A step-by-step guide for scientists who hate conference networking

"For some academics, conference networking can be energizing - offering a chance to connect, learn from others and explore new ideas. But for others, the prospect of 'schmoozing' at a reception crowded with senior scientists and other established figures can feel daunting. Networking is not always easy, especially in spaces in which everyone else seems confident and as if they already know each other."

"For early-career researchers in particular, approaching senior academics often feels intimidating, exposing feelings of uncertainty or 'imposter syndrome' - the idea that your success is somehow undeserved. When walking into a room where you know no one, it's common to feel out of place, to struggle to break into a conversation or to worry about saying the wrong thing."

"Next time you join a conference lunch, coffee break or post-event drinks, perhaps with some trepidation, try to remember that networking can take many forms, and you might not be a stranger to it after all. If you've ever asked a colleague or mentor for advice, collaborated on a paper, contributed to a research group or chatted to a speaker after a seminar, you have networked."

"Networking supports career development in tangible ways. It makes you known beyond your immediate laboratory or department and throws your name into the ring for collaborations, funding opportunities and new roles. It can also open up 'sliding‑doors moments' - points at which two professional paths present themselves and your decision shapes the direction of your career."

Conference networking can energize some people by enabling connection, learning, and idea exchange, while others find crowded receptions and senior figures daunting. Early-career researchers may feel out of place when entering rooms with no known contacts, struggle to join conversations, and experience imposter syndrome. Networking can take many forms beyond formal schmoozing, including asking colleagues or mentors for advice, collaborating on papers, contributing to research groups, and chatting with speakers after seminars. Networking also occurs during meetings, in research groups and committees, and through informal peer conversations. Viewing networking as a way to increase professional visibility and demonstrate credibility supports career development by expanding recognition beyond a lab or department, enabling collaborations, funding, and new roles, and creating sliding-doors moments that shape career direction.

Read at Nature