EGU Blogs

networking

A real-world example of ‘networking’ success

One piece of advice that Early Career Researchers (certainly including PhD students) encounter repeatedly is this concept of ‘developing academic networks’ that may potentially lead to collaborative research and ideally a job in the future. I often wondered what on earth that actually meant when I started my PhD. Attending conferences and speaking to colleagues is certainly fun, interesting and inspiring, but I think the ‘sciencey’ part of my brain wanted to see some tangible data or real-world examples of networking leading to further opportunities.

Conference delegates 'networking' over dinner.  Photo: D. Schillereff

Conference delegates ‘networking’ over dinner. Photo: D. Schillereff

Well, off the back of my attendance at a series of conferences and workshops, I’ve recently become involved in a new Working Group called Aquatic Transitions that is funded by PAGES (Past Global Changes) and led by Professor Peter Gell at Ballarat University, Australia. This short post is mostly a description of my first-hand experience – how did the ‘network’ form, how did I get involved? – and it’s also an advertisement because you can join the mail list here! if it seems of interest!

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