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Networking: Introducing networking and its value


If you are here because you are determined to become a more effective networker and recognize the value it will bring to your career and progression, you can probably skip through this page fairly quickly. However, if you have got this far because you view networking as something you feel you HAVE to do, but feel it is a manipulative or cynical way to get something out of someone else, then the aim of this page is to help you move beyond this view.

It’s critical that you network in an authentic way with a natural communication style and a genuine objective. If you try to put on an act, it will quickly become exhausting and you may meet people who spot your insincerity or discomfort. You are also more likely to duck out of potential networking situations, convincing yourself that you aren’t really missing out because you don’t have anything to sell/promote or ask for.

Instead of trying to push the benefits of networking, let’s think about the current academic landscape and what it demands of researchers.

We are working in a sector that needs to demonstrate its value and influence. Whatever your ultimate career goal, as an individual researcher you need to show that your work has engaged your peer group and that you have done something which added value in your field. This is measured through citations of your published work, invitations to speak at conferences and seminars and inclusion in funding proposals.

Networking with other researchers helps them become aware of your work and lets them see your interest and enthusiasm for it.

As an early career researcher you are likely to be on a fixed-term contract and facing a transition either into another contract, a permanent academic position or (statistically most likely) into a new career field. You will need to be aware of all suitable opportunities and to stand out from other applicants during what are likely to be competitive recruitment processes.

Networking is a way of learning about opportunities which may be hidden from you and can connect you with people who have experiences of recruitment they can share or people who are looking for new staff.

There is an increasing drive to engage a wider group of people in your research. The IMPACT agenda is embedded in academic culture through both the REF and expectations from major funders. To quote the Research Councils 'RCUK introduced Pathways to Impact to encourage you to think about what can be done to ensure your research makes a difference. Through Pathways to Impact we want to encourage you to explore, from the outset and throughout the life of your project and beyond, who could potentially benefit from your research and what you can do to help make this happen.'

Networking will help you to meet other stakeholders in your research so you can explain what you are doing. You can find out what they need from you and explore whether they would be interested in working in partnership.

Another driver in research is the increasing importance of collaboration. The key funding bodies are moving towards a cohort-based approach to doctoral training, growing support for challenge-led research and using research to drive international development. All these models of funding are based on collaborative approaches and having a range of partners to work with.

Networking will connect you with people who share your values and interests so you can build collaborative teams with people you will enjoy working with.

As a sector, academia is increasingly reliant on networks and networking.

You are a valuable addition to other people’s networks and they will benefit from the connection with you.

The rest of this guide will give you advice to develop your networking skills and connect with people in a range of ways. To help you accept networking as part of your career development toolkit, there are some suggested links:

You can read about one academic’s conversion from viewing networking as “a swag of obligation and obsequiousness, self-promotion and having to be aggressively social.” into seeing it as “a lot of fun”.

For a more substantial read about networking and its value in academia, although dating back more than 10 years and basically presented, Phil Agre’s essay on “Networking on the Network” continues to provide a comprehensive and pragmatic guide to networking as a researcher.

Finally, Raul Pacheco-Vega talks about his driving belief that research should be shared, and how networking facilitates this on his blog.

Before we move on, here’s a question to consider: 'What is my reaction to the word “networking”?'

If you now feel ready to explore how to become a more effective networker, the next section looks at the common barriers people face.

If you aren’t ready to move on yet, you can work through the more detailed questions in Networking worksheet 1 (Office document, 41kB) and arrange to discuss your thoughts about networking with a colleague or mentor.

Move onto Part 2: 'Where could networking take you?'

Part 1: Introducing networking and its value

Feeling cynical about the value of networking?

Part 2: Where could networking take you?

Long term career goals and how networking can help


Part 3: Barriers to networking

Observing and reflecting to improve our own personal impact

Part 4: What does an effective network look like and do?

Establishing a diverse network


Part 5: Broadening and growing your network

Structured and informal approaches to build your network

Part 6: What they need to know and useful tools and approaches

Identifying what to share with your network and when

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