Monday’s (2-2-09) workshop at the University of Michigan School of Social Work is titled Building Relationships to Expand Your Professional Network. Commonly known as “networking” I prefer to focus on the value/ purpose and the ways in which people can identify potential opportunities for building relationships that can ultimately enhance an individuals social capital, access to important information and available opportunities within their field.
Over the course of your academic career you will interact with people in a variety of roles who have varying levels of influence on your career. Your future success in academia is determined not only by your research, publications and teaching but also your ability to navigate the political shoals of academia. Professional networking makes a difference. We will explore ways in which you can expand your network and create mentors out of advisors, department chairs, deans and peers.
What are your thoughts or experiences about networking in the academy?
Several people have emailed me about what can be negotiated in a post doc position. Before negotiating, determine exactly what you want from a post doc and then begin to identify what you need to have a successful post doc experience. Just like any other offer, a post doc has many negotiable points; salary, length of your appointment, available resources to support your travel and participation in conferences, research supplies and support, potential for advancement.
What areas are you most interested in negotiating within your post doc?
What is the first image that comes to your mind when you think about negotiating your first job offer?
Most people I work with have a visceral response to this question that looks similar to a feline coughing up a fur ball. Not a pretty site.
In fact, at one point or another, most of us associate the word negotiation with numerous negative connotations ( fill in the blank with yours). And yet, realistically negotiations are an aspect of everyday life. Consider how much you have had to negotiate with your advisor/committee/peers/partners and others as you navigated though your doctoral program. True, sometimes you may have done better then other times. That will always be the case. Watch the video below to hear a few tips on what to address during your negotiations.
Recent Comments