Part of the problem is that "networking" is a poorly defined term https://twitter.com/AlexFGoldberg/status/1260334364656758784

I think job seekers see it as "meeting people who will help me get a job"... which is true, but also not the point?

I like to suggest that people meet people they want to build long-term relationships with*, and that they will enjoy getting to know

*I know, it sounds like dating advice

Part of the problem (I think) is that in chemistry, it boils down to "cold email former group alumni who are now in industry", which is ??useful?? advice that isn't very fun.

And a better way to think of it is "get to know former group alumni in industry, and find the ones that you enjoy interacting with and can learn from."

[it's at this point that I'm going to go from #chemjobs advice/punditry to pseudo-political ranting, so be forewarned]

Assuming that we're in a recession and there will be fewer entry level jobs in chemistry, I predict those professors and institutions with long and deep ties to industry may have an easier time placing their alumni.

The meritocratic idealist in me is really bothered by that. I know that "merit" is ill-defined, but it would be great if we were more guided by it (if we knew what 'it' was.)