Networking for a Successful Career in Academia By Dr. Margarete Hubrath

Being bright and studious is not enough to make it to the top of the career ladder. This not only applies to jobs in the private sector, but also to academic positions. Apart from performance and productivity, it is above all cooperation and network relations that determine the path of academic careers. About five years after having obtained a doctorate, it is no longer productive performance in the form of publications alone that decides whether an applicant will receive a professorship position. Being well connected and carrying out research in cooperative partnerships triples your chances of attaining a professorship. What rules apply for academic networking and what strategies of action have proven effective?

Building your network - a few rules of interaction

1. Never confuse networking with old boys networks

These are two entirely different things. Old boys' networks serve the purpose of getting certain people into very specific key positions, usually irrespective of qualification or performance. The two main aspects of old boys' networks are taking care of each others' interests and maintaining power. The whole system is a closed shop which from the outset is only accessible to a select few individuals. Networks, in contrast, are based on voluntary collaboration and the principle of reciprocity. They luckily work in both vertical and horizontal direction.

2. Embrace the concept of giving and taking

Let others share in your successes and contacts. Give willingly, but not carelessly. Ask others for advice and support. And, most importantly, make sure to thank others when you have received help or information. Politeness, reliability and genuine appreciation are important factors in networking.

3. Give your network partners and yourself time to get to know each other

Good networks are not created overnight; they take time and need to be maintained and developed over the longer term. You should therefore start early with creating your network.

4. Do not leave your contacts up to chance; set yourself clear and realistic targets

This requires a little reflection on your own position. Where do you stand right now in your career and what do you want to achieve? What support might you need in order to do so? And don't forget: What do you have to offer in return?