Networking digitally

Not all networking has to take place in person, and you may find that you are more comfortable engaging with people in your field online. Commenting on other people’s social media posts, asking questions, posting content, and engaging in discussions online can be a great way to make connections in your field.

Networking via attendance

A good way of networking without engaging in much conversation is to attend research talks. Research talks will involve the speaker giving a paper, a question and answer session, and perhaps a social period where attendees meet each other at the end. If you attend talks in person, you can arrive and leave when you like, so there is no obligation to stay and socialise. Attending research talks regularly means that people will recognise you and be more likely to introduce themselves to you.

Networking via peer support

Your peers are an equally important part of your academic network as more established colleagues. A good way to build your network is to help those around you. This could be through spending time together, reading drafts of others’ work or discussing ideas with them, and being a point of contact and support for your peers through your postgraduate journey.

Networking via email

When you email a senior colleague you don’t know well, it is always sensible to address them by title until they tell you not to. This is especially true when you are corresponding with women, scholars of colour, and those from other marginalised backgrounds. This will establish a relationship of respect from the start. Another good way to network over email is to email someone if you enjoyed reading their work or hearing their research talk.

Networking at conferences

Conferences often provoke a lot of anxiety for attendees, but they are a great way of networking. If you find them difficult you could consider attending a small one-day or student-only conference to begin with, and then build up to bigger ones. Or you might identify the most important one that year for your field and focus on attending that one. Be prepared for most networking at conferences to happen in social situations like coffee and lunch breaks, wine receptions, or in the bar, though there is no requirement to drink alcohol to participate.