Building a Network

One way to learn about career paths is to talk to professionals in the field, especially if you are new to the field and want to know if it is truly right for you. Here are some resources to get you started on networking.

LinkedIn - LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network on the internet. You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. You can access LinkedIn from a desktop, LinkedIn mobile app, or mobile web experience. This LinkedIn Learning course can be very helpful (25 minutes in length) to increase your knowledge of the platform, how to stand out, and how to search jobs effectively. 

Informational Interviews - Informational interviews are scheduled conversations between you and someone whose career you may be interested in. These conversations provide structured opportunities for you to learn more in-depth about career paths, industry trends, and build connections to learn about potential job opportunities.

Building your Network - Professional networking, along with your academic performance and your extracurricular activities, is one of the most important steps to career development. It will help you build a set of relationships that will support you throughout your career. It’s best to build your network before you need a job. 

Events on campus - Pay special attention to events that focus on networking at the core: career panels, career and internship fairs, and employer networking and information sessions are intended to connect doctoral students and Postdocs to organizations of interest. To find out more, check the events calendar of your department, College/School, UMD, the Graduate School and University Career Center & The President's Promise for upcoming programs. 

Beyond the Professoriate has several resources and asynchronous videos for learning how to build your network as doctoral students and Postdocs. Use the link above to find out more information about Beyond the Professoriate and how to sign in. The videos are listed below: 

1. LinkedIn

   1. Creating a LinkedIn Profile
   2. Using LinkedIn to Build, Grow, and Maintain Your Network
   3. How to avoid LinkedIn Scams

2. Informational Interviews

   1. Informational Interviews

3. Building your Network

   1. Why You Must Network and Mistakes to Avoid
   2. How to Introduce Yourself When Networking
   3. How to Navigate In-Person Networking Events
   4. Maintain and Grow Your Network