Expand Your Network: How to Identify Advisors, Mentors, Sponsors and Collaborators for a Successful Career
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This workshop offered tips and advice on how you can support your career advancement by cultivating a professional and personal network by identifying advisors, mentors and sponsors. Presented at the 2015 SACNAS National Conference by Drs. Mary García-Cazarín, Yaihara Fortis-Santiago, Kermin Martínez-Hernández, Nahyr Rovira-Figueroa, and Mónica Feliú-Mójer.
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Expand Your Network: How to Identify Advisors, Mentors, Sponsors and Collaborators for a Successful Career
- 2. Objec3ves • Mechanics of networking and 1-minute biosketch • Understand how networking and mentoring help your career • Self-asses your current network • Common mistakes
- 4. 1-Minute Biosketch/Elevator Pitch • Introduce yourself: be professional Hello, my name is... • Interest/school/job: be concrete I am a senior/junior at _____ high school/college I want to be… I am interested in … • Hook: every word counts, so REHEARSE this part! Discuss your short term goals (geZng into college, poten6al major) Discuss other relevant ac6vi6es: sports, extracurricular • Conclusion: Ask for a business card, email or other contact informa6on Show interest in keeping in touch (and KEEP IN TOUCH) Ask a ques6on or two
- 7. Difference between mentors, sponsors and advisors Mentors Sponsors Advisors A mentor can be a sponsor and an advisor Usually have posi6ons of power Some6mes you have no control over who your advisor is Usually builds personal rela6onships with you They can put in a good word for you Most of the 6me they can only guide you through academic problems or specific issues Knows your cultural background They usually don’t know you that well on a personal level They might not know other aspects of your life Knows your challenges, goals Know your strengths, accomplishments Power dynamics (control over your career) LISTENS to you! Connectors= open doors Have his/her own interest in mind
- 8. Networking Yo u A set of relationships that assist in effectively and efficiently completing one’s tasks and in advancing one’s career.
- 9. Building your network • Have goals and stay focused • Find mentors, sponsors and advisors • Become a mentor if possible • Join professional associa6ons • Have an online professional presence • Engage in organiza6ons/events at your ins6tu6on • Carry your business cards at all 6mes
- 13. Common Mistakes of Networking Differen3ate the ideal from what’s real “It’s really all about the work, so If I just earn good grades and work hard I will be successful” Reac3ve vs. proac3ve “Everyone is so busy, I don’t want to bother anyone” Hyper-individualism “I can do everything myself, I don’t need others” Wai3ng for the perfect mentor “I am looking for a person who can meet all my needs for my en6re life (career, college plans). If only I can find that person..” Narrow belief “Most people outside my community/school can’t understand my unique circumstance (race, immigra6on status, socio-economic background)”
- 14. Common Mistakes of Networking Staying safe I only socialize with people that look like me or that I like Inability to talk about myself I avoid talking about myself or future plans because I don’t want to seem arrogant Self-isola3on I only spend 6me with people I already know Not asking for help I don’t ask for help, assistance, and/or support Perfec3onism I will be isolated un6l I get my life together
- 15. Asking mentors/sponsors for recommenda3on leWers • Give them specific deadlines • Provide clear instruc6ons and 6melines • Explain the purpose of the program/applica6on • Send documents about yourself and program – CV/Resume; Statement of purpose; Bio sketch • Send friendly reminders • Write thank you email and follow up (updates)
- 16. Final remarks • Don’t be afraid to connect with others • Some people will say no but the majority will say yes • Be proac6ve and professional • Be ready to network, especially at professional conferences • Build your network NOW. It’s never too early!