Staying in touch

One of the topics that came up on today’s #femlead Twitter chat was what to do after an informational interview. Amanda Page wondered what comes next. Well, after a thank you email, there isn’t necessarily a next, at least not in my experience. Sometimes, an informational interview serves its purpose and both parties know nothing more needs to happen. Why force a relationship if you didn’t click with the person or you’re no longer interested in that industry? I think it’s ok to leave things be. If there are more things to be said or information to exchange then those things should and will happen.

All this being said, I do think there’s a place for all these contacts in my address book, whether or not I have much to say to them specifically. I’m drafting a letter that I’ll email to anyone I think might be interested in knowing what I’m up to. Liz Gloyn sends friends and professional contacts a monthly note to let them know what’s going on. I’m not planning on doing that, but we’ll see what happens. I can envision wanting to keep in regular contact with some people—people who actively want to be informed of my doings—and doing a separate, less frequent mailing for others. To me, this is about sharing information and inviting feedback. I know that down the road, I may call on my contacts for business purposes, but that’s not what’s driving the letter I’m writing. I’m genuinely excited about what I’m doing and think some of the people I’ve met in the past year+ would enjoy receiving an update. They’ve all played a role in where I am today, so it’s only fair that I let them know about it!

Here’s what I’m thinking: To start, a sentence or two or three that’s specific to that person. Then,

It’s finally, maybe spring here in Toronto and I’m looking forward to Hot Docs, the international documentary film festival that takes over my life—in the best way possible—in late April and early May each year. Earlier this month I went to the Silent Film Festival (as a first-timer) and just loved it. I love all the millions of exciting things happening in this city: It’s so easy to explore other interests, pick up a new hobby, and meet new people. The main challenge is simply that there’s so much out there!

That challenge is a good metaphor for my career search. When I finished my PhD and started thinking seriously about what to do next, I quickly realized that although there were few obvious places to look, my potential job options were extremely wide-ranging. This is fantastic! But in daily life it can be frustrating.

Over the past few months I’ve gotten much closer to knowing where I’m headed. I’m feeling optimistic and am having a great time learning what’s out there, connecting with new people, and brainstorming ideas. Having a career coach (who specializes in academics) was extremely helpful and an absolutely fascinating experience. I wrote a little something about this on my website, if you’re curious: https://fromphdtolife.com/2013/02/05/exploration/.

I started that website, From PhD to Life, in mid-December on a whim and it’s really taken off. I’m loving blogging, engaging in social media (especially Twitter) as a member of the “alternative academic” or #altac community, and reaching out to people with PhDs who are thriving beyond the academy, to ask them to tell their stories as part of my Q & A series. The whole process has been extremely fulfilling and deeply rewarding . . . and lots of fun, too! I think the site is having a small, positive impact by letting other people in transition away from academia know that they aren’t alone and that there are many wonderful things they can do beyond the tenure-track.

My experiences so far, as well as all the thinking and work I did before this year, have made it pretty clear that I want to run my own little business. And I’d love to use my blog as a starting point. Down the road I’ll undertake coach training so I can provide one-on-one or group help to struggling post-PhDs. I can see myself consulting on graduate skills training and job search services. What I’ve learned and am learning about the experiences of others might be of interest to university administrations, professional organizations, existing student services, and faculty members. PhDs face many issues after they graduate, and right now there’s little good help or guidance available. I’d love to reach larger audiences with my writing, and perhaps do some public speaking. I’m trying to keep my goals in mind, namely, to empower others, inspire change, and build community. There are many different projects I can envision being part of; at this point, I’m in the thinking stage.

Meanwhile, my networking has paid off in at least one surprising way: I’ve discovered that I love networking! I shied away from informational interviews at first, feeling intimidated by reaching out to strangers or even asking people I already know about what they do for a living. By now, I’ve gotten over my fear and realize it’s really great fun hearing about other people’s experiences, and having conversations about the directions I might take in my own working life.

Let me know how you’re doing and if you’ve got thoughts on what I’m up to!

What do you think? If I’d taken you out for coffee 6 months ago and sent you this email, would you welcome it?