There is an absolute consensus regarding how vital it is to build a good network for advancing your scientific career. The importance of networking was reiterated in the industry jobs panel, postdoc to faculty transition discussion, and various other BPS career center platforms, at the BPS meeting this year. However, easier said than done! “Networking for nerds” has always been a challenge. Where does one even begin? Turns out, one simple and comfortable starting point is to meet your past co-workers and mentors from your previous institutes.

This is my first year as a postdoc at the meeting, and I did not expect that catching up with my previous colleagues could be this rewarding.  I have worked with two different research groups during my PhD and then had a short stint in an industrial research setting. One of the best experiences for me this time at BPS 2019 turned out to be able to catch up with many of my old friends. It felt great to compare notes on how all our work and research has progressed over time, and to see how everybody has moved on to bigger and better things. Here is how you can benefit from touching base with your previous contacts at meetings like BPS:

1.  Look up the attendee list for past acquaintances, and let them know that you will be present. Give them prior notice of when your own presentation is, and attend their presentations if possible. Chances are that having worked together before, there can be exchange of valuable insights and comments on each other’s work.  
2. Ask them to introduce you to their current co-workers and associates. Your past mentors and labmates will usually be your best advocates.
3. This is also a good place to meet with ex-students and postdocs of your thesis advisor, whose work you had read but never got a chance to meet.
4. Such second-order contacts may be that critical node in your network through which the next career move comes. Alternatively, do you have an idea and are looking out for a collaboration? This may be the ideal pathway to that.
5. If nothing, catching up with old friends over dinner and/or the reception can be a great stress buster, and rejuvenate you for the rest of the conference.

So stay in touch with your past colleagues and make plans to meet up for BPS 2020!