STEM fields are more competitive than ever, and even the most qualified grad students can miss out on opportunities without a strong professional network. Oftentimes, students in science fields assume that their research and grades will speak for themselves. However, a lack of effort in building your network as a grad student can lead to missed opportunities, from career growth to research collaboration potential.
Networking can help you stay current in your industry, help you make interdisciplinary connections, and help you see your options for post-academia. Like any skill, networking is one you can improve over time. This blog will outline how you can develop your networking skills to get the most out of your graduate experience!
Start in Your Circle
When people think of networking, they often picture very formal events and introductions. The truth is, some of the most important and impactful connections you can make in grad school start right where you are. Classmates, professors, TAs, and RAs are already a part of your professional network.
Take advantage of the low-hanging fruit; there are opportunities all around you. The relationships you have with those already in your network can lead to future collaborations, job leads, references, and even just a stronger support system while you’re in graduate school. Join study groups, department events, and presentations. Ask about others’ research, share your ideas, and look for common ground.
Build Your Digital Platforms
Your online presence is often the first impression you make. LinkedIn is a great place to start building your professional network and keep in touch with people you meet in your industry. You can build out your profile, list your education, achievements, and past roles. A public profile can give those you connect with a reference to look back on and learn more about you.
Depending on your field, you may also want to expand to platforms more tailored to STEM professionals. Coders often use GitHub to share projects and contribute to open-source work. Researchers can showcase publications and follow others on ResearchGate or create a professional ID via ORCID. Developers might build community and share insights on Dev.to.
Choose platforms that align with your work and industry. Actively sharing your projects, engaging with others’ posts, and asking questions can help you stay visible and connected.
Making the Most of Conferences
Conferences can be a fantastic place to start your network. You’ll be surrounded by people who share your interests, work in your field, and are often open to meeting new colleagues. Conferences are a valuable opportunity to make connections, ask questions, and learn something new.
Before you go to your chosen conference, identify your goals. Are you hoping to meet potential collaborators? Learn more about a specific topic? Explore job opportunities? Knowing what you’re looking for can help you focus your time and energy.
It’s a good idea to prepare a brief introduction about yourself. Just a few sentences about who you are, what you do, and where you want to go.
For more in-depth info on attending conferences as a graduate student, read our guide.
Connect with Alumni
Alumni are often underestimated as a networking resource. They have been in your shoes, have faced the same challenges of your program, and have insights into potential career paths after graduation.
Take advantage of your school’s alumni database (if one exists) or social media groups. You can also search on networking platforms like LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to send a short, thoughtful message. Mention your shared connection, express interest in their current work, and ask if they would be open to a connection or a quick conversation. Many alumni are happy to help! Here is a short script you can use:
Hello [alumni name],
My name is [your name] and I’m currently a graduate student at [your university] in the [program name] program. I saw that you are an alum of the same program and would love to connect with you. I am particularly interested in [topic of interest], and I was wondering if you’d be open to sharing any insight based on your experience. Would you be available for a brief conversation? I’d really appreciate your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[your name]
Collaborating Across Disciplines
Some of the most exciting and impactful innovations in STEM happen when disciplines come together. Think of cybersecurity analysts working with finance professionals to make digital banking safer, or ecologists teaming up with data scientists to predict species growth and manage ecosystems. Robotics engineers team up with healthcare workers to improve prosthetic design, and mathematicians meet biologists to model and predict cell processes. Interdisciplinary collaboration not only expands your network but also your skillset.
Look for opportunities that exist outside of your department to connect with other students. Campus events, research centers, student organizations, or even shared courses are great places to start. Some schools might offer project-based classes that specifically tackle interdisciplinary problems.
Being open to disciplines outside your own can lead to unexpected opportunities, strengthen your resume, and even uncover new interests you hadn’t considered before.
Prioritize Relationship Building
Networking doesn’t always need an ulterior motive. It’s not just about finding your next opportunity, but also building real, human connections. In STEM fields, collaboration and long-term projects are common. The relationships you nurture now might become the foundation for future research, referrals, or even start-ups.
Focus on building genuine connections; collaboration and opportunities can come later. Ask thoughtful questions, listen attentively, and show genuine interest in the person’s work. No need to pitch yourself or come off too strong- rapport goes a long way!
After your conversation, take a moment to follow up. Send a short message mentioning something you spoke about. Not only will this help them remember you, but it will also show that you were paying attention. Small gestures like these can turn one-time conversations into lasting connections.
Networking isn’t a one-time event, but an ongoing part of your growth as a graduate student and professional. Every time you put yourself out there is a small step toward building a supportive network you can rely on.
Networking, like any skill, takes practice. So, start small, build your confidence, and your future network will form in no time. You got this!