Going to a conference soon? Make use of your time by introducing yourself to others in your field. Don’t be shy!

Going to a conference is more than just listening and presenting research. It’s an opportunity to meet people outside your school who have the same interests that you do. If you successfully make new contacts at a conference, you may be in the wonderful position of sharing research collaborations, making new friends, and having your name pop up when it comes to getting into grad school or finding a job. How should you go about networking at a conference?

• Scan the program for people of interest
  When you get the program, scan it for people who share the same interests as you. You’ll know this by reading the titles of projects or abstracts. Or maybe you were really interested in XYZ graduate program? Go find those people and ask questions!
• Be strategic about meeting people
  Make use of strategizing who you’re spending your time with. Don’t just spend all your time with your school buddies but branch out. Try to introduce yourself to at least a couple professional contacts (e.g., big name researchers) and a few casual contacts (e.g., other students at other schools). If you’re trying to get into grad school, seek out people who may be able to give you pointers. If you’re trying to get a job, seek out those who may be in the know on the search committees.
• Be stealth about reading name badges
  Reading name badges at conferences is a tricky deal without being creepy. If you read someone’s name badge and their affiliation was not who you were looking for, just smile and say hi anyway. No one wants to feel left out.
• Make use of coffee breaks
  Don’t just sit in the corner on your phone during breaks. Be intentional about seeking out people you don’t know and introduce yourself. Try asking people if they’re going to a certain talk or ask them what they thought about the talk you just heard.
• Don’t be shy of the big names; they’re just people
  Kind of star-struck by the big names in your field? Don’t be shy. If you had a burning question or want to know more information about a certain methodology, go up and ask them! They made their name starting out just like you, and people LOVE talking about their own research!