The STEM Network: How to network like a professional

(Editor's note: This post was originally published on The Scientista Foundation.)

After a long year of exams, papers, and messy roommates, you’re smack-dab in the middle of a sweltering summer break, and school is the last thing on your mind. Your concern lies with bikinis, beaches, and barbecues, not with classes and lab schedules. But what are your classmates up to? Are they, too, working on their tans or instead working on their resumes and job placement? Many students and business professionals perfect their networking skills all year long. The question is, are you?

Gone are the days of fantastic resumes, killer elevator pitches, and fabulous shoes. Because although those are still great assets, it’s all about who you know and what they know about you. As jobs become scarcer, so, too, do job postings and job fairs. Networking has become an imperative part of pursuing a job and career, and you need to be a shark when it comes to making connections.

Become a social media maven Even if you’re only a sophomore or junior, it’s never too early to build an online brand and presence. Social media is only going to get more advanced so why not get a jump start on internships and experience? Start a blog (WordPress is a free blogging site) and post interesting news articles about STEM, published journals and studies, or work you’ve completed. When you start applying for jobs, link your blog site to show your prospective employer how much the STEM field interests you.

Do the same with social media sites like Twitter and Tumblr. Hashtag words like “STEM” or “sciencenews” and see what other interesting information pops up. Follow Twitter handles like @Scientista_Talk, @nytimesscience, and @wiredscience to stay informed all summer. It’s also important to follow potential future employers on social media. By “liking” their page on Facebook or retweeting their posts on Twitter, your enthusiasm may lead to a job.

Update your resume and online presence Once you start applying for internships and jobs, you need a strong, updated resume to broadcast your skills and accomplishments. Google yourself to see what future employers will see: Is it a picture of your latest lab award or your latest late-night outing? Make sure your Googled name reflects what you want your boss to see.

If you’re not on LinkedIn, sign up. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the site and app and making your profile strong and clean for prospective employers. Link articles and work you’ve written, upload your resume, join groups, and make sure your profile picture is as professional as possible. Your picture is the first thing employers will see, and if they don’t like it, they won’t even bother perusing your page.

Attend networking events But before you do, make sure you practice a few things:

– How to handshake: Etiquette International’s 6 Tips for a Good Handshakemandates that it is “firm but not bone-crushing,” “lasts about three seconds,” and “includes good eye contact with the other person.”

– Remembering names: There is nothing more embarrassing (or detrimental!) than meeting a prospective employer and then forgetting her name. At the event, ask for business cards and make notes about her on her card.

– Making conversation: It sounds elementary, but there is only so much you can say about the weather or last season’s Girls series. Have questions prepared that you can mold to any person about any organization. Remember, people love talking about themselves!

Master the art of bragging As women, we don’t have a problem talking, but we have a problem talking about ourselves. We need to fix that problem because men don’t have a problem bragging about their accomplishments and will one-up us every time in front of possible employers. Don’t be arrogant, but be proud of the work you’ve done. Highlight your successes and make sure you are confident in expressing that you deserve the credit, not that you got lucky.

Ask your friends When we network, we often forget about our friends and family. It’s vital to include them, too! Their new landscaper’s sister may have just launched a new site and needs a developer. When you’re starting to look for internships and jobs, send out a friendly email and attach your resume. Let your friends know you’re on the job hunt and to keep their ears open.

Follow-up You’ve already done all the legwork and made some great (and not-so-great) connections. Don’t stop there! Send her an email and let her know how fabulous it was meeting her at an event or connecting online. In the email, make a point to say something specific about the conversation (remember the advice I gave about jotting down notes on her business card?) so she knows the initial meeting was memorable to you. Ask her to coffee (give her possible dates and times) and see if you can make a further connection that could lead to a job or internship. With follow-ups, a simple “thank you” email leaves a priceless impression on a prospective connection or employer.

Stay in touch and maintain your network. And remember, when people ask you for advice and connections, return the favor. Since you’re a networking expert now, share the wealth!

Can’t wait to get started? Check out these great networking web sites and apps:

Groupme – The best way to chat with everyone you know

Meetup – Neighbors getting together to learn something, do something, share something

Planely – Reach out for business, rideshare, or great fun

#Career #Relationships