Fiona Hatch
University of Surrey, UK

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.97.38

I turn up at the registration desk for Physiology 2012 in Edinburgh and I escape into my delegation bag and mobile phone as a distraction from the disturbing truth – I do not know anyone. This is the same for many other affiliates year on year. Though two years on, after diving into the society quiz night and an awkward piano performance at ‘Physoc’s Got Talent’ on that very same first intimidating day of the conference, the thought, ‘I do not know anyone’ could not be further from the truth.

Currently as Affiliate Representative to Council of The Physiological Society and a member of the Policy and Education and Outreach Committees, I know both Physoc staff and countless members and affiliates. In this time I have presented seven scientific posters, given one oral presentation, won two poster prizes and played a role in the policymaking and physiology education and outreach agendas. But this is not about me blowing my own trumpet; instead I’m writing to explain as an affiliate that to start off with, everyone is in the same boat and it is very daunting trying to keep that boat afloat.

As part of the Education and Outreach Committee I took upon myself (with the help of Keith Siew) to revamp the Mentoring scheme and help integrate affiliates into The Society. The aim was to provide interested affiliates with advice on how to get the most out of a conference and the benefits of having a mentor. The revamp consisted of two parts; firstly the Early Career Social (ECS) which at P14 was held in the Albert pub in Westminster. With over 50 affiliate attendees it was a successful meet and greet social. Secondly I organised the Networking and Mentoring workshop – a pilot workshop that I hope to build upon in the future. This involved a panel of mentors – Sue Wray (University of Liverpool), Chris Fry (University of Bristol), Lucy Donaldson (University of Nottingham) and Jeremy Ward (King’s College London). All of them are successful physiologists, with experience in being a mentee and a mentor, and were able to provide us with a lively discussion and overall top tips. Alongside the mentor panel, were two mentees, Keith Siew (University of Cambridge), who is completing his PhD thesis currently, and me, coming to the end of my first post-doctorate position.

It is false to think that once you have acquired said mentor (see Box 1), life suddenly becomes easier. ‘Mentors are not knights on white chargers, they are personal trainers who show you the route, act as a guide, but you have to do the work’, said Lucy Donaldson. This is a similar ethos to networking; relying on others to introduce you to their contacts is the best and simplest route, but sometimes this is just not possible, and in some cases you have to just bite the bullet and throw yourself into the crowd. Conferences are one of the best places to network, be it to find your next collaboration, future employer or potential mentor. It is a mistake to believe that the communication of your poster or oral presentation is the only benefit; remember to take advantage of the social events and talk to new people. Contacts are always important for career progression through academia; therefore attend as many presentations as possible, broaden your knowledge and push yourself to ask questions. Set yourself goals for the conference, mark abstracts and talks that are of key interest ahead of time and make a note of the people you may want to approach – a welcome reception or dinner event is perfect for this. This becomes significantly easier with practice, but to start you off I’ve provided you some top tips, as discussed and agreed upon by our panel of mentors and mentees (see Box 2).

On the outside, you would assume I’m an outgoing people’s person, willing to engage and debate topics on a peer level with prominent scientists on a council of trustees and not be easily intimidated. But this is far from the truth; this ‘personality’ is a skill that I have developed over time, through all the shy and awkward encounters, through the ‘out of my league’ conversations and seemingly intimidating physiologists. Portraying self-confidence is a mask that many people use, but after a while, it will be simple and easy to put on; then before you know it, everyone will believe it’s your natural personality and you’re a gifted networker. Furthermore I would like to debunk the pedestal phenomenon where senior, principal investigators are unapproachable ‘god-like’ physiologists. It is important to remember they were once in the same situation as you; the majority of physiologists are amicable people and many have egos regarding their own work and would love to have an intellectual discussion with you. To quote Sue Wray, ‘You have to learn to force yourself to flick that switch that turns you into Ms or Mr Congeniality. Go into that room, smile and start a conversation. Usually the cringe-making horror subsides and you realise you are simply having a conversation and before you know it, you could be enjoying it, not just surviving it.’

Sue also recommends getting on Google and looking at hints and tips for ‘networking for people who hate to network’. So next time, do not hesitate in approaching someone, plaster a smile on your face, proffer a solid hand shake and introduce yourself – the first time is always the hardest.

Occasionally the link between networking and mentoring is unclear. You do not require a lasso and a contract detailing your relationship with your mentor, ensuring they’re tied to you in every way possible. Although I have previously been allocated a mentor, I have been supported more by those around me that have not been rubber stamped as my ‘mentor’. They are interviewers I’ve met after a failed post-doc interview, Physoc Committee Chairs who have listened to my problems and proffered wisdom and encouragement, and fellow PhDs and post-docs that have echoed my thoughts and provided frank advice. This would not be possible without networking: by removing my head from my delegate bag, putting my phone away and walking up to a fellow physiologist.

But regardless of any achievements, I continue to have the same problems as every other affiliate: where will my next job be? who has grants/funding? and the pressures, problems and writer’s block associated with papers. Nevertheless, I am fortunate enough to have mentor figures I can go to for advice and support, and ultimately this is what helps me keep my boat afloat.

Types of mentoring

Mentoring The mentor is typically senior and may or may not be within your field but regardless, they will still have the experience and support you require. Ensure your expectations of a mentor are realistic. Keep in mind what your aims are; in this way a mentor could help guide you through your chosen career path.

Peer Mentoring You’ll gain different perspectives/experience from a peer along with it being less intimidating for you to bring your problems to them, they sometimes offer frank advice that a senior mentor might not. Furthermore this is mutually beneficial to both parties as its reciprocal nature allows one to be both mentor and mentee.

Top tips for conferences

• Look at the programme carefully in advance. Often there are interesting sessions on allied subjects that you may miss. If there is an interesting session or lecture maybe spend a short time in advance looking at some background to the area or the speaker
• Ask questions – don’t leave it to the person next to you, do it yourself. There’s no such thing as a silly question, only the one that you didn’t ask, and therefore never got answered.
• Do go and talk to the speaker afterwards. Ask about their work, talk about your work when relevant, but don’t turn it into a sales pitch. Explain why you are interested in speaking to them and how their insight might help you, or broaden your knowledge.
• However shy you are, you have to make yourself talk to people. At a poster, in the lunch queue, at meal times. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will have to be able to speak to people with confidence. Generally most people, no matter how senior, are pleased to spend a few minutes to speak with you about a particular area that you wish clarified or explained.
• If you’re at a meeting with your friends – leave them and go find new people to talk to. Have in mind to make new colleagues and acquaintances – extend your group. You never know who those new people also might know.
• Try not to drink too much – at the social events always be alert and ready to network.
• Don’t start a conversation with a‘what’s in it for me?’ mentality. Instead of thinking someone can help you out, try reaching out with curiosity. Contact interesting people and see where the relationship goes down the line.
• Once you obtain an email address to a key contact, follow it up within a fortnight of the meeting regarding your discussion at the conference.
• Many physiologists know each other personally. This is useful when introducing yourself to a new senior contact; sharing who you work with (now or previously) may be your biggest opener.