![\"IMG_3286-smaller\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.nature.com\/naturejobs\/files\/2017\/01\/IMG_3286-smaller.jpg\" "\\"IMG_3286-smaller\\"")
<\/a>Conferences provide you with a literal stage to gain connections<\/p><\/div>\n
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When developing a network, it\u2019s important to surround yourself with diversity: try to meet scientists, technicians, business managers and others to share ideas with and be challenged by. Everyone has the potential to teach you something new.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I did to grow my network:<\/p>\n
Conference and workshop attendance<\/h2>\n
This is important. Visiting a variety of events allows you to see what\u2019s \u2018up and coming\u2019 in fields outside your own as well as within your own, and might present new ways of tackling an issue. Conferences provide an excellent opportunity to widening your network, especially if you seek opportunities to present, as it provides you \u2014 literally \u2014 with a stage to make sure people notice you and your research.<\/p>\n
It is also important that you attend both local and international meetings; this allows you to build a variety of networks. Try to target one or two annual conferences and attend on a regular basis, as this further helps to establish your profile.<\/p>\n
Social media<\/h2>\n
In a technology-driven world, social media portals such as Twitter, ResearchGate, or LinkedIn play a vital role in your own networking, as they allow you to connect with people easily, and help to build name recognition. These sites also allow you to share achievements such as publications or conference attendances, and also follow developments in areas of interest. So make sure you establish a digital foot-print.<\/p>\n
Collaborations<\/h2>\n
By working with range of people, you\u2019ll learn a great deal and receive greater motivation to help you complete the work as the enthusiasm and support of the people involved will act as a driver for you work. It also allows for you to create new links which in turn could open up new opportunities.<\/p>\n
Publications<\/h2>\n
Publications, whether at a conference, as blog posts, or in peer-reviewed journals, are an important way of building your profile, sharing your knowledge, and advancing your scientific career.<\/p>\n
Informal meetings and coffee breaks<\/h2>\n
Chatting to your colleagues, and visiting communal areas such as the caf\u00e9 can work wonders. Personally, I\u2019ve picked up new projects just from chatting to others in my department.<\/p>\n
These are just some of the things that I\u2019ve found to have helped my career in bioinformatics. Networking provides numerous opportunities for self-development, from being up-to-date in the field to enhancing my resource base. So there\u2019s your cheat sheet \u2013 go meet some people and make it a regular activity in your life!<\/p>\n
<\/a>Amali H. Thrimawithana<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Amali is a key bioinformatician at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, where she contributes to various research projects on fungal pathogens, insect pests and plants by undertaking bioinformatics and biostatistics analysis of NGS data. She focusses on understanding insect pests of important horticultural crops, as well as genome exploration of native New Zealand plant species.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suggested posts<\/strong><\/p>\n Skills for your next networking adventure<\/a><\/p>\n Selling yourself: 7 sales techniques to advance your career<\/a><\/p>\n Networking: Forge ahead<\/a><\/p>\n 6 networking questions to find the best employers<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Networking plays a vital role in any scientist\u2019s career development, being one of the main ingredients in building a professional profile. It feels especially essential in my own field of informatics and data science, where techniques and technology are rapidly evolving and cross-discipline collaborations are rampant. Read more<\/a> Continue reading