Science Career Networking Opportunities

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Scientists, let’s talk about “finding a mentor” versus “drafting a board of advisors for your career” ⤵ There’s only one person who I’ve ever referred to as “my mentor." He was the PI of a lab I worked in during high school. He had high expectations which he knew I could live up to - even when I wasn’t so confident. In hindsight, I see how he consistently went out of his way to find funding, publication, and conference opportunities for me. He initiated conversations about PhD programs and fellowship applications. I didn’t grow up in a family of scientists, but he made the path to “becoming a scientist” clear. As a true mentor, he ✅ Used his position to connect me with new opportunities ✅ Advocated for me in rooms I wasn’t in ✅ Showed me a clear path to my desired career ✅ Pushed me to aim higher than I believed I could ✅ Helped me develop new skills I think finding a single person who checks all of those boxes is incredible, but also a rarity. What's slightly more attainable: ➡ A board of advisors for your career ⬅ Under this model, you curate a network of folks who you rely on for mentorship. You don’t need to find a single person who can guide you to your dream career. These folks are people who: ✅Are more experienced or more skilled in areas you want to develop (note: this doesn’t always mean they’re “more senior” than you) ✅Advocate for you when you're not around ✅Have achieved something you want to emulate ✅Believe in you in the moments when things get tough ✅Have differing perspectives and thus can challenge and improve your thinking Just as a company’s board of directors is strategically and deliberately made up of people with different backgrounds and expertise, a diverse board of advisors can help you avoid blind spots as you build your career - and really your life. I think this sort of career guidance and support will absolutely accelerate anyone’s career - but it can be just as useful coming from a board of 4-5 people, rather than in the form of a single mentor. Just some musings for a Monday morning #linkedinnewsaustralia

If you think your technical expertise is enough to protect your career, think again. Ask any leader and they’ll agree - it’s your relationships, not your résumé, that keep you safe. At Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) Convergence, I asked Brian Savoie and Mario Arbesu for the best career advice they’ve ever received. Brian shared something his grandfather told him years ago: your network will keep you safe. And he’s absolutely right. In RA and QA, your network isn’t just a safety net - it’s how you stay current. Regulations shift. The guidance keeps changing. Teams move. Having people you can call, compare notes with and learn from makes all the difference. Because opportunities don’t just come from hard work. They come from people who know you, trust you and remember how you showed up. Then Mario shared something that builds on that perfectly: be a good person to people. Because MedTech is a small world. You’ll cross paths with the same people again - just in different roles, at different companies, wearing different hats. And no one wants to work with someone who makes things harder than they have to be. So what does this look like in practice for RA and QA? It’s checking in with peers when new guidance drops and sharing insights instead of keeping them to yourself. It’s saying yes to mentoring someone who’s just starting out. It’s staying curious, generous and connected - even when you’re busy. Those small things build the trust and credibility that last far longer than any job title. Between them, there’s a truth we don’t talk about enough in RA and QA. Your network keeps you safe. Your character keeps you connected. Be intentional about both. If you take one thing from this, remember that your technical expertise will open doors, but your relationships are what keep them open. Who in your network has helped keep you safe?

I recently go asked "what is one thing that no one tells you about networking when you're an international student?" When I came to the U.S. 6 years ago to study Data Science, I had no idea how important networking would be for my career. Coming from Spain, I thought hard work and a good resume would be enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. As an international student, job hunting comes with extra challenges: visas, sponsorships, and navigating a system that sometimes feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: networking changed everything for me. Here’s what worked: 1️⃣ Reaching out to alumni: - I was at Suffolk University in Boston, and I used LinkedIn to connect with alumni in Data Science. At first, it felt awkward—what could I possibly say? But I learned this: people love sharing advice when you ask the right questions. Instead of asking for jobs, I asked about their journeys, challenges, and advice. Those conversations didn’t just lead to referrals; they gave me confidence and clarity. 2️⃣ Leveraging LinkedIn: - LinkedIn became more than just a job board. I posted about projects I was working on, shared my thoughts on the industry, and commented on others’ posts. Over time, recruiters and professionals in my field started noticing me. 3️⃣ Attending industry events: - From local meetups to webinars, I treated every event as a learning opportunity. The key wasn’t handing out resumes—it was making meaningful connections. One conversation at a career fair even led to an internship that shaped my path. Looking back, I realized networking isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about building relationships. As an international student, those connections helped me navigate a career system I didn’t grow up in, and they became my biggest advantage. What’s your go-to strategy for networking? Let’s share tips below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

If you’re in academia right now — a master’s, PhD, or postdoc — here’s my honest take after 7 years in research: I completely understand that the current job market is brutal. It’s easy to say, “Just move to industry.” It’s not that simple. Some of you are on visas, others are mid-project, and some just feel stuck between wanting stability and chasing opportunity. But what is in your control is how you spend your time in academia. You can either let it narrow your world, or you can use it to prepare for the one outside. I'd say: try to make the most of it. Don’t just survive it. Here’s what I would encourage more people to do early on: - Get really good at communicating your work simply. The ability to make your complex science sound useful, understandable, and relevant will open doors — in industry, policy, startups, and beyond. If you can’t explain it to someone outside your field, you’ll have a tough time translating it into impact. - Build technical depth, but also stay aware of what’s in demand. Deep knowledge + industry relevance gives you your unfair advantage. -Write like you’re translating, not proving. Whether it’s your LinkedIn, resume, or even your next presentation — don’t just say what you studied. Say what you solved. - Treat networking as collaboration, not self-promotion. Try to stay in touch with people who left academia — ask what they wish they had done differently. Half of what you’ll learn about the real biotech world will come from those conversations. Progress in academia often moves in silence (which often feels frustrating) — but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Trust your work, stay patient, and know that your effort will open doors :) I’d love to hear - What’s one thing you wish you had focused on earlier in your academic journey — that you now realize makes a big difference? #academicresearch #biotechcareer

👋 Hey PhDs ... let's talk about career discovery! I meet so many PhD students and postdocs who sit down in my office and ask: ? ? ?  “Where do I even start when it comes to career options?” ? ? ? It’s a familiar challenge. As PhDs, we often face this ‘good problem’ of having so many possible career paths - some we don’t even know exist yet - that it can feel overwhelming. 🌟 I wanted to share with you all how I guide the folks I work with and the resources I share with them to get them started on the journey of career discovery: 1️⃣ Start with conversations. Read this piece on reframing networking: Daunted by Networking? Try the Scientific Method (https://lnkd.in/gvEicyF2). Talk to people in roles you find interesting – that is what gives you real insight without having to dive in blind. 2️⃣ Do some self-reflection. These tools can help translate what matters to you into actual job titles: ▪Skills & Values Inventory Tool (https://lnkd.in/g2B3XrFD) - Reflect on your transferable skills, work preferences, and career values through a guided self-assessment. Gain clarity on what matters most and use your insights to explore new, meaningful career directions. (BONUS: Your results can be plugged directly into Career-Compass to generate personalized career path suggestions!) ▪Career-Compass (https://lnkd.in/g_rtvsSG) - Discover job titles that align with your skills, interests, and values. Think of it as a personal career brainstorming partner. ▪Meaningful Work Kit (Stanford) (https://mwk.stanford.edu/) - A career assessment tool to help you understand and prioritize what makes you thrive. 3️⃣ Connect with people who’ve been there. Check out PhD Paths, especially their list of PhDs willing to connect. Every person on that list is open to being contacted - it’s a great place to start connecting (thank you Ashley Moses!). The career exploration process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, intentional steps - including conversations, reflection, and connection - can open doors you didn’t even know were there. 🔍 Stay curious. Keep exploring. And your next step will come into focus. #PhDLife #PostdocLife #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #STEMCareers #Networking #HeyPhDs

Dear Debbie, Everyone tells me I need to network to find ajob, but I’m an introvert.  Do I really need to network? If so, how do I do it? Networking Novice in Nashville Dear Networking Novice, I totally get it—networking can feel daunting. Throughout my science and technology policy career, I have hated evening receptions, dinners, and the numerous other events that are part of a Washington, DC, policy life. Yet, it's a key part of the job search puzzle and your long-term professional life. I still reach out to contacts I made at events years ago when I have a question. Think of networking as a way to gather insights and understand the job market better, rather than expecting immediate job opportunity identification or offers. It’s like planting seeds for future opportunities. Here’s how to start: 1. Define Your Purpose: Understand why you want to network. Are you looking to gain industry insights or clarify job roles? Do you want to determine if you’re a good match while considering pivoting to a new career path? 2. Craft Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions like, "What does a typical day look like in your role?" or "What skills are essential for success in this field?" Also, ask how they see the job market for their field and gather suggestions on where to find jobs. 3. Identify Contacts: List 5 "warm" contacts you know and 5 "cold" contacts you don’t. This will help you build a diverse network. Put together a database to keep track. 4. Create a Reach-Out Plan: Write LinkedIn and email message templates to connect with these contacts. Start with warm contacts to gain confidence. Develop a brief profile, shorter than your resume, as background information for your emails and DMs. 5. Follow-Up: Don’t forget to thank the person who chatted with you and let them know where you eventually find employment.  Networking is a long-term effort, not a short-term one. Networking opens doors to hidden job markets and can even lead to mentorship. Remember, every conversation is a step forward. Ready to draft your first outreach message, Networking Novice in Nashville? Debbie

I had zero connections in pharma. So I picked up the phone. It changed the entire trajectory of my career. Fresh out of my master’s program, I had knowledge but no network. No connections. No one to make introductions for me. So I made a list of every company I could find in my field and started reaching out. One by one. Eventually, a recruiter called me back. That one conversation introduced me to pharmaceutical sales — a career path I didn’t even know existed. I almost turned down the interview. “I’m a scientist, not a salesperson,” I told myself. But I showed up anyway. That uncomfortable “yes” became a 14-year career in sales. Which led to medical affairs. Then HEOR. Then strategy and pricing. And eventually, senior leadership roles. Was there luck involved? Of course. But none of it would have happened if I’d waited to be discovered. The best opportunities rarely come from waiting. They come from reaching out — especially when it feels uncomfortable. I tell people who reach out to me for career advice this all the time: Create opportunities for yourself by starting conversations — not because every outreach works, but because nothing happens if you don’t try. When you send that cold email, that LinkedIn message, that introduction request, you’re doing something most people won’t do. You’re betting on yourself. You’re creating surface area for luck. You’re refusing to wait for permission. The career you want is often on the other side of one uncomfortable outreach.

Yesterday, our Bioinformatics Accountability Group (BAG) had the chance to host a networking session with Dean Lee. Thank you to everyone who took the time to join, and a special thanks to Dean for such an honest and insightful conversation. As we went around introducing ourselves, our work, and our questions for him, the real elephant in the room was clear: how do we actually navigate job search strategies in computational biology? Even though Dean emphasizes these topics often in his posts, hearing them live, in context, really helped. These were my key takeaways: --> Start early Begin preparing for the job market at least 3 years before you actually need a position. --> Build a job market inventory Systematically track companies you’re interested in: what they do, why their work resonates with you. Save snapshots of job descriptions (JDs) and treat them as data to understand the landscape. --> Create a skills inventory from JDs From those postings, map out the skills that keep appearing. Clarify your tech stack (at least one strong programming language), the data types you can work with, and your biological domain. Avoid saying “bioinformatics” as a catch-all. Be specific about your niche and interests. --> Use projects as your primary currency In academia, novelty is the currency. In industry, it is your skills and execution. Reproducing someone else’s analysis end-to-end, clearly decoding each step and documenting your thinking, can be a very strong signal for hiring managers. --> When JDs are vague, follow the people If job descriptions are not detailed, find computational biologists at that company. Look at the projects and publications that likely helped them get hired. Then, use publicly available data to reproduce something similar and proactively share that work when you reach out. --> Resource mentioned: MSLC Data Science Internship - https://lnkd.in/ga97stfk --> Call for collaboration Our BAG community is working on a Bioinformatics Career Guide. It is not straightforward, and we do not want to oversimplify the path into this field. If you have ideas, resources, or experience (academic or industry) that could help us shape a more honest, practical guide for aspiring computational biologists, we would really appreciate your suggestions and support.

600 applicants. 3 internship positions. That’s a 0.5% acceptance rate. I was fortunate to receive an offer. But here’s what most people won’t say out loud: It wasn’t just my CV. When I first started considering a pivot into industry, I began reaching out to scientists and hiring managers just to learn about their roles. At the time, I thought the value was in the advice. Over time, I realized something more important was happening. People were learning who I was. They remembered me. And when opportunities surfaced, my name came up. One moment stands out. A former lab mate mentioned that their manager was hiring an intern and asked if I wanted an introduction. That introduction led to real conversations with hiring managers. Not blind applications. Not cold submissions. Actual conversations. Eventually, that turned into interviews — and an offer. Later, I learned that over 600 people had applied for just three internship spots in that department. That’s when the lesson fully clicked: It’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you — and is willing to advocate for you when you’re not in the room. Here’s something else that surprised me: Most of the time, when I’ve messaged someone on LinkedIn asking for 15–20 minutes to learn about their work, they’ve said yes. Not always. But far more often than you’d expect. In several cases, those brief conversations led to internal referrals. People are generally willing to pay it forward. But you have to be willing to reach out. You can’t name-drop your way into opportunity. But if someone remembers your curiosity, preparation, and follow-through — that becomes real career currency. Publications build technical depth. Networking builds access. And access changes outcomes. If you’re early in your PhD and even slightly considering industry: Start now. • Reach out to alumni once a month (attend campus events) • Ask for short, focused conversations (~15-20 minutes over Zoom) • Prepare thoughtful questions (research their LinkedIn/company profile) • Follow up with gratitude (email no later than 24 hours) • Stay in touch without asking for something immediately (~3-6 months) Don’t wait until your final year. Relationships compound. Question: What’s one conversation that unexpectedly opened a door for you?