Networking In Psychology

If you want to build a network in 30 days, read this: Goal: Build a foundation for your professional network by forming genuine connections with 10 individuals relevant to your career goals. Before you start: Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by building your network? (e.g., career advice, industry knowledge, potential job opportunities) Identify target individuals: Who are the people you want to connect with? Consider their expertise, experience, and potential value in achieving your goals. Days 1-10: Laying the groundwork Utilize social media: Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders. Start small: Reach out to 2-3 people you haven't spoken to recently or connect with 1-2 new contacts. Personalize your message and focus on value. Attend online events: Look for webinars, online conferences, or workshops related to your field. Participate actively and introduce yourself to others virtually. Identify industry influencers: Research thought leaders and key players in your field. Follow their work and engage with their content online. Volunteer your expertise: Research volunteer opportunities related to your industry. This allows you to give back, network, and build your reputation. Days 11-20: Building connections Follow-up with initial contacts: Send a follow-up email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Engage in online communities: Participate in relevant online discussions. Offer your insights, answer questions, and build your online presence. Connect through mutual connections: Research your existing network for potential connections who know people you'd like to meet. Seek introductions and personalize your outreach. Attend local events: Look for industry meetups, networking events, or conferences in your area. Prepare conversation starters and actively connect with new people. Leverage alumni networks: If you're a college graduate, reconnect with alumni in your field through professional groups or university resources. Days 21-30: Nurturing relationships Share valuable content: Share relevant articles, industry news, or resources with your connections through emails or social media. Offer congratulations and support: Celebrate your network's achievements and offer support during challenges. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Schedule informational interviews: Reach out to individuals you admire and request informational interviews. Use this opportunity to learn more about their career path and gain insights. Be a resource: Look for ways to help others in your network by offering introductions, sharing opportunities, or providing relevant information. Schedule coffee chats: Invite 1-2 people you've connected with for virtual or in-person coffee chats to deepen your relationships and explore potential collaborations. Source: "Reach Out" by Molly Beck

A common pain point students struggle with? Networking outreach They know they should be reaching out to professors, alumni, industry professionals, etc. But don't know what to say in their outreach. Here's a battle-tested approach the students I work with use when drafting their message: → Prep • Research the person on LinkedIn, Google, etc. • Identify common ground between you two • Think about why you are connecting → Structure [1] Intro + common ground [2] Purpose for outreach [3] Call to action (CTA) → CTA • Clear, reasonable ask • Make it a request, not a demand • If you ask for a meeting, provide availability* (*Unless you do so in a LI connection note where space is limited.) — Let's imagine you're looking for an informational interview with an alum who is in your target field. Common ground = Your university Purpose = To learn about their role / field CTA = Request for an informational interview Email is typically your best bet because the average person checks their inbox several times a day. However, LinkedIn can be another effective avenue. (Example templates for both email and LI connection note are in the carousel.) If you have a mutual connection, it can be beneficial to namedrop them in your email. A simple sentence like “Professor Jackson recommended that I reach out to you regarding [topic].” will do. — Does this approach guarantee a response? No. Is this the only way to go about this? No. But it's an approach that has helped many of my students initiate meaningful conversations and relationships. Your outreach is the first impression you give, so it's worth paying attention to. — PS. If connecting via LI, always check if the person has an "Open Profile" (simply click on "Message"). If they do, you can send them a DM without connecting, even if you don't have Premium.

💡 Why networking is important for research projects and consortia? 💊 In our 10-year research project (now in year 6) and multi-country consortia (9 partners), we have a work package - Networking, which I am co-leading. The aim is to create an environment that enables knowledge sharing and fosters long-standing research partnerships. Our Networking initiative is two-fold: - Networking within the Network: focused on enhancing inter-institutional communication, organizing joint activities, and fostering knowledge sharing and partnerships among our consortium. - Networking outside the Network: collaborating with local and global research initiatives, experts, and communities to create visibility, reputation, and connectivity. Our activities include topic-specific symposia at the forefront conferences in the field; "coffee clubs" for junior-senior scientist exchange; writing of joint (expert) opinions and statements; joint funding applications and of course social gatherings. Often overlooked, networking activities are invaluable and deserve a spotlight. Honestly, I am grateful to the funding body for recognizing its significance as a separate work package and including the milestones to report on. Here's why: 🤝 Networking enables interdisciplinary approaches, breaking silos and enriching our research endeavors. 🔍 Networking provides a platform for researchers to exchange information, share insights, support each other, and stay updated on the latest developments in their respective fields. 🗺 Engaging with researchers worldwide broadens our horizons, fosters diversity in thinking, and elevates the global impact of our research. There are countless more benefits! Share your experiences and examples. P.S. We also have a Policy work package 😉 #Research #Networking #Collaboration #Innovation

Networking for Introverts Lessons from my Singapore Management University workshop Networking advice often sounds the same: "Speak up, hand out business cards, follow up within 24 hours." Useful, yes—but let's take it a step further. Here’s the advice that’s helped even the shyest professionals stand out: 1️⃣ Do Recon on Attendees (Without Being Creepy) Before events, research key attendees or speakers on LinkedIn. Note shared interests or recent achievements to weave into conversations. And if Wi-Fi is spotty at events? Save profiles offline for reference. Being prepared makes even the most introverted among us feel in control. 2️⃣ Ask Thoughtful, Unexpected Questions After building some quick rapport, try asking: "What’s the most exciting thing happening in your industry right now?" "If you weren’t in [current role], what would you be doing?" It shows genuine curiosity and sparks meaningful conversations. 3️⃣ It’s not about you—it’s about them. Practice active listening to uncover their hidden professional needs. Ask questions like, “What’s been your biggest challenge this year?” and offer insights or solutions. Giving value leaves a lasting impression. Networking doesn’t have to feel forced or superficial. Introverts can thrive by leveraging their strengths—preparation, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to connect. What’s one unorthodox networking tip that’s worked for you? Share it in the comments! 👇

Conferences used to drain me. As an introvert, I would stand awkwardly holding a coffee, wondering how everyone else made networking look so easy. Here are 5 hacks that helped me—and might help you too: 1/ Create Your Personal Energy Zones: Don’t try to network the whole time. Set specific "on" times for socializing and give yourself "off" breaks to recharge. The key isn’t to stay active but to be strategic about when you are. 2/ Be a Connector, Not a Networker: Shift your focus from trying to meet people for yourself to helping others connect. It’s less stressful, and you'll be remembered as someone who brings value. 3/ Use "Curiosity Openers": Instead of preparing boring questions, try asking what excites them about their work or what drives them. It turns small talk into meaningful conversations. 4/ Leverage Your Quiet Presence: You don’t have to be loud to make an impact. Own your silence. Sometimes, standing calmly in a room of chatter makes you more approachable and memorable. 5/ Network After the Event is Over: Some of the best connections happen in the follow-up. Use LinkedIn or email to deepen conversations after the initial meeting, where it’s quieter and more personal. Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing our strengths, we can build meaningful connections. == P.S.: What are your go-to networking tips? Share them in the comments! #introvert #personaldevelopment #networking

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

NEXTGEN PSY TOOLKIT Curated by: Mohammad Zeshan Helping young psychologists grow beyond traditional boundaries. 1. INTERNATIONAL JOB & FREELANCE PLATFORMS Where psychologists can find global work: BetterHelp – Online therapy (requires licensing in some countries) Talkspace – Therapy and mental health support Upwork / Fiverr – Freelance psychology services (coaching, research, report writing) MindsMatch – AI-driven therapist-matching startup hiring remote UN Jobs / ReliefWeb – Global NGO/UN mental health positions Therapist Aid (USA-based) – For those building private practice with resource material Indeed (UK, Canada, Australia) – Search "Remote Psychology" or "Mental Health Remote" 2. TOOLS TO LEARN & APPLY Modern tech psychologists should know: Notion / Trello – Organize sessions, clients, and projects Otter.ai – Transcribe counseling sessions and notes Canva / Adobe Express – Design therapy worksheets, carousels for social GPT-4 (ChatGPT Plus) – Use AI to draft session notes, psychoeducation content SuperBetter / Woebot – Study gamified mental health interventions Google Trends & Keywords Everywhere – Identify mental health trends for content creation 3. STRATEGY TO SCALE IN 2025 A roadmap to grow from a psychology graduate to a global mental health professional: Step 1: Build Your Brand Online Optimize LinkedIn & Instagram with “Psychologist helping ___ with ___” Share consistent, practical mental health content Include testimonials and work samples Step 2: Go Global with Micro Credentials Coursera: “Psychological First Aid” by Johns Hopkins edX: “AI and Ethics” or “Digital Health” Udemy: CBT, REBT, Trauma Therapy, or AI for therapists FutureLearn: Human-centered AI, UX and behavior Step 3: Monetize Smartly Offer DM-based micro-coaching or email therapy packages Launch a paid WhatsApp group or Telegram circle for mental wellness Offer content creation for NGOs or health startups Create and sell psychoeducation courses or worksheets on Gumroad . Bonus – Key Trends to Watch Psy + AI integration Youth and climate anxiety programs Men’s mental health & masculinity coaching Migration-related psychological support (ICMPD-like models)

Want to Build a Strong Network Before Graduation? For many students, the word “networking” can sound intimidating, something reserved for corporate conferences and formal emails. Networking isn’t reserved for people with years of experience. In fact, as a student, you’re in the perfect stage to start building meaningful connections. Whether it’s asking a senior for internship advice or DM’ing a founder after a college seminar, you’re building connections. You just need to do it intentionally. Some practical & professional networking tips that can make real difference: 🔹1. Make LinkedIn Your Best Friend LinkedIn isn’t just a place to upload your resume and forget about it. It’s a powerful platform for building your personal brand, expanding your network and learning directly from professionals in your field of interest. - Don’t just connect, send a short-personalized note. - Like, comment and share posts before you message someone. Build familiarity before asking for favors. 🔹2. Professors, Alumni and Seniors = Goldmine Your college network is your warmest lead. Most people ignore it. - Attend alumni meet. - DM seniors on LinkedIn who work where you want to intern. - Ask professors to connect you with industry contacts many are willing, but you have to ask. 🔹3. Give Before You Ask No, you don’t need a 5-year resume to offer value. Share someone’s post, write a thank-you note, or tag a speaker after a session you attended. These small gestures go a long way in building genuine connections. Remember: in networking, value isn’t always about knowledge, it’s about kindness, curiosity and contribution. 🔹4. Follow Up Professionally - If someone gives you their time or guidance, always follow up. - Say thank you. Let them know if their advice helped. - If you’re waiting on a response for an opportunity, a polite follow-up after a week shows initiative, not desperation. 🔹5. Be Patient and Consistent Building a professional network takes time, it’s not about instant results. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get replies immediately or if some connections don’t lead anywhere right away. Stay consistent in engaging, learning and reaching out. Over time, these efforts compound into meaningful relationships and opportunities. Networking isn’t about selling yourself. It’s about showing up with curiosity and respect. So don’t wait until you graduate. Start today, with curiosity, consistency and confidence. #StudentNetworking #LinkedInTips #CareerGrowth #CollegeToCorporate #GenZProfessional #InternshipAdvice

Most university students hear “networking is important” — but nobody tells them how to do it without feeling awkward or cringe. Here’s the truth: networking is not about collecting 500 contacts on LinkedIn. It’s about building genuine relationships that help you grow. If you’re still in university, start small: ➡️ Stay in touch with alumni – Ask them about their journey, don’t just ask for jobs. ➡️ Connect with guest speakers – A simple “thank you, I learned XYZ from your talk” message goes a long way. ➡️ Join LinkedIn/student groups – Engage in discussions, share your perspective, ask questions. ➡️ Support your peers – Your classmates will be future managers, founders, and leaders.(Controversial 😅) Networking is not about “using people.” It’s about adding value, learning, and staying curious. Start today — send one meaningful message to someone you admire. You’ll be surprised where that one conversation can lead.

“Networking is awkward.” You know what’s more awkward? Graduating in May 2025 and applying to 127 jobs with… zero callbacks. Let’s fix that with networking ideas no one’s talking about. and I mean actionable.. 1. “Reverse Research” Your Way Into a Conversation Instead of asking people what they do, show them what you know about what they’ve done. How to do it: Find someone on LinkedIn in your target company/role Read their posts, podcasts, or panels they’ve been on Then send this message: “Hi [Name], I came across your [talk/article/post] on [topic]—your point about [insight] made me think differently. I’m researching [industry], and would love to hear your take on [specific follow-up]. Would it be okay to connect?” That’s conversation built on respect. 2. Book Club for Industry Geeks Start a virtual book or podcast club for your industry. Invite professionals to speak at the end of each cycle. How to do it: Pick 3 peers + 1 book or podcast Create a simple calendar (4 weeks = 4 touchpoints) End with a “Wrap-Up” Zoom chat—invite a guest Post your takeaways on LinkedIn and tag them Because learning together? Is the strongest way to network. 3. Write A “Public Thank You” Post on LinkedIn You probably learned something cool from someone recently. Now imagine you posted it publicly, gave them a shoutout, and showed how you applied it. How to do it: Tag the person Share what they taught you Share what you did next Ask your network, “What’s something YOU learned from someone this month?” You just gave free visibility, created a loop, and 10 people will want to talk to you after. 4. Turn Informational Chats into Co-Creation Networking chats often stop at “thanks for the time.” What if it didn’t? What to do: After the call, send a note: “Hey [Name], based on our chat about [topic], I drafted a small idea to build on your advice. Would love your thoughts!” Create a graphic, short write-up, or project plan (just 1 page!) Now you’re not just a student. You’re someone they collaborated with. That’s relationship-building, not just networking. 5. The 5-5-5 Strategy Most people get stuck on who to reach out to. Here’s a weekly formula: 5 People You Admire (Founders, creatives) 5 People From Your School Network (Alums, professors, guest speakers) 5 Peers Who Are Also Job Hunting (Build a support circle, swap leads) Message all 15. Repeat weekly. That’s 156 conversations in 3 months. You don’t “find” jobs—you build the path to them. Reminder: Networking isn’t about who has the fanciest title. It’s about who remembers you when an opportunity comes up. Be the person who listened, learned, shared, and followed up. If you’re reading this and job searching— try one new method this week. Not next month. Not when it feels “less scary.” Now. You’re not late. #May2025Grads #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #GradJobHunt #BeyondTheResume #HumanConnection #Topmate