Networking (with a focus on Conferencing)

What is networking? Why network?

To get tech opportunities, have 2 tasks:

1. Get good ie., develop technical proficiency
2. Get people to be aware of you and to want to give you opportunities (working definition of networking)

Tip: Accept both tasks

How to network?

Build a persona: How do you want to be perceived?

• Be hungry (ambitious)
• Generate positive energy
• Use confidence and humility effectively

• Humble - self improvement
• “Always be humble expect when writing grant proposals”

Build Presence

• Make Website
• Make savvy friends, and learn from them

Go to Conferences

What is a conference?

“Controversial Opinion! Almost all math talks can be at least one of the following:

1. On an area you aren’t very familiar with
2. Communicated poorly
3. Boring

The purpose of conferencing is networking!”

What to do at a conference:

1. Make several acquaintances

• Little interactions matter
• Shake a hand, say hello, say your name

2. Make at least one friend (try to keep in touch with them via email)

Critical Remark: Networks snowball.

Just GO! Getting started is the hardest part.

Give good talks ASAP:

• As soon as you start doing research, give a talk, start at a low-key conference.

How to find conferences/get started?

• Internet searches
• Don’t be afraid to cold email, self-fund trips (spend money to make money), get the snowball started

More resources: Chelsea Walton, Sara Billes, Ravi Vakil

MSRI workshops!!

What should you wear to a conference?

• “How do I want people to see me?”
• Most of the time somewhere In between regular wear and business casual