Networking for researchers: the basics

The power of networking lies in connecting with people and building strong, professional relationships. In doing so, you will surround yourself with people who are happy to help you achieve your goals. These networking skills are important both inside and outside academia, but in this workshop we will focus on how to network in your current academic job context.

This hands-on workshop, by Joeri Wielandts (KU Leuven), focuses on how to network with people you see on a daily basis and people you meet at e.g. conferences. You will analyze your own network and reflect upon ways to expand and strengthen it. Additionally, you will work on improving your introduction as a researcher and how to make the most of conferencing.

Since building a network takes some time, we recommend this workshop to early-stage researchers.

Note: Though the same skills can be used for it, this workshop does not specifically cover networking for job opportunities.

Learning outcomes

After having attended this workshop, participants will ...

• be able to evaluate the quality and diversity of their current network
• understand that building professional relationships takes time and that it goes through 3 phases; know, like, trust
• know how they can connect better with people
• have a script to introduce themselves and their research
• have insight in how to get more out of conferences and other networking events
• have basic knowledge of online networking and its benefits
• have gathered hands-on tips that enable them to expand, strengthen & maintain their network.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• interpersonal competences:
  • networking
  • oral communication
• personal effectiveness:
  • initiative

For whom?

• Ideal for early-stage PhD students (more senior PhD students and postdocs are welcome as well, but please be aware of the introductory level of the workshop)
• 16 places available

When and where?

• October 8, 2024 - 9:00-17:00
• Location: campus Hasselt, building Old Prison, Green room (OG-B1.1Gr)

Preparation?

There is a preparation to be done before the first session: preparing a draft of a (research) elevator pitch. This assignment will take about 1 hour to prepare and instructions will be sent to you one week before the workshop. The draft will be used as working material during the workshop.

You need to bring your laptop to the workshop.

Registration?

• You can register here as from July 10 until September 8, 2024.
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'career management & personal development' - workshop aimed at personal development
• DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - one compulsory elective course
• DS ST: category 'career & personal development' - course about personal development