Connecting with a Mentor + NCUIRE
Networking....is awkward and uncomfortable. BUT, like aquiring any skill, it becomes easy and natural with practice. I dreaded reaching out to a mentor on LinkedIn. However, my message was really well-received, and I got some extremely helpful insight into a potential career path and research opportunities. When I was sending the message, I felt like I was bothering this professional, and she would be annoyed with my questions. I had quite the opposite reaction, and she was ecstatic to tell me all about what she is working on. Now, I've established my name with someone who could help me connect with professors in graduate programs. The NCUIRE Symposium was equally awkward. There's a bunch of people standing around staring at you and waiting for you to approach them. However, I wanted to be supportive and network, so I would walk up to someone and ask questions about their poster. I had NO IDEA how many cool research projects were happening at ASU West. Some of the particip