In the past week, I tried establishing network with several people: freshman student M, sophomore student S and Prof. K.
OK, start with M. I found that he was an interesting person, so I wanted to have dinner with him, and talk with him. At first, he seemed to be a little annoyed because I asked him about meeting so frequently (three times a day), and seem to reluctant to response. When I realized that I was too haste, I waited for two days before I asked him out again, and that work.
What I learned from this is that, one thing, I shouldn't be too haste. The process of developing relationship should be gradual, and spontaneous. Doing it in a haste manner may scare the other person, or cause discomfort. The other thing is that I have to have patience, and don't give up with that.
Second trial: sophomore student S. Actually, it was him who took the first step. Student I seem to enjoy networking, and I should learn from him. He freely give out his contact info: Phone #, email, name, etc. even before I asked. And Student I ended up knowing a lot of people... Every time I see him , he's always greeting more than one person.
Of course, networking is never about talking to people only once,
but why not start by talking once, and exchanging contact info?
The third trial is not complete yet. I think I'll try to maintain the relationship with Prof. K. I started it well enough. Though he told me he doesn't need research student at this point, which did upset me a little, and he asked me whether I still want to talk to him. I said yes, and I told hie that I also want advice apart from gaining a research position, and showed patience: I told him I can wait till the next week or next month to meet him. Afterward, he told me that he would make schedule for it.
So, that cause me to think that humility and understanding is very important, and again, don't give up on the chance to develop relationship.
Gosh... This is the longest blog I've ever written.
ReplyDeleteWithout describing the actions you took with more depth, I cannot exactly tell if the steps you took were sufficient for networking. It appears that you were quite aggressive when meeting the freshman. Asking someone you just met to meet for 3 times a week is just intimidating to the person.
ReplyDelete1. What else would you change when you attempt to network with new individuals? I can see that you were too hasty when meeting the freshman but were there other factors that you would like to change?
2. Did you contact the professor because you really wanted to do research? I find it very odd to message professors and the first thing you ask for is if they have research positions without getting to know them. This is just my opinion.
3. Are you staying in contact with the sophomore? It appears as though he just gave you his contact info and that was done.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be coming off a bit strong,
Question 1 : How do you define the line between persistence and making someone uncomfortable? --since you seem to be a little too aggressive, it's hard to develop a network if you consistently put people off.
Question 2 : Have you followed up with any of the three? -- since you don't really mention that
Question 3 : Has the professor messaged you back yet?
1. It does seem that you were quite forward. What would you change to make a person more comfortable? that is how they will enjoy talking to you
ReplyDelete2.Have you followed up? that is important to generate a connection between people.
3.What do you think about finding some common interest as a means to network with the person? if you first found out what the student was interested in maybe you first contact would have been easier
1.What else could you do to get a better relationship with your professor? Plenty of people are doing what you are doing.
ReplyDelete2.How do you introduce your self to others? the first impression is important
3.The sophomore doesnt seem to be doing much beside giving the contact info. what could you do to get to know him better?