Attending conferences, such as the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, is the easiest way to meet new people in your field and find future collaborators and potential mentors! Remember that a scientist is not shaped by one mentor—it takes a community to build a scientist! Here are some tips for successful networking during the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo.
Before the Conference
Do Your Homework and Read through the Program
Write down at least two to three talks or posters per day that you would like to attend and meet the presenter. Knowing in advance with whom you want to network will make the networking smoother and gives you the opportunity to read a little bit about these researchers.
Sign Up for Networking Opportunities
SOT has several events that are dedicated to networking, such as Chat with an Expert and the Student/Postdoctoral Scholar Mixer. These events will give you a one-on-one opportunity to make new friends in science. Remember that connecting with experts in the field is great, but getting to know your peers might come in handy at the next steps in your career! Don’t forget that both horizontal and vertical networking are equally valuable.
Join SOT Regional Chapters, Special Interest Groups, or Specialty Sections
These groups organize social events throughout the meeting and are a great way to connect with people with your interests. Not to mention that there are usually free food and drinks at these events, and who is mad when they have a platter full of snacks? Also, remember that you do not have to be a member of a group to attend their events—all are welcome!
During the Conference
Use Your Business Cards
You will meet a lot of people at SOT, and it can be hard to keep track of names or emails. Bring your business card so that people you meet don´t forget about you—plus, it looks professional.
Don’t Think about It Twice, Just Go for It
It is sometimes challenging to just approach an expert and start introducing yourself. You might think, “I am just a student, and they will not care about me.” Well, avoid those thoughts because they are usually wrong! Senior scientists know that their success in science is not just exclusively the fruit of their work but a result of the continuous support from other scientists. Once upon a time, they also were students and often are delighted to chat to new scientists like you!
Focus and Be Active
Attending the meeting is a great opportunity to meet people, so don’t waste your time working on your computer or another project—they can wait. If you have some free time between sessions, go explore the exhibits and posters or even sit down in a round table and talk to people around you!
After the Conference
Keep in Touch
Once you have made those connections, it is easy to go back to the routine of the lab and forget about those contacts. Try sending a follow-up email after the conference to show your enthusiasm and make your name remembered.
Connect
Before you forget all those names and faces, add them on your LinkedIn! And remember to interact with them throughout the year. You can send a quick message asking whether they are attending the next meeting or maybe congratulate them when they announce a new grant or publication!
Informational Interviews
You can schedule meetings with people that you met if you want to learn more about their career pathway or to build future relationships. For example, if you are curious about what it is like to work in a government position, meet someone at SOT and ask them for a short chat about that career pathway! Remember to be professional and prepared with questions for the interview and thank them for offering their time.
Altogether, try to make the most out of the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo and remember that networking is a key aspect of your career development as a scientist.
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