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to send you some of their research; especially if you have relevant research findings of your own to share. Once you have identified common interests with a contact, follow-up with an e-mail or phone call every few months (1). A caution: in the midst of important learning stages, graduate students shouldn't get too caught up in the schmoozing. Students should build authentic relationships remembering that over-the-top flattery and adoration of new colleagues can backfire. Like you, they will know when they are being "buttered up."

Dr. Agre adds that the labor involved in networking itself varies from mundane to intense. However, he stresses that it is well worth the effort: your network will not only be instrumental in the creation of your new research or professional persona, he says, but you will "become comfortable with the rhythms and styles of your new professional community" (3). In the process, you'll have also created a personalized support system whose contacts will provide you with the reinforcement and guidance you need to navigate effectively through the stressors of graduate school with your insanity attached as securely to your being as that diploma is attached to your hand.

WORKS CITED

1. Tracey, Melissa Dittmann (2006). "Cast Your Net, "GradPsych,4 (4), pg 26 28.

2. Heslin, P.A. (2005). "Experiencing Career Success," Organizational Dynamics,34(4), pg 376-390.

3. Agre, Phil (2005). "Networking on the Network: A Guide to Professional Skills for PhD Students." http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/ pagre/network.html#section4, accessed December 8, 2006.

4. http://career.berkeley.edu/Art icle/021122a.stm

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