Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards, handshakes, and LinkedIn connections. It’s about building genuine connections with industry professionals that will last well beyond an initial conversation and can shape your career for years to come.
In the highly competitive field of data science, where collaboration and teamwork drive meaningful projects forward, building a strong network is essential for success. Whether you’re seeking career advice, mentorship, or applying for a job, the relationships you make can open doors and provide valuable support on your journey as an aspiring data scientist.
Leverage AIPs to Build Your Network
At the Institute for Advanced Analytics, Analytics in Practice (AIP) lectures are a key component of professional networking. This series of lectures brings industry professionals, including alumni, recruiters, and senior leaders, right to the Institute to share how their organizations leverage analytics within their respective companies to solve real-world business problems.
Each AIP lecture is followed by a networking session, providing students the opportunity to engage one-on-one with the visiting professionals. This is a valuable opportunity to ask insightful questions, gain industry-specific knowledge, and make a strong impression on potential future employers. It’s also the perfect time to exchange student business cards and contact information, ensuring you can follow up and continue to build connections that might lead to career advice, mentorship, or job opportunities.
While everyone will have their own unique approach to networking, these three strategies can help you make the most of your experience at any networking event:
- Be Prepared: Research the presenting company and speakers in advance. Come with specific, thoughtful questions about their work, experiences, or anything else you genuinely want to know.
- Be Professional: Dress appropriately and treat every interaction as a professional opportunity. Your first impression will set the tone for future connections and leave a lasting impact.
- Be Personable: Approach conversations with genuine curiosity, showing sincere interest in their experiences. Remember, they’re people just like you, so always be authentic, and don’t hesitate to ask more personal questions if it’s relevant and appropriate.
AIPs at the Institute are so much more than just learning opportunities; they are unique opportunities to build meaningful relationships that can shape your career in analytics and data science.
The Role of Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are casual, one-on-one conversations that allow you to learn from someone else’s career journey and experiences. Unlike formal job interviews, they focus on gaining insights into a specific industry, company, or role, which can help you navigate your own career path more effectively. These conversations allow for a deeper connection with professionals and provide valuable insights that you won’t find in job descriptions or on company websites.
While formal networking events like AIPs are a great way to make initial connections, informational interviews are an important next step in building those relationships. After meeting someone at an event, consider following up with an invitation to meet for a more informal coffee chat for a chance to ask more in-depth questions and form a more meaningful connection.
When reaching out to potential interviewees, it’s helpful to identify shared experiences, such as attending the same university or working at the same company, which can serve as natural conversation starters. These commonalities not only make your outreach feel more personal but also increase the likelihood that the person will be willing to set aside time to meet.
Additional Tips for Successful Networking
As you navigate your journey as an aspiring professional and continue building your network, here are some additional strategies that can enhance your approach to networking and help you succeed in making lasting professional connections:
- Diversify Your Network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals across a variety of industries, even those outside your primary areas of interest. These conversations can provide valuable insights, plus, connections in unexpected places may lead to opportunities you hadn’t otherwise considered.
- Practice Active Listening: Engage fully in conversations by listening attentively and asking thoughtful follow-up questions. This demonstrates genuine interest and helps you have more meaningful, memorable interactions.
- Create and Share Content: Regularly post about your projects, insights, or achievements on LinkedIn. This not only sparks meaningful conversations but also showcases your expertise to a wider audience and can help grow your professional network.
- Be Consistent: Networking is a long-term effort. Regularly attend events, do your best to maintain existing connections, and always try to seek opportunities to meet new people.
By incorporating these strategies along with the foundations of networking as an MSA student discussed earlier, you’ll be well-equipped to build a network that supports your future career aspirations.
Build Your Future Through Connections
A strong professional network isn’t just a tool for landing your first job; it’s the foundation for long-term growth and success in your future career as a data scientist. By actively engaging in AIP sessions, connecting with the diverse network of IAA alumni, and scheduling informational interviews with professionals in your field, you’ll gain valuable insights and make meaningful connections that will help you stand out.
So start today! Find someone with shared interests or experiences and reach out to connect and schedule some time to talk. The more you invest in building your network now, the stronger your foundation will be for a successful career in data science.
Columnist: Andrew Buelna