Workshop
Evaluating your network
Having a supportive network is critical. Your network can help you:
1. discover new job opportunities
2. gain career advice
3. increase your chances of being recommended for positions.
4. stay updated on the latest developments in your field
5. provide insights into the job market
Is your network composed of people who can support you?
In this module, you will engage in a reflective exercise designed to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your network and to consider opportunities to build and/or expand your network so it works for you.
Network Reflection
In this exercise you will map your current network and reflect on its strengths and weaknesses. To start download this pdf to follow along.
Step 1 (10 minutes):
Who is in your network that can help you reach your career goals? Your network can include professors, mentors, supervisors, members of your community, or members of your family.
Step 2 (5 minutes):
1. Strengths: what works well about your current network? How is your network supporting you?
Step 3 (5 minutes):
2. Weaknesses: what is missing from your network? Who can you add to your network so it can better support you?
Step 4 (5 minutes):
3. Opportunities: how can you expand your network to improve your weaknesses? How will you meet new people, what events can you attend, what collaborations can you start?
Step 5 (5 minutes):
4. Threats: Think of this more as barriers. What barriers might get in your way as you engage in opportunities to improve your weaknesses? Being aware of these barriers can help you identify and overcome them as you engage in opportunities.