Those who struggle with networking may benefit from a more structured approach. This Nature Career Column offers tips for strategically navigating a networking event. The author recommends identifying a “core group” of people you’d like to meet for various reasons (i.e. potential collaborators, employers, funding sources, etc.) ahead of the conference. Once you arrive, you should not leave until you have accomplished three goals with each person you’ve identified: introduced yourself, shared your specialty and industry, and exchanged contact information.
The article also provides a list of anxiety-management strategies and alternative networking options. Read more here.