After a prolonged absence I am back writing my blog, hopefully with new and wonderful experiences and learning to help my fellow trainees. I will apologize however for my writing style, I am a little rusty.
Onward we go to talk about Networking.
Many trainees will be at varying stages of training and experience and working in settings that will allow for different networking opportunities. This sounds obvious of course but what isn't obvious is what you can do to help yourself in these instances and support fellow trainees in the process. For example, I have two friends who I completed my masters with, both who have more relevant job roles than I do but neither have the research experience that I have. I am able to support them in Core Role 2 and in exchange they are able to support me in other Core Roles where I may be lacking contacts or experience.
The Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) conference was a fantastic way to network. I met two individuals there who have helped me organize one of my research exemplars and this was achieved through speaking to people who I share an interest with. Conference attendees are all very aware of the networking opportunities that there are, so you have to have something that others don't. For me, I found people with a shared interest but I also had a consolidated idea of the project that I wanted to develop. This made it easier for me to engage in conversation on the subject and illustrate that I was the person who could take this project forward.
In a karma inspired exchange, I met two trainees at the conference, one from India and the other from Portugal. I was able to put them in contact with colleagues of mine that have a shared interest to theirs and hopefully they will find those contacts useful.
I have found that attending training also has this added benefit. I have met some fantastic trainees at DFP specific training events who have helped explain the processes and procedures of the Stage 2 Qualifications to me; who have offered me their help should I need it with particular projects and put me in touch with areas of potential placements.
I think the moral of this post is that I have found that although this arena is competitive and littered with obstacles, have faith in one's colleagues and fellow trainees. We are all in this together and understand what each other going through in order to qualify. Secondly, conferences and training don't just improve your CPD but can also improve the breadth of your network.
Until next time......
