Especially in academia, establishing contacts is crucial for a successful career. A study by German psychologists showed that not only scientific achievement and productivity but also collaborations and networking in the later postdoctoral stage influence the academic career (Lang/Neyer 2004). Networking allows you to access information, to connect with others, and to gain visibility and academic acceptance. It is advisable to extend your network to high profile individuals at home and abroad. After all, in the minds of the appointments committee, well-connected researchers might contribute to the university’s internationalisation strategy. They may be trusted to establish fruitful research cooperations or to invite distinguished visiting scholars.
A variety of funding is available to support you in developing your network:
- HSG congress subsidies: Assistant professors can apply for up to CHF 2,500 in travel expenses
- Postdoc.Mobility: The SNSF funds research secondments lasting between 12 and 36 months
References:
Frieder R. Lang, Franz J. Neyer (2004): Kooperationsnetzwerke und Karrieren an deutschen Hochschulen - Der Weg zur Professur am Beispiel des Faches Psychologie. Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie 56, 520-538.