The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
Immunol Cell Biol. 2024 Nov;102(10):871-877. doi: 10.1111/imcb.12832. Epub 2024 Nov 4.
In science and academia, success is often shaped by both knowledge and networking. Reflecting on nearly two decades in academic research, I recount my experience as a postdoctoral immunologist returning to Australia with limited local connections and support. Upon re-establishing myself in Australia, I initially faced barriers that restricted my visibility and collaborations. A turning point came when personal challenges motivated me to actively network, leading to valuable collaborations and career opportunities. By initiating conversations with academic leaders and peers, I expanded my network and established numerous leadership roles, even as a "junior" postdoc through founding a symposium, engaging with an immunology society, volunteering on various academic and advocacy committees, contributing to public outreach and nationally advocating for gender equity in science. These experiences reinforced that networking is about fostering meaningful relationships and creating opportunities to grow professionally. I provide advice on how to increase your networks by volunteering at work, when attending conferences, through contributing to societies and building a social media presence. My journey highlights the importance of being proactive in building networks, which can open doors, amplify one's voice, and drive career advancement in science and academia.
在科学界和学术界，成功往往取决于知识和人际关系。在回顾近 20 年的学术研究经历时，我讲述了自己作为一名回到澳大利亚的博士后免疫学家的经历，当时我在当地的人脉和支持都很有限。在澳大利亚重新立足后，我最初面临着限制自己可见度和合作机会的障碍。转折点出现在个人挑战促使我积极建立人际关系时，这带来了宝贵的合作和职业机会。通过与学术领袖和同行展开对话，我扩大了人脉，并担任了许多领导角色，即使作为一名“初级”博士后，我也通过创建研讨会、参与免疫学学会、在各种学术和宣传委员会中担任志愿者、参与公众宣传以及在全国范围内倡导科学领域的性别平等来扩大自己的影响力。这些经历使我深刻认识到，建立人际关系的关键在于培养有意义的关系，并创造机会促进个人的职业发展。我提供了一些建议，包括在工作中、参加会议时、通过参与学会以及建立社交媒体存在感等方面，来增加自己的人脉。我的经历突显了积极建立人际关系的重要性，这有助于在科学界和学术界中拓展人脉、扩大影响力并推动职业发展。
