Make Contacts that Count: Networking and Personal Branding

Graduate Studies Support Program

This workshop is part of the Graduate Studies Support Program of Berlin University Alliance. For an overview of all Graduate Studies Support Program events, click here.

Objectives
Knowing how to develop and maintain an effective network is a key career strategy.
To build a well-functioning network is a vital component in planning a science career. Many highly-qualified scientists have taken a route to build their career that has been arduous and lonely. This module explores less stressful methods of career development, by the strategic use of networking.
Whether planning a career in the scientific or commercial world, awareness of the priorities and needs of funding bodies or potential employers or backers is a key to success. This seminar provides an overview of the structure of networking - the strengths and weaknesses of working in networks and allows for an opportunity to optimise your own networking activity and strategies for acquisition.

Content

• The purpose of a network
• Construction and maintenance of a co-operation network (or research group)
• Strategic co-operation within the scientific community: universities and non-university research institutions, businesses and organizations
• Growing the network: how to approach a prospective partner
• Typical problems in networks
• Use of online networks; linked in, academic networks, Twitter and other social media
• Formal and informal networks in the scientific community
• The advantages of giving as a professional work-style