The Importance of Networking and Self Promotion on the Tenure Track

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Sari Van Anders, a social neuroendocrinologist from U. Michigan gives some insight as to how to network and why you should really be self-promoting yourself! Why self-promote?

• Help in finding allies and mentors
• Demonstrate the relevance of your work
• Community building

Why do you not self-promote?

• Fear of scrutiny (tall poppy syndrome – “the tallest poppy gets cut down”)
• Fear of appearing arrogant (you might be considered arrogant simply for being present)
• Very challenging for introverts
• Time management – where to find the time?

How to get started

• Start when your first paper is in press
• Speak to your peers as well as faculty
• Your peers are future faculty and scholars
• Be welcoming to your peers!
• Accept offers of help – let peers and colleagues learn about your work!
• Tweet, post on Facebook and share via department email

Networking via e-mail

• Ask experts for pre-reads of papers and feedback (check with your advisor and follow norms in your field!)
• Respond to messages in a timely fashion
• Follow up meeting at conferences via email
• Use e-mail as an easy way to avoid worries about your age, gender, social status, etc
• Err on the side of formality – use titles!

Social networking

• Join professional organizations and seek mentors (or become one!)
• Ask questions at conferences
• Use Google Scholar, Academia.edu, a personal website
• Congratulate others
• Be authentic

Awards

• Apply
• Don’t be humble
• Have a mentor sponsor you – it’s sometimes who you know
• Self nominate (you may be one of the few who do!)