Master networking in the lab field with key strategies for building lasting professional relationships in laboratory management.

I can't emphasize it enough - gone are the days where publications and citations alone provide the 'status' for researchers to be 'successful'. Now the focus is on long-term impact. Successful researchers / faculty MUST have a strong brand, vision, goals for long term or commercial success (even taking research results into communities for the 'applied' side of your work). And researchers / faculty must engage with target audiences - such as industry - this is where an individual marketing strategy is a tremendous asset to bring this to fruition. Visibility, accessibility, transparency, resourcefulness, engagement - materialized in social media (and other channels)-all are key to a successful career as a researcher/faculty in today's world.

Here's how you can network effectively in the laboratory field.

Networking is a powerful tool for career growth, especially in the specialized world of laboratory management. Whether you're a seasoned lab manager or a newcomer to the field, connecting with peers can lead to new opportunities, shared knowledge, and invaluable support. By engaging with others who understand the unique challenges of managing a lab, you can exchange best practices, learn about the latest technologies, and stay ahead of industry trends. Remember, effective networking is not just about collecting contacts; it's about building meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that can evolve over time.

1 Attend Events

Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars tailored to laboratory management is a fantastic way to meet like-minded professionals. These events are designed to bring together individuals who are passionate about lab operations, research, and development. While there, make sure to participate actively by asking questions, contributing to discussions, and presenting your own work if possible. This proactive approach demonstrates your expertise and eagerness to engage with the community.

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Arslan Arshad

Medical Laboratory Professional | Global Health Security | Quality Assurance | Biorisk Management | Bioethics | One Health | Planetary Health
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Attending events is crucial for effective networking in the pathology laboratory field. Participate in conferences like the ASCP Annual Meeting, CAP Annual Meeting, and NSH Symposium/Convention. Engage in seminars and workshops to stay updated on the latest trends. Use these opportunities to meet industry professionals, share knowledge, and discuss collaborative projects. Networking at these events can lead to valuable connections, mentorships, and career growth opportunities within the pathology community.

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2 Join Societies

Professional societies and organizations related to laboratory management are excellent platforms for networking. Membership often provides access to exclusive resources, job boards, and events where you can connect with industry leaders and peers. Engage with these societies by volunteering for committees or writing articles for their publications to increase your visibility and establish yourself as a committed member of the laboratory management community.

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3 Use Social Media

Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be powerful tools for connecting with professionals in the laboratory field. Create a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experiences in lab management. Follow industry leaders, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to showcase your knowledge and interest. Remember to maintain a professional online presence, as potential contacts will likely look you up before deciding to connect.

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Kimberly Brue

Asst VP for Research MarComm @ Penn State | BizDev Expert for Research Rev Gen | Driving Research Excellence & Impact
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As a researcher - especially in academia - it is critical to develop your own 'brand' and 'voice'. Engagement with industry and other academics is key to today's success in research - build followers, post factual (but relatable!) information often, collaborate online, etc. Even create your own logo, tagline, and marketing strategy. Social is one of the best mechanisms to achieve this, fast, and be visible to your target audiences. Stick with platforms that are valuable for your targets - LinkedIn for industry and professionals, Instagram for younger generations or 'fun' engagement, etc. I help our researchers at Penn State with ideas and plans such as this. Some have huge followings globally! Good luck!

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4 Collaborate Widely

Collaboration is key in laboratory management, and working on joint projects can significantly expand your network. Seek out opportunities for partnership with other labs or institutions that complement your expertise. These collaborations can lead to new connections and may even result in co-authored publications or shared grants, further cementing your professional relationships.

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5 Offer Help

One of the best ways to build a strong network is by being helpful. Offer your expertise to colleagues when they face challenges in their own labs. By providing support and solutions, you become a go-to resource within the community. This generosity fosters goodwill and is likely to be reciprocated, creating a network of professionals who are invested in each other's success.

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Kimberly Brue

Asst VP for Research MarComm @ Penn State | BizDev Expert for Research Rev Gen | Driving Research Excellence & Impact
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Be a resource for others! This can be a huge part of your engagement strategy, albeit time consuming. Offer webinars to share your expertise and allow time for significant Q&A to help others with their issues. This not only gives you visibility, but also enhances your engagement with peer or target audiences, such as industry.

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6 Stay in Touch

After making new connections, it's crucial to maintain those relationships. Follow up with individuals you meet at events or through collaborations with personalized messages. Share relevant articles, congratulate them on their achievements, and reach out periodically to catch up. This consistent communication keeps you on their radar and reinforces the connection, making it more likely that they will think of you for future opportunities or collaborations.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Kimberly Brue

Asst VP for Research MarComm @ Penn State | BizDev Expert for Research Rev Gen | Driving Research Excellence & Impact
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I can't emphasize it enough - gone are the days where publications and citations alone provide the 'status' for researchers to be 'successful'. Now the focus is on long-term impact. Successful researchers / faculty MUST have a strong brand, vision, goals for long term or commercial success (even taking research results into communities for the 'applied' side of your work). And researchers / faculty must engage with target audiences - such as industry - this is where an individual marketing strategy is a tremendous asset to bring this to fruition. Visibility, accessibility, transparency, resourcefulness, engagement - materialized in social media (and other channels)-all are key to a successful career as a researcher/faculty in today's world.

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Here's how you can network effectively in the laboratory field.

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1 Attend Events

2 Join Societies

3 Use Social Media

4 Collaborate Widely

5 Offer Help

6 Stay in Touch

7 Here’s what else to consider

Laboratory Management

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