You can’t shortcut trust
First: Let’s shift your mindset
Networking doesn’t mean collecting as many contacts as possible. It’s about building real relationships, early, intentionally, and with enough time for trust to grow.
Relationship building is not:
Talking to as many people as possible
Pitching your research 24/7
Pretending to be someone you’re not
Relationship building is:
Learning what others do and what they care about
Showing genuine interest
Following up in small, meaningful ways
Building trust over time
And yes, that last part is key, relationships take time. If you want your network to help you a year from now (think: job search, spin-off, funding), then now’s the time to plant the seeds.
Where do you start?
1. Get your LinkedIn in shape
Before reaching out to anyone, make sure your profile is up to date. Add a clear headline (e.g. Bioengineer | Exploring sustainable materials for medtech). Write a short summary; what drives you, what you’re working on, what you’re curious about. Include relevant experience or side projects. This isn’t about impressing people, it’s about giving context so others know who they’re talking to.
2. Pick the RIGHT places to meet people
Look for events with a mix of profiles, not just researchers. Think industry events, investor meetups, startup demo days, interdisciplinary conferences, or science-to-business workshops. Bonus: if there’s a matchmaking tool, please use it. It takes the pressure off and creates warm intros.
3. Talk to people who are NOT like you
It’s tempting to stay in your own circle. But valuable insights and future opportunities often come from outside your bubble.
4. Know what you want from a conversation BEFORE any event or intro, ask yourself:
What do I want to learn?
What might this person need?
What would a successful conversation look like?
You don’t need a full agenda, just a purpose. It makes your time more impactful for both of you.
5. Always follow up! After a good conversation:
Make a short memo about the meeting
Send a quick thank-you message
Mention one thing you appreciated or found helpful
If relevant, suggest a next step (a coffee, a visit…)
These small actions are what build trust over time.
One last thing
You can’t shortcut trust. You won’t build meaningful relationships in a few weeks when you suddenly need them.
Start now, even if you don’t have a clear ask. The best connections grow slowly from curiosity, generosity, and mutual respect.