Unstable Fluid Podcast 7: Find yourself a designated extrovert
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Mar 24, 2025 Thomas and Kat dive into the art of networking for early career researchers. They explore the value of seminars as low-pressure opportunities for connection. Insights on leveraging supervisors and sociable peers to expand your network make for practical advice. Learn how to transform cold emails into warm introductions and coordinate with colleagues before conferences. The duo emphasizes the role of designated extroverts in easing the networking process, ensuring that even the shyest can find their footing in academia.
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Thesis On The Department Shelf Felt Final
- Kat kept a hardbound copy of her thesis and felt emotional placing it on department shelves.
- The tradition made the PhD feel final and connected her to past graduates.
Your Department Is Your First Network
- Your first academic network is already in your department: supervisors, peers, and seminars.
- Treat those inbuilt connections as your initial route to broader networking.
First Conference Grew Into Many Connections
- Thomas attended his first conference knowing only his supervisor and one PhD student.
- By the end he had meaningful conversations with around six to twelve people and followed up by email.