Course

Networking for Researchers

4 Modules Duration: 3h15

This course covers the key elements needed to acquire or perfect effective professional networking skills for scientific researchers. In this course you will discover how building a professional network will benefit your research and career, and learn the skills to build and maintain networking connections in a variety of settings, both in-person and online.

What you’ll learn

  • How to examine the different purposes, challenges and opportunities related to building your network
  • How to prepare key resources to help you build an effective network
  • Strategies to approach and connect with potential network contacts, both in-person and online
  • How to follow up on initial approaches and how to apply strategies to leverage your network that will advance your research or career

Features

  • 4-module course 
  • Certificate of completion
  • Benefit from the experience of 10 experts on Networking
  • English language captions and transcripts

Access options

For researchers

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The course

Why network? | 0h45 | 5 lessons

In this module you will learn to:

  • Identify your key networking challenges
  • Understand the theory behind networking, and what that means for you
  • Determine your key purpose(s) for building an effective network
  • Identify opportunities to grow your network in order to achieve your goals
Getting ready to network | 1h00 | 6 lessons

In this module you will learn to:

  • Define your professional identity (i.e. express your skills and strengths to articulate what you have to offer)
  • Communicate your identity to others through your online presence
  • Identify the most appropriate people to contact, and gather information that will help you approach them successfully
  • Prepare your ‘pitch’ (i.e. your statement of what you have to offer your networking contacts in order to develop a mutually beneficial relationship)
  • Consider the kinds of questions you can prepare in advance of your first meeting
Connect with new networking contacts - in person and online | 1h00 | 7 lessons

In this module you will learn to:

  • Approach potential network contacts, whether in person or online
  • Manage initial meetings, whether in person or online
  • Interact with networking contacts on social media platforms
  • Approach chance encounters with networking contacts
Nurturing and harnessing the power of your network | 0h30 | 5 lessons

In this module you will learn to:

  • Follow up on your initial interactions and chase responses in an appropriate manner
  • Respond to both positive and negative outcomes in a constructive way
  • Maintain and deepen existing connections through regular contact that is built into your daily routine
  • Review and harness the evolving power of your network to help you deliver on current and future goals