Lunch and Learn: Starting a Professional Network

Overview

You’ve probably heard about how important professional networks can be, but what if you’ve recently moved to a new area and don’t know anyone? Or you’re changing your focus and your old contacts are all in a different field? Or no one ever introduced you to how to build a network of any kind in the first place? Join us for guidance and focused time to start building a professional network that works for you. Lunch will be provided. Please bring a charged laptop so you can get started building your network during the session!

Registration opens on February 9, 2026.

Learning Goals

• Participants will be able to articulate the scope of a professional network that will be useful for them.
• Participants will be able to start adding one or more people to their network, by identifying and locating people appropriate to their goals and situation.

Speakers

David Blancha, PhD - Assistant Director, Career Development Team for Researchers

Ray Care, PhD - Program Director, Career Development Team for Researchers