Mastering Conference Networking: A Guide for STEM Job Seekers

With conference season upon us, this is a prime opportunity for STEM professionals – especially those on the job hunt – to invest time in growing your network and showcase your expertise to relevant stakeholders. Regardless of where you are in your career or how much experience you have with attending conferences, making the most of these events can be a game-changer to advance your career. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about strategically navigating the opportunities for networking that conferences offer. Here are some best practices to help you make the most out of your next event.

Planned Conference Networking: Making the Most of Scheduled Interactions

Before an upcoming conference, it is important to consider who will be attending and how you will interact with them. Planned networking at conferences happens when you know in advance who you want to connect with. This could be through conference workshops, panels, or even direct outreach to someone on LinkedIn or email before the event to set up a meeting.

Planned networking can be particularly fruitful because it allows you to target individuals and organizations who align with your goals. Proper preparation before attending a conference is essential for successful networking.?

Best practices for planned networking:

• Set clear goals: Know what you’re trying to achieve. Are you looking for a job? A mentor? A collaborator for your research? Being clear about your goals will help you steer conversations and keep them focused.
• Research in advance: Look up key people attending the conference—speakers, industry leaders, hiring managers, or researchers whose work you admire. Having some background information will allow you to engage in more meaningful conversations.
• Use conference resources: If the conference has a website or app, this can be used to make connections in advance. Building out your profile as a way to showcase your skills and experience is a great way to get people to want to meet with you.?
• Be prepared: Bring business cards, copies of your CV or resume, or even a published paper or abstract related to the conference topic. These tangible materials give people something to remember you by after the event.

Planned networking at conferences can be an extremely effective tactic to help you in your job search and career development. This is your chance to be memorable and stand above the masses to make a lasting impression. By strategically interacting with individuals you know can assist or influence your search, you will increase your odds of success. However, don’t forget that networking can happen in less structured ways too.

Spontaneous Conference Networking: Seizing Opportunities in the Moment

Some of the most impactful networking happens unexpectedly—while waiting in line for coffee, sitting next to someone during a talk, or joining a conversation during a break. These unplanned moments offer a more casual setting, which can lead to deeper, more authentic interactions.

Advice in Action

Unplanned interactions are some of the most impactful interactions I have at conferences.??

“I feel like I haven't done my job if I don't make at least 3-5 new relationships and business connections at a conference for my job at BARDA. This does require that I get out of my comfort zone and put into action all of these spontaneous activities. It takes effort to do this and I have to overcome the 'approach anxiety,' fear, and uncomfortable feelings that might occur in order to make these connections and have meaningful conversations. However, they can lead to amazing and unexpected positive outcomes. They have for me over and over again.?

I probably attend 6-8 conferences per year for BARDA where I have to do all of these things. So, I'm right there with you.”

How to approach unplanned networking:

• Be approachable: Even when you’re tired after a long day of sessions, maintaining an outwardly open and friendly demeanor is essential to spark conversation. People are less likely to speak to you if you don’t look like you are open to talking with them. Avoid burying yourself in your phone during breaks; instead, use the downtime to strike up a conversation with the person next to you. If you don’t know where to start, begin with a compliment or observation.?
• Stay open-minded: Not every conversation will lead to a job or professional opportunity, but you never know what might come out of it. Someone you meet casually could introduce you to their colleague who’s hiring, offer you advice that shifts your job search strategy, or even help you solve a problem that you’ve been struggling with in your research or other area.
• Know when to end a conversation: Be self aware and observe the other person's elevator pitch, be mindful of the other person’s engagement. If a conversation starts to feel forced or runs its course, gracefully exit by thanking the person for their time and leaving the door open for future interaction.

Control What You Can: Be Prepared

Preparation is essential for successful planned and unplanned networking. In public settings, it’s impossible to control every aspect of networking. But there are a few things you can prepare in advance to maximize your chances of success.

• Have a goal in mind: Know what you’re trying to achieve from the conference or conversation. This will help guide your interactions and ensure you’re making purposeful connections.
• Aim for contact info: Business cards are a must. Business cards are a useful tool, even in today’s digital age.? There are plenty of digital contact relationship management tools available - such as LinkedIn, which is used by most of the world’s professionals. The bottom line, having a quick and easy way to share information is paramount. (If your LinkedIn profile isn’t “networking ready” - we can help!)?
• Follow up: After the conference, take time to send follow-up emails to the people you connected with. This can be as simple as thanking them for their time and expressing interest in staying in touch. If there was an action item or next step that came out of your conversation with someone, be sure to reach out to them in a timely manner to set the best impression possible.?

Final Thoughts

Conference networking, whether planned or spontaneous, is a powerful way to build connections, learn about job opportunities, and showcase your unique value. With practice, you can build your confidence to tackle planned and unplanned conversations with ease. By being prepared, staying attuned to your audience, and taking advantage of every opportunity, you can make these events a critical part of your job search strategy and professional development for years to come.

Would you like to be better prepared for conference networking or build a knock-out elevator pitch? Schedule a free consultation and speak with a STEM Career Services coach today.?