Networking

Some people genuinely enjoy networking and will seek out opportunities for it, while others will avoid it at all costs. Whether you fit into either of these camps, or fall somewhere in the middle, its important to recognise the value of networking, as the benefits it yields can really help you and your career (it’s estimated that 70% of SET jobs are never advertised so networking can certainly help get a new job or promotion)*.

What is it?

Networking is about connecting with people and sharing resources, support and ideas. Put simply, your network is everyone you know. And as people within your network present potential to connect you to contacts in their network, your network can extend almost infinitely.

Here’s some of what you can achieve through networking:

• Raise your academic profile
• Develop relationships for future collaborations
• Learn about funding and promotion opportunities
• Get to know more people and make yourself known too
• Combat isolation by connecting with people who are going through similar experiences
• Stay up-to-date with what research is being carried out elsewhere

Effective networking is about establishing relationships which can be mutually beneficial to all parties. Whether you’re just getting started or are already an active networker but would like to extend your network, we have put together some practical resources that can help make it more approachable. To learn more, take a look at the following pages:

Making Connections: Networking in TCD
WiSER LinkedIn Group
Networking Resources

* Source: Daphne Jackson Trust, Real Returners, September 2006