What are the most effective questions to ask when networking in R&D?

1 Ask about their current projects

Starting a conversation with someone in R&D is easy and natural. Show genuine interest in their current projects, respect their expertise and passion, and learn more about their field, methods, tools, and challenges. Ask questions such as what they are working on, the main goals and outcomes of their project, the most exciting or challenging aspects of it, how they got involved, and the skills or knowledge needed for the project. This will give you an opportunity to gain insight into their work.

3 Ask about their future plans and goals

Networking with someone in R&D can be greatly enhanced by asking questions about their future plans and goals. This demonstrates your curiosity and support for their ambitions, as well as providing a chance to offer advice, feedback, or resources, or to explore potential collaborations or opportunities. You could inquire about the projects or topics they want to work on next, the skills or knowledge they want to learn or enhance in the future, their goals or aspirations for their career or personal growth, how they plan to pursue or accomplish their goals, and what challenges or risks they anticipate in pursuing their goals.

4 Ask about their interests and hobbies

Networking with someone in R&D can be made fun and engaging by asking them about their interests and hobbies outside of work. This demonstrates that you care about them as a person, not just as a professional. It also helps you learn about their passions, talents, and personality, and potentially bond over shared or complimentary interests. Possible questions to ask include: what do you like to do in your free time? What hobbies or activities are you passionate about or would like to try? What books, movies, shows, or music do you like or recommend? How do you balance your work and personal life? And how do your interests or hobbies influence or relate to your work?

5 Ask for their advice or feedback

Networking with someone in R&D is a great way to gain insight and demonstrate your skills. Asking them for advice or feedback on something you are working on or interested in shows that you value their opinion and expertise, as well as that you are open to learning and improving. You could ask questions such as what they think of your idea or project, how they would approach a problem or challenge, what best practices they can suggest, how they measure progress or success in the area, and what resources or tools they use or recommend. This could help you gain new insights, perspectives, or solutions, as well as demonstrate your potential.

6 Ask for their contact information or follow-up

Networking with someone in R&D is an essential way to build a relationship and create opportunities for further communication or collaboration. To do this, you can ask them questions such as how they can be reached, if they have a website or social media account to follow, if they would like to meet again or join an event or group, and if you can introduce them to someone relevant. Asking for contact information or follow-up action shows that you are interested in staying in touch and are proactive and reliable. It also helps you maintain and strengthen your connection.