Graduate Students’ Workshop
The theme of this year’s graduate student workshop is networking. We are planning a full day including a panel discussion and networking throughout the day where you can put what you learn into practice. We are planning to include representatives from industry, postdocs, and faculty members.
Get the knowledge you need to build your network! Your time at graduate school or during your post-doctoral fellowship will be filled with opportunities to make connections in and outside of your field. Building a strong personal and professional network may be one of the single most important things you can do for your career. Learn how to plan, prepare, build and foster your network and watch opportunities unfold in front of you.
We are excited to confirm that the facilitator of the workshop will be Judy Thomson, co-author of the best-selling book Work the Pond.
The workshop will include topics such as:
- The importance of building a strong diverse network
- The philosophy of Positive Networking® to build high-trust relationships
- How to walk into a room solo, circulate, get unstuck, make small talk, etc.
- Table tips for more effective networking during a meal, at a workshop, at a conference
- Understanding and employing the Strength of Weak Ties and Dormant Ties
- Assessing your network; building your strategic network
- Have a better understanding of social networking tools available and how to use them
- Apply the knowledge gained and practice with peers
Our panel will include:
Dr. Marjorie Gonzalez, Medical Physicist, Vancouver Coastal Health
Mr. Bill Poluha, Science Librarian, University of Manitoba
Ms. Jenny Chuang, Defence Research and Development Canada
Ms. Mary Beth Laychak, Outreach Program Manager, Canada France Hawaii Telescope
Monday, May 30, Graduate Students’ Workshop Tentative Schedule
Location: Fort Garry Hotel, LaVerendrye Room
| 09:00 | 09:15 | Opening Remarks |
| 09:15 | 10:30 | Why networking matters and the concept of Positive Networking® |
| 10:30 | 10:50 | Coffee Break |
| 10:50 | 12:30 | Networking tips and techniques for walking into a room, circulating, table tips and more (includes practicing with peers) |
| 12:30 | 13:30 | Lunch (included with the workshop) |
| 13:30 | 15:00 | Social intelligence, assessing and building your network, social networking tools and follow up (includes practicing with peers) |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | Coffee Break |
| 15:30 | 17:00 | Panel Discussion: Careers outside of academia |
| 18:30 | 20:30 | Opening Reception of the conference |