If you’re looking to start or further your career in the life sciences industry, networking is a great way to increase your chances of being hired for a job and advancing your career. In the life sciences industry, networking can set you apart from other applicants. 79% of people agree that networking is vital to their career progression.

There are many ways to network specific to the life sciences industry, and we have compiled a few ways for you to get started.

Social Media

Social media can be an excellent tool for networking, particularly if you want to connect with people in a specific industry. LinkedIn is a great platform, as many groups and discussion forums focus on the life science sector. Twitter is also worth considering – search for relevant hashtags (such as #biohacking or #biotech) to find relevant conversations. There are also lots of forums and discussion groups where you can engage with others in the life science industry.

Tips for marketing yourself on LinkedIn:

• Use a professional profile picture.
• Use keywords in your profile headline and summary.
• Connect with other professionals in the life science industry.
• Join relevant groups and participate in discussions.
• Share interesting articles or blog posts that you have read or written.

LinkedIn groups to consider joining:

• Life Science Talk:a resource for discussions, career opportunities, and articles for life science professionals.
• Life Science Network– Pharma, Biotech, Medical, Healthcare, Clinical, Recruit – News, Events & Jobs
• American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
• Pharma & Medical Network:Biotech, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Devices, Science, Jobs, Events & News
• Biotech and Pharma Professionals
• Midwest Life Science Network (LSN)

Attend industry events

Most cities have at least one large professional meeting or event each year that life science professionals can attend. These could be conferences, trade shows, or even seminars. Attending these events is a great way to meet people who work in the same field as you and can help further your career.

You can find these events by searching online or through word-of-mouth. Many of these events will have a career fair component where you can meet with recruiters from top companies in the life sciences industry. Attendance at these events is also a great way to learn about current trends in the field or learn about new technologies that could be useful for your career.

Some examples of life science events:

• The Biotech Showcase (USA)
• BIO International Convention (USA)
• American Biomanufacturing Summit

Join Professional Organizations

Many professional organizations are aimed at those working in the life science industry. Joining one or more of these organizations is a great way to meet like-minded people and make connections that could lead to a job. Many organizations also offer helpful resources such as job boards and career advice.

Some examples are:

• American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) 
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 
• Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• National Science Policy Network (NSPN) 

Look into Local Networking Groups

If you want to connect with people who work in the life sciences industry near you, there may be local networking groups that you can join. These groups usually meet regularly to discuss relevant topics and network. A quick Google search should do the trick to find out if there are any groups near you.

Some examples of local networking groups:

• San Diego Biotech Networks
• BioXchange (Boston, MA)
• Medical Alley (MN)

Get involved with research projects.

If you’re a student or early-career professional, getting involved in research projects is a great way to connect with more experienced scientists. Not only will you gain some valuable experience, but you’ll also get to know people who could potentially help further your career down the line. You can find out about research projects through your university or college or search online for opportunities in your area of interest.

Look out for training and volunteering opportunities

If you’re starting in the life science industry, it’s important to make sure you have the right skills and qualifications for the job you want. Many training opportunities are available, so research and see what’s out there. Many companies offer internships and work experience placements, which are worth considering.

Volunteering is also a great way to give back while networking with others in the life sciences industry. There are often opportunities to volunteer at events or with professional organizations. This is a great way to meet new people and learn more about what others are doing in the field. Volunteering is also a great way to build new skills or enhance existing ones.

Set up informational interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to learn about a company or job role that interests you. They also allow you to speak to someone who’s already working in the industry and get some inside information that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. To set up an informational interview, all you need to do is reach out to somebody in the field you’re interested in and ask if they’d be willing to chat with you for 20-30 minutes about their work. Most people are happy to oblige.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned veteran, networking is an important part of success in the life sciences industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations or volunteer to start building relationships with others working in the field. By networking, you will increase your chances of being hired for a job, advancing your career, and staying up to date on new developments in the life sciences industry.

Another opportunity to grow your network in the life sciences field is to partner with a staffing agency specializing in the industry. At Astrix, we have a team of experienced recruiters who can help you find your first or next great opportunity. Contact us today to learn more!

About Astrix

Astrix is the unrivaled market leader in creating and delivering innovative strategies, solutions, and people to the life science community. Through world-class people, processes, and technology, we work with clients to fundamentally improve business and scientific outcomes and the quality of life everywhere.

Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of strategic, technical, and staffing services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!