6 Steps For Life Science PhDs to Build Their Industry Network Without Ever Leaving the Lab

Welcome! In this post we will review methods that you can use to start building your network right away, without needing to leave the lab.

Why are we focusing on this?

Your network is one of your most valuable assets and most industry insiders will tell you that they got their first job by leveraging application skills and their network.

Isn't it better to network in person?

Networking in person is a very good idea, and I recommend it highly.

Then why are you focusing on networking without leaving the lab?

Most life science PhDs are required to spend most of their time in the lab. By using this method you can start networking now, even if you are busy in the lab.

Let's get started.

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Step 1 - Searching

1. Search LinkedIn for the role you want
2. Filter by "People" up top
3. Click "Location" and type in a nearby city
4. Select a person to connect with

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Step 2 - Connecting

1. Don't just click "connect"
2. Send a personalized invitation
3. Don't ask for favors. Ask for information
4. To stand out, be specific

Bad Example

Hi Mike. Saw that you work at company X. Could I send you my CV to give to a hiring manager for job Y?

Good Example

Hi Mike. Really interested in the product line X that you are developing. I would love to learn more about what your day to day experiences have been like in your role at company Y. I am fascinated by product development. Thanks for reading this!

Remember - a thoughtful message makes you stand out!

Step 3 - Research The Company

1. While you are waiting for a response, look up the company website
2. Read about company mission and values
3. Look at their pipeline to see what products are being launched
4. Come up with specific questions about challenges in launching the product, company culture, what is valued there, what success looks like, how to stand out as an applicant, etc.

Step 4 - Engaging

1. Thank the person for accepting your invitation to connect
2. Say you would like to meet for an informational interview to better understand specific aspects of working at the company. Provide examples of the types of questions that you have.
3. Give them time to respond and schedule
4. If no response after one week, send follow-up
5. If no response after that, move on

Step 5 - The Informational Interview

1. Show up to the meeting on-time
2. Introduce yourself
3. Give overview of question list
4. Ask questions, and take notes on responses
5. Don't go over on time

Pro tip: When the interview is over, tell them how much you appreciate that they gave their time to help you. Ask them if there is anything you can do to help them back. Ask if there is anyone else they think you should meet. This is how to build momentum.

Step 6 - The Followup

1. Craft a short email thanking for their time
2. Include bullet points of what you learned
3. State actions that you will take next
4. Say you would like to stay in touch
5. Send within 48 hours of the first meeting

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Wrapping it up

I hope the steps that I shared above can serve as an entry point for you to begin networking. The best time to network is when you don't need anything and it isn't urgent. When the relationship is transactional, people can usually tell. If you're in a pinch and need 1:1 advising, that is something that I provide. I also leverage my existing network to help you. Check out my advising page if you want to learn more.

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