Having great credentials is important for navigating a career path, but networking—making professional contacts—is often just as important. Such contacts can provide guidance and expand your access to opportunities, particularly those that may not be widely advertised. For physics and astronomy students interested in adjacent careers like engineering, data science, or patent law, networking can get you in a door that’s sometimes hard to find. Here are some tips for taking your networking skills to the next level.

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Students connect and collaborate at the 2022 Physics Congress. Photo by SPS.

Prepare an elevator speech

An elevator speech is a 30-second introduction to yourself, named for the time you'd have to introduce yourself during an elevator ride. In your introduction, briefly mention who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what you want to do next. 

Focus on connecting to others

One of the simplest ways to start a conversation is by asking, “So what do you do?” Conversation often progresses fluidly if you show interest in the other person and focus on connecting with them. What do you have in common? What might you help them with? Who could you introduce them to? This approach makes networking less intimidating and can help you form meaningful and lasting connections.

Network everywhere

Whether you’re at a research meeting, department colloquium, birthday party, or family function, look for new people to meet. Practice your elevator speech, asking people about themselves, and identifying common interests. Keep in mind that you don’t have to meet everyone at an event; often one or two quality conversations are more impactful than many brief handshakes. 

Attend professional meetings

Regional SPS meetings, or zone meetings, are great places to meet physics and astronomy peers and faculty members with ties to your local area. Most professional societies also host regular regional, national, or international meetings. Many offer professional development opportunities and career fairs in addition to typical sessions and keynote talks, and most have opportunities for undergraduates to present their work. They are great networking venues.

Attend events in your circle

Attend professional events at your school, such as colloquia and guest lectures, but don’t stop there. Look for functions in your neighborhood or interest communities. Ask questions and introduce yourself to speakers and attendees using your elevator speech.

Cultivate relationships

Follow up with new contacts and keep in touch via email or LinkedIn. Let people know how school is going or where you are in your job search, or pass along information they may find interesting. Ask them about the project or life event they mentioned the last time you spoke. You don’t need to be close to every connection, but develop a strong foundation with anyone you'd like to be an advisor, mentor, colleague, or friend.

Be confident

Go into networking with a positive outlook and be confident in your ability to have a meaningful conversation. Enjoy talking to new people and finding common ground—and don't forget to follow up!

This piece is adapted from Tool #4 in the SPS Careers Toolbox, a workbook published by SPS and the American Institute of Physics.
For details and to download the toolbox, visit spsnational.org/sites/
all/careerstoolbox.

SPS Zone Meetings

Zone meetings bring together students from SPS chapters within a geographic region. They’re fun and effective ways to meet other students, present research, and network. To see which zone you’re in and a list of upcoming meetings, visit spsnational.org/meetings/zone-meetings. 

Get Funding for Conference Travel

SPS Travel Awards offer partial support for SPS members presenting their research at professional physics and astronomy meetings. Learn more at spsnational.org/awards/travel. 

SPS Reporter Awards offer partial travel support for SPS chapters or members reporting on professional physics and astronomy meetings for SPS publications. Learn more at spsnational.org/awards/chapter-awards.