You've heard the advice: Networking is important for your academic success. But what is networking? In this age of hyper-connectedness, do you really need more contacts? Does it sometimes all feel a bit too much, a bit tiring?!

In this 2-part interactive programme open for all – but developed especially with postgraduate students and early career faculty needs in mind – we explore what networking is, what it isn't, how to do it well without burning out and how one size does not fit all for the process.

Networking is a professional skill and like any professional skill, it gets better with training and practice! So come network with us and let's meet, greet, and learn together!

Tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits and cake will be provided.

• Please note the second event in this series will take place online. The meeting link to the second session will be sent to you by email nearer to the event.

About the organiser

Karen Patterson is a doctor, senior lecturer (BSMS), and part-time PhD student. She hails from the US but has been at home in Brighton for several years now. She is not a social media consumer, but uses all other available resources to keep in touch with friends and colleagues from all over the world. Her research and teaching interests include lymph node biology, respiratory physiology, the ethical practice of medicine, and staying sane and organised at work. Given the diversity of these pursuits, she has found networking to be a potent career changing force, and even as an introvert she is finding herself to be more and more of a “connector".

Session 1 - NAVIGATING NETWORKING

Date: Wednesday 3 May, 2:30-3:30pm

Location: University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Room 115

Guest panelists: Dr Susan Sandeman (University of Brighton, School of Applied Sciences) and Professor Susie Scott (University of Sussex, School of Law, Politics and Sociology)

Session 2 - SCOPE of NETWORKING

Date: Wednesday 10 May, 2:30-3:30pm

Location: Online

Guest panelists: Dr Gillian Sandstrom (Psychology) and Dr Lisa Quadt (BSMS)

Academic networking in the 21st century that works well and feels right