This workshop for postdoctoral researchers only.

More than 70% of positions are filled through networking rather than cold online job applications. Building meaningful professional connections and conducting effective informational interviews—conversations aimed at learning from others and gaining insight—can significantly expand your career opportunities.

This interactive half-day workshop is designed for postdocs who want to expand their career opportunities beyond job boards and applications. Participants will learn how to identify relevant contacts, initiate conversations with confidence, and build authentic professional relationships that open doors to new possibilities.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, you will:

• Understand the essential networking skills.
• Learn how to set clear networking targets.
• Explore where and how to find relevant people
• Practice writing impactful first messages for different types of contacts.
• Gain strategies for informational interviews: what to ask and how to follow up.
• Recognize and address common fears and limiting beliefs around networking.
• Build confidence through practical peer-to-peer exercises.

The workshop combines short lectures, practical exercises, peer feedback, and live practice. You will leave with a concrete action plan, three drafted networking messages, and a shortlist of relevant contacts to approach.

What participants say about the workshop:

“This workshop was very helpful. It helped reframe how I thought about informational interviews and networking in general (it’s about gathering information rather than trying to get something from someone).“

“I wanted to get advice on how to use more effectively my network and make new connections and the workshop met fully this expectation“ 

“Very well articulated and structured helping us address our concerns/ inhibitions/ unconscious postponing in a strategic, tangible and goal-oriented manner. Really well designed and delivered workshop.“

“The workshop was clear and well structured, with a good balance between content and exercises.“

“I went in expecting to learn how to conduct informational interviews, and that is what I learned. Evgeniya was a very engaging speaker and answered questions well and encouraged audience participation.“

Trainer: Dr. Evgeniya Vorobyeva, ACC