UKRC Networking

Networking

Networking matters – no matter what stage of your career you have reached.

The Services for Women team at UKRC offers a range of ways to support you in expanding your network:

Join GetSET Women. Regular newsletters will keep you informed of events and professional development opportunites. You can also search GetSET Women for networks and other members;
We run a range of training sessions and workshops which bring women together to share experience, build their contacts and strengthen their careers and their skills. These include CPD (continuing professional development) sessions and peer mentoring circles;
We offer support to women's and SET organisations through our Connect project;
We can help find the right network for you;
The UKRC runs conferences and events for women in SET, government representatives, academics, professional bodies, industry leaders and others - including the UKRC annual conference;
We have a calendar of events which are of interest to women in SET;
We can help signpost you to the appropriate trade union, professional body or women's network.

Ruth Allington, Consultant Engineering Geologist and Joint Senior Partner at GWP Consultants LLP, says that women should not be put off if they do not feel confident at formal networking events:

“I’m not comfortable with speed networking or acres of men in suits. But I’ve found that being a woman in a male dominated sector can actually be an advantage. Not only do people remember me, but they take me seriously because they think that if I managed to get to where I am, I must be good at what I do!”

“I’ve worked out that the important thing in networking is making a connection and listening rather than going for the big sell. It can just start as pleasant conversation about music or kids. People then find out about the work that you do almost as an incidental, but they remember you.”

Dr Anna Ferguson (right) successfully returned to a career in engineering at NaREC (New and Renewable Energy Centre)

Anna advises women looking to change career or return after a break:

"Don't wait for your perfect job to be advertised , you need to go out and find it! Talk to people from within the industry you are looking to enter for advice and seek different opinions."

Further information:

why networking is important
networking tips
online social networks
blogging
twittering
useful resources
case studies to inspire you to get out and network!

uk resource centre for women in science, engineering and technology

Networking