Networking

Due diligence simply means taking reasonable steps to prepare for something. It means getting informed. In industry, due diligence refers to gathering information in order to make an informed decision prior to a merger, acquisition, job hiring, or any other important event. As a PhD, you hold yourself to the same standard. In other words, you should do your own due diligence before choosing a career where you will spend the majority of your daily time and efforts. When it comes to a job search, the most effective way to do your due diligence is by setting up informational interviews…

When a current employee of a company refers a job candidate, that candidate is hired by the company about two-thirds of the time. Top companies only resort to advertising a job when they cannot find the right candidate through other channels, such as ‘word of mouth’ or referrals. This is because advertising jobs online is a painful process for hiring managers. These managers have to wade through thousands of job applications from people they do not know. By setting up an informational interview, you are able to learn about an alternative career while also strategically placing yourself within the hidden…

According to Quint Careers, only 5% of job seekers obtain jobs through online advertisements. Only 15-20% of all available jobs are ever publicly advertised in any medium. Do you now understand how much time you’re wasting by only uploading resumes to jobs you see online? Do you now see how much you’re embarrassing yourself by continuing to do this? Your time is too precious to waste on 5% odds. Why not direct your attention to the other 95%? Here are 3 ways to redesign your job search strategy for a smooth transition into industry.

PhDs face an incredible challenge when it comes to securing jobs. Academia cannot absorb all the graduates that are passing through. On top of this, many PhDs are either unable or unwilling to transition into an industry position. On the other hand, there is an inaccurate image of PhDs from industry. Many companies in industry believe that a PhD’s knowledge base is too specialized. They believe that PhDs have little ability to be multidisciplinary and are trained only for research-type positions. There is a mutual ignorance and mistrust. As a result, if you want a job in industry, you must…

Networking correctly is not easy. If you’re networking correctly, you’re investing your time and energy into developing long-term professional relationships. Networking takes work. It takes effort and engagement. You can’t merely show up to an event, throw a few business cards at people, and expect to get a strong job referral. Instead, you have to show up, build rapport, and offer value even when you feel like you have nothing to offer. The worst thing you can do is show up to an event and beg for connections, cling onto one person the whole night, or check your phone repeatedly.…

You must give value before asking for value. If you want a job in industry, the time to start giving value to hiring managers, recruiters, and industry professionals is now. The reason most PhDs refuse to network with industry professionals is because they don’t think they have any value to offer to these professionals. Either they feel like they’re asking for a handout, which makes them uncomfortable, or they feel like they shouldn’t have to ask for help because help should be given to them automatically. You have value to offer industry professionals, especially if you have a PhD. As…

When it comes to getting an industry job, your network is more valuable than your PhD. Too many PhDs completely ignore the development of their interpersonal skills. As a result, these PhDs act atrociously at networking events. Instead of building strong connections, they repel and annoy industry professionals. These rude PhDS talk incessantly about themselves, interrupt others, talk in condescending tones, and come off as awkward, insecure, and disrespectful. If you ever want a job in industry, you must start networking as if you are already a successful industry professional. You must stop misbehaving at networking events. Here are 7…

The recruiting process is an important part of transitioning into industry and should not be ignored. Doing your homework on the company and position you’re interested in is not enough to secure a non-academic job. You also need to do your homework on the recruiting agency that will best fit your needs. You need to build relationships with these agencies and, more importantly, with individual recruiters. The key is that most recruiters are NOT going to seek you out. You must seek them out. You must send emails, cold call, and follow up over and over until you’ve built a…

If you feel out of place at noisy, crowded networking events, you’re not alone. Studies show that that introverts make up one-third to half of the population. Once you realize you're not alone in your fear or discomfort of networking, things will start getting better. Those other smiling faces at the networking events you've been attending are uncomfortable too. Like you, they’re human. By executing the right strategies, you can start channeling your nervous energy productively. You can go from hiding in the corner at networking events to easily walking up to someone to introduce yourself and ask intelligent questions.…

If you’ve decided to transition into an industry position, there’s nothing your advisor can do to help you or harm you. Getting an industry job is up to you and you alone, so stop fearing your advisor and start standing up for yourself. At first, it may be difficult to say “no” to your advisor or any other high-level academic, but it will get easier over time. Take action now to change the dynamic of your relationship with your advisor and to change the trajectory of your career for the better. Be respectful of your advisor but remember to respect…

By focusing on how to network in today’s economy and academic environment, you can put yourself ahead of the competition and get the industry position of your choice. The key is being strategic in your job search, following up properly, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Developing your interpersonal skills will be vital to your success and will become much more important than your technical skills. Follow these 8 critical networking tips for advancing your career as a PhD.

Learning to follow up properly is the most important thing PhDs can do to get an industry job faster. Instead of showing up to networking events without a plan, start creating specific goals for each event and following up with the people you meet afterwards. Instead of leaving an interview and waiting weeks to hear back, start sending thank you emails the very same day and personal letters the next day. Here are other follow up strategies you should be using.