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And remember, one relationship often leads to others...

As graduate students, we should expect every public function to be a networking opportunity, but understand that networking is a skill that develops over time. Steve Johnson, who currently serves as Director of School Programs for the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, says his important advice is to "go to the places where you meet people. Just showing up indicates an enthusiasm for the field even if you haven't done much in the field yet yourself." (4). Although we shouldn't be intimidated by a title or a reputation, fear of embarrassment can often keep us from making important connections. Attending meetings and functions with senior graduate students, your advisor, or a mentor can help ease new graduate students into a discipline-specific network (1). If you are nervous about your communication skills, or fearful of being embarrassed, prepare ahead for tongue-tying situations by developing and practicing a "networking speech": in 20 seconds or less, be able to tell a colleague who you are, what your research interests are, and your professional goals. After you learn that every social function may be a networking opportunity, don't forget to bring your business cards. Business cards should include your name, contact information doctoral or master's status, research field and interests, and Web site (1). Even graduate students living on meager stipends can afford free business cards from www.vistaprint.com.

Clare Porac of the American Psychological Association Science Directorate reminds us that, "no one is going to seek you out as a graduate student. You are going to have to seek out the opportunities yourself" (1). So once you gain some confidence, put yourself out there by attending conferences, workshops, department colloquium series, and even community events. If possible, volunteer to be on the committee that plans these events so you can meet the speakers(1). You might also sit in on a program committee meeting, serve as a referee for conference or journal papers, coauthor a survey paper, host some visiting speakers, have coffee with a visiting fellow in your department, or volunteer to help with the logistics of a conference (4). Add to your curriculum vitae while polishing your networking skills by joining local, state, and national professional organizations. Join relevant listservs and mentoring programs. After a speaking event that is particularly relevant to your research, ask the speaker

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