Networking for Nerds: Find, Access and Land Hidden Game-Changing Career Opportunities Everywhere

Networking for Nerds: Find, Access and Land Hidden Game-Changing Career Opportunities Everywhere

by Alaina G. Levine, Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt
Released July 2015
Publisher(s): Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN: 9781118663585

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Book description

Networking for Nerds provides a step-by-step guide to understanding how to access hidden professional opportunities through networking. With an emphasis on practical advice on how and why to network, you will learn how to formulate and execute a strategic networking plan that is dynamic, multidimensional, and leverages social media platforms and other networking channels.

An invaluable resource for both established and early-career scientists and engineers (as well as networking neophytes!), Networking for Nerds offers concrete insight on crafting professional networks that are mutually beneficial and support the advancement of both your career goals and your scholarly ambitions.

"Networking" does not mean going to one reception or speaking with a few people at one conference, and never contacting them again. Rather, "networking" involves a spectrum of activities that engages both parties, ensures everyone's value is appropriately communicated, and allows for the exploration of a win-win collaboration of some kind.

Written by award-winning entrepreneur and strategic career planning expert Alaina G. Levine, Networking for Nerds is an essential resource for anyone working in scientific and engineering fields looking to enhance their professional planning for a truly fulfilling, exciting, and stimulating career.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Foreword
  6. Introduction
  7. 1 The Importance of Networking and the Hidden Platter of Opportunities™
    1. Eight Networking Myths
    2. Understanding the Hidden Career Market
    3. Breaking into the Hidden Job Market
    4. Chapter Takeaways
    5. Notes
  8. 2 Understanding and Articulating Your Value Proposition
    1. You are a lot more important than you might have thought
    2. Your Unique Problem-Solving Abilities: The Cornerstone of Your Value
    3. Brand, Attitude, and Reputation: The Networking Trifecta of Triumph
    4. Your Brand Statement/Elevator Pitch/30 Second (or Less) Commercial
    5. Chapter Takeaways
    6. Notes
  9. 3 Determining the Right Opportunities for Me
    1. The Concept and Pursuit of Bliss
    2. Your Personal SWOT Analysis
    3. Your Career Opportunities
    4. Chapter Takeaways
    5. Note
  10. 4 Establishing Your Brand and Reputation to Gain Access to the Hidden Platter of OpportunitiesTM
    1. Always Ask Questions
    2. Asking Questions of non-STEM Professionals
    3. Stupid Questions
    4. Seeking Mentors: The Importance of Mentor–Protégé Partnerships in Networking
    5. Being Professional
    6. Professional Etiquette in Networking
    7. The Tale of the Ball O' Butterii
    8. Rules of video calls and Skype
    9. Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity
    10. Failure is the Ultimate Opportunity
    11. Self-promotion—The Right Way
    12. Chapter Takeaways
    13. Notes
  11. 5 Developing Your Networking Strategy
    1. Identifying your Goals for Networking
    2. The Art and Science of the Thank You Note
    3. Following Up
    4. Organizing Your Network
    5. Continuing to Follow Up and Look for Opportunities to Exchange Value Over Time
    6. Chapter Takeaways
  12. 6 Identifying People for Your Networks
    1. Start With Who You Know
    2. Institutional Networking
    3. Diversity Groups Within Organizations and Companies
    4. Professional Societies
    5. Conferences
    6. Articles
    7. Regional Industrial Representatives: Regional Economic Development Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Industry “Cluster” Associations
    8. Alumni Associations
    9. Regional Philanthropic Organizations
    10. “Young Professionals” Societies
    11. Religious and Political Affiliations
    12. Regional STEM-related Activities
    13. Spontaneous Networking – On an Airplane, Train, Taxi
    14. Other Places to Meet People
    15. Create Your Own Networking Opportunity!
    16. Chapter Takeaways
    17. Notes
  13. 7 Networking at an Event
    1. Pre-Event Strategies
    2. Attending the Event
    3. Conversation Starters
    4. Conversations Enders
    5. If the Person is a Jerk
    6. Following Up
    7. Chapter Takeaways
    8. Note
  14. 8 Social Media Networking
    1. Principal Pillars of Social Media Networking
    2. Preparation
    3. Building your LinkedIn Presence
    4. LinkedIn Groups
    5. Facebook
    6. Twitter
    7. Other Social Media Sites
    8. Launching a Blog
    9. Your Klout Score
    10. Chapter Takeaways
    11. Notes
  15. 9 The Networking Continuum
  16. Index
  17. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: Networking for Nerds: Find, Access and Land Hidden Game-Changing Career Opportunities Everywhere
  • Author(s): Alaina G. Levine, Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt
  • Release date: July 2015
  • Publisher(s): Wiley-Blackwell
  • ISBN: 9781118663585