Networking in Biotech: Making Connections That Advance Your Career

Let’s get real – if you’re hoping to break into biotech by frantically refreshing job boards and shooting your resume into the digital void, I’ve got news for you. After 25 years of recruiting in this space, Surf Search’s biotech recruiters can tell you that the most successful candidates aren’t just hiding behind their LinkedIn profiles.

Why it matters

The biotech world is more like a web of relationships than a corporate ladder. That groundbreaking CAR-T researcher you’re dying to work with? She probably grabs coffee every week with the CEO of that startup you’ve been eyeing. And that intimidating VP of Clinical Operations? He’s likely mentoring three up-and-coming project managers who are about to build their own teams.

Here’s what nobody tells you: biotech is actually a small world. Everyone knows everyone, and reputations travel faster than a PCR reaction. I’ve seen countless candidates land dream roles not because their resume was perfect but because they met someone at a random symposium who remembered their thoughtful questions about antibody development.

How to do it right

For the love of properly folded proteins, don’t be that person who shows up to networking events with a stack of resumes and an obviously rehearsed elevator pitch. Instead, get genuinely curious. Ask about that person’s journey from bench scientist to commercial strategy. Share your fascinating thoughts on the latest FDA guidance. Debate whether AI will really revolutionize drug discovery.

The magic happens when you stop treating networking like a job-hunting strategy and start seeing it as your chance to join one of the most exciting scientific communities out there. Trust me – I’ve watched too many brilliant scientists miss out on opportunities because they thought their publications would speak for themselves. So yes, keep polishing that resume. But also get yourself to those biotech meetups, industry conferences, and scientific symposia. Join those LinkedIn groups and actually engage in discussions. Remember: today’s casual conversation about single-cell sequencing could be tomorrow’s job offer.

For a quick guide to networking at events, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

⇒ Before any event, research attendees and companies on LinkedIn – identify 3-4 people you’d genuinely like to talk with about their work or expertise.

⇒ Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions about current industry trends or challenges (like “How do you see AI impacting drug development workflows?”) rather than asking directly about jobs.

⇒ At events, aim for quality conversations over quantity – spend 10-15 minutes having meaningful discussions rather than trying to meet everyone in the room.

⇒ Follow up within 24 hours with a personalized LinkedIn connection request mentioning something specific from your conversation.

⇒ Share relevant industry articles or insights with your new connections periodically to stay on their radar without being pushy.

⇒ Attend industry-specific meetups and conferences consistently – becoming a familiar face matters more than making a splash at one big event.

⇒ Consider offering value first – share your expertise, make introductions, or volunteer at industry events before asking for anything in return.

⇒ Keep detailed notes about the people you meet (their interests, what you discussed, mutual connections) to reference in future interactions.

⇒ Also, always remember LINKEDIN IS YOUR FRIEND. Use it. Comment on articles and throw yourself out there. The more active of a voice you have, the more of a chance you have to develop valuable relationships.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll run into each other at the next big biotech gathering. Just promise me you won’t start the conversation with “I’m looking for new opportunities.” Let’s talk about your interests first – the career stuff has a way of flowing naturally after that. From my side of the recruiting desk, I can tell you this: the candidates who build authentic relationships in this industry don’t just find jobs – they build careers.

Now, as someone I met through the channels would say, go gettem’ tigers!