Never shuriken your business cards in seminars
Guide for Early Career Researcher (ECR) #5
The backstory for this series: As an experienced academic, I often encounter early-career researchers (ECRs) — those who are in the early stages of their research careers, typically within the first five years after completing their PhD. ECRs face unique challenges as they navigate the complex world of academia, from securing funding to publishing their work and establishing themselves in their field. In this series, I want to share my thoughts and ideas to assist ECRs on various topics that I’ve encountered during my engagements with faculty members in universities around Malaysia. Often, these interactions lead to difficult questions that merit deeper study and lengthy answers. Therefore, I’ve decided to write down my responses and share them with both the ECRs I work with and a wider audience of readers. It’s important to note that these articles are based on my personal perspective and tailored to the context of Malaysian higher education. I hope to continue this series as I encounter new challenges and questions throughout the final trimester of my academic career.
An early-career researcher (ECR) asked me about what to avoid when attending workshops or engaging in group activities. Some of them have started to climb their career ladder and are now participating in events like research meetings and seminars with other universities and industries. I received a question from an ECR about what to do when attending such events. As an ECR, you’re embarking on an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and discovery. However, this path can also be challenging to navigate. I trust that there are many pieces of advice and points that people have shared, so I just share what I think is key. Here are two key areas to focus on as ECR.
1. Find Your Voice: Balanced Participation in Discussions
As an ECR, you might feel pressure to prove yourself in academic settings. Nervousness also sets in, as it may be the first few times. Some ECRs might be tempted or inadvertently dominate. Some ECRs are extremely passionate about their work and eager to share their ideas. This enthusiasm, while positive, can sometimes lead to over-participation. ECRs might feel pressure to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities, leading to attempts to speak more often or at length. They might mistakenly believe that frequent or lengthy contributions are expected or valued in these settings. Paradoxically, nervousness can sometimes manifest as overtalking rather than being quiet. Therefore, dominating discussions isn’t the answer.
Instead, aim for balanced participation.
- Contribute meaningfully, but also make space for others to speak
- Listen actively and build on others’ ideas
- Ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate engagement
- Share your unique perspective when relevant
Remember, the goal is collaborative learning, not showcasing individual brilliance.
2. Building Authentic Connections: The Art of Effective Networking
Networking is essential in academia, but it shouldn’t feel forced or aggressive. There are certain ECRs who are so fixated on the idea of becoming well-known that it appears as though they are hurling business card ‘shurikens’ throughout the room.
“Aggressive networking” is a term used to describe overly pushy or self-serving behaviour in professional settings. This can be particularly detrimental for early-career researchers (ECRs), who may feel pressured to engage in this type of behaviour in order to advance their careers.
Some common examples of aggressive networking include:
- Interrupting conversations to introduce yourself frequently. This is not only rude, but it can also break the flow of the conversation and make it difficult for others to engage.
- Constantly trying to get the attention of senior researchers. This can be seen as desperate and can make it difficult for senior researchers to focus on their work.
- Sending multiple follow-up emails after brief interactions. This can be seen as pushy and can irritate the recipient.
- Name-dropping excessively to seem well-connected. This can make you appear arrogant and can damage your reputation.
- Focus solely on what others can do for you rather than mutual benefit. This can make you appear selfish and make it difficult to build relationships.
- Treating every interaction as a potential career opportunity. This can make you appear opportunistic and make it difficult to connect with others on a personal level.
Aggressive networking can have a number of negative consequences for ECRs. It can damage your reputation, make it difficult to build relationships, and even lead to burnout. If an ECR finds themselves engaging in aggressive networking, it is important to take a step back and reconsider your approach.
Focus on building genuine relationships.
- Show sincere interest in others’ work
- Offer help or resources where you can
- Follow up thoughtfully after meetings or conferences
- Build relationships gradually over time;
- Participate in discussions to organically showcase your knowledge
Remember that quality connections trump quantity
Authentic networking creates a supportive community that can enhance your research and career in the long term.
Your journey as an ECR is not just about individual achievement but also about contributing to and growing with the broader academic community. Embrace the learning process, stay open to new experiences, and don’t forget to enjoy the exciting path ahead!
