Repost to help more women in STEM build real professional relationships

An important but not outspoken lesson for young researchers: For your career, your network will probably matter as much as your science!   As scientists, we often pretend that all that matters is the data we produce. 😅 What I wish I had understood earlier: knowing the right people is often more important than having the right data.   🔹 If you're applying for a new position: would you rather know the employer/PI or have one more publication? 🔹 If you're looking for expertise: would you rather have a friend with a connection or send an email to someone you don’t know? 🔹 If you're applying for a grant: would you rather know someone on the panel or guess what happens behind closed doors?   If you want to succeed in your career, instead of running yet another experiment, invest more time in building connections. -> Learn how to be sociable. Learn how to talk about science—not just do it.   It might feel like it’s not “real” work, but your connections will be instrumental. It’s not about cheating—it’s about understanding that scientists are humans too.   In the comments, I share how I built my network if you're interested.   Almost every scientific organization host conferences. Also, I recently heard about the FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE Conference, which is dedicated to early-career researchers. While it’s also about science, it’s mainly about careers and networking.   Think about going to such events because: – This is how friendships are built. – This is how internships and collaborations get started. – This is where you feel the community aspect of science.   In essence: just because you’re not standing in the lab doesn’t mean it’s not important work. I bet most seniors would agree! #STEM #PhDLife #Conferences #Networking #CareerTips #ScienceAndResearch International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) ENABLE Conference ISCB - International Society for Computational Biology FEBS Junior Section

How do you actually find high-quality professional networks and events within your industry? Here’s how I go about it. Every industry has some kind of professional body, council, or forum that’s nationally or globally recognised as trusted. These are often the best places to meet credible people, access resources, and stay plugged into what’s happening in your field. Here’s what to look out for: 1. “The Royal Society of…” If you’re in a STEM discipline, this one will sound familiar. When I studied Chemistry, for example, the Royal Society of Chemistry was the go-to professional body. 2. A Forum Forums bring together thought leaders and practitioners on a global scale. In cybersecurity, there’s the Global Cybersecurity Forum. If you’re in international relations or politics, it might be the World Economic Forum. 3. A Council Councils are often standards or policy-driven but are still great for networking and credibility. For example, the UK Cybersecurity Council sets the professional framework for the industry. 4. A Foundation Foundations, often led by influential figures within an industry, are great places to learn, collaborate and build meaningful connections. 5. An Institution You’ll often see this in technical disciplines for instance, the Institution of Engineering and Technology. So if you’re trying to grow your network, start by searching for: • The Royal Society of… • The Institution of… • A Forum • A Council • Or a Foundation in your field. These are usually the most credible and established spaces

How to Build Real Connections on LinkedIn 🌐 After over 100 LinkedIn conversations, here’s my best advice for building real, impactful connections. Whether you're seeking advice, insights, or just expanding your network, these steps can help you create relationships that go beyond the virtual. 1. Approach with Gratitude, Not Transactions 🤝     Reach out with a sincere, open attitude—show appreciation for their time and insights, not just what they can offer. 2. Skip the Big Asks 🚫     Rather than requesting mentorship or direct help, start by asking for advice or insights. It’s a respectful way to gain value without overwhelming them. 3. Do Your Research 🔍     A quick read of their LinkedIn profile can help you have an informed conversation. Reference their work, ask specific questions, and show that you value their experience. 4. Show Genuine Interest 🌟     Focus on them and their journey—show that you're genuinely interested in who they are, not just what they can do. 5. Respect the Clock ⏳     Time is valuable. If you say you need 15 minutes, stick to it. This respect for time builds trust and shows you’re serious. 6. Follow Up Matters 📧     A thank-you message and periodic check-ins go a long way. People appreciate thoughtful follow-up, and it keeps the relationship alive. 7. Offer to Help First 💡     Ask yourself, “How can I help them?” Maybe you can share an article, connect them to someone in your network, or support their work. 8. Empathy & Listening 🎧     Every good conversation includes empathy and active listening. People remember those who truly listen and understand their perspective. Meaningful connections don’t happen overnight. Build trust, stay genuine, and let the relationship grow organically. Your network is your greatest asset—nurture it thoughtfully! 👋 I’m Sandra Park, a financial coach helping women in STEM engineer her path to financial freedom 💸

Ever feel like you're navigating your STEM journey alone? Engineer Mary Seelam gets it. Early in her career, she often felt like she was charting unfamiliar territory without a map. That changed when she discovered the power of mentorship, and her story holds practical wisdom for every girl and woman in STEM. Mary learned that finding mentors requires boldness and intention. She started by identifying people whose paths inspired her, whether through their leadership style, technical expertise, or how they handled tough situations. Then she did something crucial: she reached out, asked questions, and showed genuine interest in learning from their experiences. Some mentors said yes immediately, others took time, but every connection taught her patience and perseverance. Here's where it gets even better. As Mary gained experience, she realized mentorship flows both ways. Supporting younger engineers, sharing lessons from her own missteps, and celebrating their wins created a network that lifted everyone up. The relationships grew stronger because knowledge, encouragement, and support moved in all directions. Want to build your own mentorship network? Mary shares four key steps: 🔹 Be proactive — Don't wait for mentorship to find you; seek out people who can offer guidance and insight 🔹 Be specific in your requests — Asking targeted questions makes it easier for mentors to offer meaningful advice 🔹 Show gratitude and stay engaged — Relationships thrive when you appreciate their time and continue the conversation beyond a single meeting 🔹 Offer mentorship when you can — Sharing your experiences not only helps others, but also reinforces your own learning The big takeaway? Mentorship builds confidence and provides perspective when you face challenges. A strong network isn't built overnight; it grows through consistent effort, trust, and mutual support. And when women in STEM give and receive mentorship, it strengthens the entire community. Mary's message to fellow women in STEM is powerful: "Seek mentors who challenge and inspire you, and offer your guidance to those just starting their journey. Remember, your network is not just a resource — it's a source of resilience, learning, and shared growth. Each connection you make can lift you up and, in turn, help lift someone else." Read the full article for more insights on building meaningful mentorship relationships! 👉 https://lnkd.in/e9-8ruKx #WomenInSTEM #GirlsInSTEM #STEMGems #GiveGirlsRoleModels 💎 Mary's insights on mentorship remind us why role models and supportive networks matter so much for girls in STEM. That's exactly what we've been building at STEM Gems for the past decade — creating connections, celebrating women in science and engineering, and empowering the next generation of innovators. Learn more about our decade of impact and donate to STEM Gems here: https://lnkd.in/ed-nJVsN