Harnessing the power of communities: career networking strategies for bioscience PhD students and postdoctoral researchers

Abstract

One sentence summary: Networking is an important activity that features in many career success stories; vital for accessing communities, it is a recognised competency in the job-search process, helping bioscience PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to gain an advantage in an intensely competitive job market. Editor: Beatrix Fahnert † Sarah Blackford, http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9386-2413 ABSTRACTWith an ever more competitive global labour market, coupled with an ever-increasing population of PhD-qualified graduates, the ability to communicate effectively and build strategic connections with others can be advantageous in the job-search process. Whether in pursuit of a tenure-track or non-academic position, many postdoctoral researchers and PhD students will benefit from networking as early as possible to enhance their career prospects. Sometimes viewed cynically as 'using people' or dismissed as 'the old boy network,' the ability to make meaningful connections and build relationships can be more valuable than other job-related skills in order to gain entry to, and progress within, many professions. This mini-review highlights the positive influence of networking and how bioscience PhD students and postdoctoral researchers can harness the power of communities to achieve career success. It is argued that those who make connections and promote personal patronage through networking can gain an advantage over their contemporaries. A summary of key theories and research studies that underpin the practice of networking provides credence to these assertions, which are further substantiated with examples pertinent to the academic community. Although primarily focussed on the biosciences, much of the content is applicable to other scientists at a similar career stage.

The Molecular Medicine PhD program alumni perceptions of career preparedness

“…For example, while we currently offer extensive training in grant writing, we might reexamine how we teach other forms of scientific writing, and for different audiences. We might also consider intentionally embedding networking skill-building opportunities into the curriculum, particularly given the importance of networking to alumni’s career success [ 11 ]. Our growing number of program graduates and expanding alumni base may offer additional networking opportunities for current students and recent alumni.…”

Why Does Psychological Capital Foster Subjective and Objective Career Success? The Mediating Role of Career-Specific Resources

“…External networking can lead to career opportunities outside of the current organization (e.g., knowing someone at an organization that has an interesting job offer), which are important in science. In science, careers are not made in the organization, but in the community (Kauffeld et al, 2019; Blackford, 2018; Gross & Jungbauer-Gans, 2007). For a professional career, somebody usually has to leave the home university.…”

The power of peer networking for improving STEM faculty job applications: a successful pilot program

“…Peer review offers not only mentoring and professional development but peer support in general also offers unique psycho-social benefits of emotional support from colleagues with shared experience and/or career stage (Cree-Green et al 2020, Dickson et al 2021. This unique benefit is particularly important for individuals from marginalized or under-represented groups in academia (Blackford 2018, Brommer & Eisen 2007, Eisen & Eaton 2017, Yadav & Seals 2019. Being a postdoc can be much more isolating compared to being a PhD student (Bruckmann & Sebestyen 2017) due to lack of cohesive cohort and fewer individuals at the same career level per lab.…”

“…The participants were further emotionally bolstered by the act of helping others to improve their materials and the idea that as a community, early-career academics all rise by helping each other. Community building as a career development strategy provides opportunities (Blackford 2018), especially for historically excluded groups, to build social capital and networks that may enhance their career opportunities (Alfred et al 2019). Similar peer review programs could fulfill the same function by providing peer support and mentorship for early-career academics at their institutions, particularly for those who may lack that support elsewhere.…”