Alla Volodina Blog- Learn everything about building an academic network

 When we hear the word  ‘network’, we think of all the possible events particularly created for that purpose. But networking has a deeper meaning than that, it is more structured. Networking is one of the first steps you take to build up a career. If you’re ambitious and want to build a great career, alla volodina blog can help you to know more about it. 

Do you want to become successful? Apart from becoming an expert in your field, building a strong network is crucial to your success. No matter how you do it, the one thing to keep in mind is that, a stronger and secure network will lead to a better career.
Now let’s take a closer look at how to build up a strong academic network:

Talk to your supervisor

As an initial step, talking to your supervisor can further simplify things for you. Already being in the field of academics, your supervisor has probably built up quite a few connections. Therefore, your supervisor is the best person to take advice from. The supervisor will guide you on which people to contact or not. All you need to do is create a positive connection with the supervisor to form a strong network.

Connect to an association

If you want to further expand your options, make sure to connect to an academic association. It’s important to make certain things clear before you join an association:

• Ensure that the group has members who share similar academic interests with you.
• The membership fees should be reasonable for graduates and the students beginning their careers.
• The association must have personal development and training opportunities
• The association should offer funding or publication opportunities.
• Finally, what you need to look for is a network of people you want to associate with.

If an association consists of all of the points mentioned above and is something that you are looking for, then join it!

Actively Engage

Gatherings like conferences are meant to get people together. All you need to do is actively participate. Be a part of panels, discussions, talk to people and ask as many questions as you can. Put yourself out there!
Even when you are on a lunch or a coffee break, make sure to socialize. You can find someone you can click with on an academic or a social level. If you find someone like that, make sure to take his/her contact information and stay in touch.

Attend guest lectures

If any department or your supervisor organizes a guest lecture, go and attend it! Guest lectures can be beneficial, as the lectures usually share their personal experiences from which you can learn a lot. You can ask questions during the lecture or send a related email to the lecturer. This way you can build up a connection with the lecture. Such lectures are an excellent opportunity to link with other visitors.

Always keep in touch

All the contacts you build up, use it. Add them on LinkedIn or send a follow-up email. Stay in touch with them, ask questions you have related to your career or any other information you want to get. You will be amazed at who replies.
Maintaining connections is the best way to grow your connections. The network you build will be a part of your academic or professional future.
Learn more about creative learning techniques on alla volodina blog.​