From academia to industry: keeping the industry connections alive
Overcome imposter syndrome and build meaningful professional relationships beyond academia
Hold onto your pipettes, folks! 🧪
We're back with the third most burning question in our "From academia to industry: networking lessons" series. Last week, we learned how to speak the industry language and where to meet the tribe. 🎉 You've successfully navigated the treacherous waters of industry events, collected a stack of business cards, and maybe even scored a few LinkedIn connections. Bravo! But now you're staring at your phone, paralyzed by the thought of following up. "What do I say?" "Will they remember me?" "Am I bothering them?" Sound familiar?
Fear not, my brilliant friends!
This week, we're tackling the third most burning question in our "From academia to industry: networking lessons" series: "Okay, I've made some industry connections. Now what? How do I keep this networking thing going without feeling like a total imposter?" 🎭Buckle up, because we're about to transform you from a networking newbie into a relationship-building rockstar. Whether you're a STEM savant or a humanities hero, these tips will help you nurture your budding industry network without breaking into a cold sweat. Ready to banish that imposter syndrome and embrace your inner networking ninja? Let's dive in! 🥋🚀
Here's how to build and nurture your budding industry network without breaking into a cold sweat:
☕ Start with "coffee chats" (aka informational interviews):
These are like low-pressure first dates with your industry crushes. Learn about their roles, companies, and how they take their coffee. Here's how to make the most of these chats:Reach out via LinkedIn or email, mentioning any common connections or shared interests.
Keep it casual - propose a virtual coffee chat or an in-person meeting at a local café.
Prepare thoughtful questions about their career path, industry insights, and advice for transitioning academics.
Respect their time - aim for 20-30 minutes unless they indicate otherwise.
Follow up with a thank-you note, referencing something specific from your conversation.
Give before you take:
Share that interesting article you just read or offer your unique academic perspective. It's not all about asking for help - sometimes you're the expert! Here are some ways to contribute:Forward relevant articles with a brief note about why you thought of them.
Offer your expertise if a connection asks for feedback on a project or idea.
Create and share content related to your research or industry observations.
Host a webinar or panel discussion on a topic of shared interest.
Support your connections' initiatives by promoting or participating in them.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Follow up like a pro:
Don't ghost your new connections! A quick "Great to meet you" message can go a long way. Set reminders if you need to - we won't judge. Here's how to master the follow-up:Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing something specific from your conversation.
Set calendar reminders for promised follow-ups.
Check in every few months with relevant articles or updates.
Use holidays or special occasions as natural touchpoints.
Don't hesitate to ask for updates on their projects and share your own progress.
Be the industry news guru:
Spotted a cool trend in your target field? Share it! It's an easy way to stay on people's radars without feeling pushy. Here's how to stay in the loop:Follow industry leaders on LinkedIn and engage with their posts.
Subscribe to industry newsletters for a steady stream of shareable content.
Join online forums or communities to participate in discussions.
Attend webinars and workshops to learn about the latest trends.
Set up Google Alerts for specific industry keywords.
Flex those academic muscles:
Your PhD didn't just teach you about your field. You're a pro at critical thinking, problem-solving, and explaining complex ideas. Use these superpowers in your industry convos! Here's how to leverage your transferable skills:Highlight your critical thinking abilities in analyzing complex problems.
Position yourself as a solutions-oriented professional with your problem-solving skills.
Showcase your communication skills in conveying ideas clearly and effectively.
Emphasize your project management experience from juggling research timelines and resources.
Demonstrate your adaptability in navigating the transition from academia to industry.
Remember, everyone started somewhere. Your industry connections were once newbies too, and most people love to help. The sudden need for networking might feel daunting, especially if you're used to interacting mainly within academic circles. But this feeling is normal, and many have successfully made the switch, bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the table. So take a deep breath, channel your inner networking ninja, and get ready to rock the industry world!
🎸Pro tip: Still feeling like a fish out of water? Grab my industry networking cheat sheet here. It's packed with conversation starters, follow-up templates, and more!
And there you have it, fellow academic adventurers! You're now armed with the tools to transform from a networking newbie to a connection connoisseur. Remember, building and maintaining industry relationships isn't about perfection—it's about authenticity, curiosity, and persistence. As you navigate this brave new world of industry networking, keep these key takeaways in mind:
Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow
Your unique academic background is an asset, not a liability
Consistency and genuine interest go a long way in building relationships
It's okay to feel like an imposter sometimes—even industry veterans do!
So, go forth and conquer those coffee chats, follow-ups, and industry discussions. Your perfect industry role is out there, and with these networking skills, you're one step closer to claiming it. Remember, you've tackled complex research problems and defended your thesis—networking is just another challenge you're more than equipped to handle. You've got this!
P.S. Don't forget to download that networking cheat sheet. It's like having a pocket-sized networking coach with you at all times!
P.P.S. Got a networking win or a hilarious fail to share? Drop me a line! Your story might just feature in our next newsletter (anonymously, of course). After all, we're all in this transition together!
Until next time, keep connecting, keep learning, and keep being your brilliant self!
Dr. A 🎓➡️💼