Chemical Technicians: Building and Nurturing Networks
The following is based on a presentation by Dr. Mary Carroll of Union College given at the 2006 ACS national meeting symposium, “Equipping the 2015 Chemical Technology Workforce.” Dr. Carroll is a chemistry professor and director of undergraduate research at Union College. She is also an ACS Councilor and a member of the Society Committee on education.
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About Networking
Networking is an essential piece of everyone's career, regardless of profession. It is the process of gathering and maintaining formal or informal relationships for the purpose of exchanging information.
Networking is NOT about looking for a job. Networking is about:
- Connecting with people
- Exchanging information
- Learning about industries and opportunities
- Developing and improving strategies for job search
- Discovering information, contacts, and ideas
Identifying a Network
Networks consist of classmates, friends, faculty, friends, research collaborators, past employers, colleagues, and people you meet at seminars, conferences, workshops, and job interviews.
Networks include people who have anything at all in common. Networks also consist of all the people known by the people in your network, which is what makes them so powerful.
Events such as ACS local section meetings and social hours are the ideal opportunity for building networks. Though it can be difficult to engage a stranger in informal conversation, social hours and other less work-oriented atmospheres are good opportunities to meet someone new.
Speed Networking
To encourage students, and others, to actively network, the Eastern New York executive board introduced speed networking to their social hours. Instead of meeting established chemists and building networks, students talk only to each other.
Speed networking is simple:
- Each person must find someone he or she does not know.
- They must exchange names and business cards, then converse for the allotted time. (The allotted time must be long enough to establish interest but short enough that questions are left unasked.)
- When the time is up, they must find someone new and repeat the process.
- After the meeting, participants follow-up with their new contacts by email or phone.
Speed networking works because it is an ice-breaker. There is no impediment to approaching an unknown person because everyone is meeting someone new. It is generally well-received.
Maintaining a Network
Regular contact is crucial to maintaining a network. A strong network is key to both finding a job and developing a career. ACS provides numerous networking opportunities through national, regional, and local section meetings, workshops, and social events.
In addition to professional societies, tapping into volunteer organizations, community and school activities, and online communities like linkedin.com are all great ways to build networks.
Be sure to update your contacts regularly, through phone or email, with information relevant to your interests. And don’t forget to send a thank gesture to contacts who have provided special assistance, such as reviewing a resume or helping land an interview.