By preparing to network, you can set yourself up for success and manage any nerves you may have about networking. On this page, learn how you can prepare before you begin.
Some resources and videos in this section are taken from a webinar presented by Ruth Gotian, EdD, MS. Dr. Gotian is chief learning officer, assistant professor of education in anesthesiology, former founding assistant dean of mentoring, and executive director of the Mentoring Academy at Weill Cornell Medicine. She has been hailed by the journal Nature and Columbia University as an expert in mentorship and leadership development and was recently recognized as one of the top 20 mentors in the world. Her research focuses on the mindset and skill set of peak performers, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and Olympic champions, which she writes about in her book, “The Success Factor.”
Establishing your professional goals is the first step in identifying what networking activities are most useful for you, and can assist you with articulating what you are looking for to those you with whom you connect. Long- and short-term professional goals do not need to be final. In fact, your goals should be periodically reviewed, evaluated, and updated.
Put It Into Practice
What are your long- and short-term professional goals? Where do you see yourself in 1, 5, and 10 years? Are you hoping to advance your career, collaborate, expand your mentoring network, receive funding? Be specific.
Many networking interactions begin with answering the question: What do you do? To network effectively, it is more important to know how to tell people the problem you solve.
Let’s face it, networking can sometimes feel really awkward and studies have even shown it can make us feel psychologically "dirty" 1. These resources provide advice on how to reduce networking fears through preparation and how to avoid letting that uncomfortable feeling hold you back.
When approaching networking, it is helpful to have more than one singular interest. This will allow you to cast a wider and more diverse networking net and open you up to more networking opportunities.