Many minoritised students and early-career scientists know networking is important, yet few have ever been taught how to do it with purpose, confidence or clarity. This session explores intentional networking as an essential professional skill not in the corporate sense, but as a genuine tool for community-building, mentorship and career growth.

Drawing on my experience as a Nigerian-Irish Master’s student, mother and a past MLSFF attendee whose life changed through a single connection, this workshop shares practical frameworks that helped me find my voice, build confidence and connect with opportunities I never imagined were possible.

Participants will learn how to introduce themselves with impact, build meaningful relationships before and after conferences, and use networking to access mentors, internships and collaborative opportunities. The session will also create a supportive environment for delegates to practise confidence-building and peer networking in real time.

This workshop is especially designed for students, first-time conference attendees, and those from marginalised backgrounds who may feel overlooked, underrepresented or unsure where to begin.

Workshop - Networking With Intention: Building Confidence, Community & Career Pathways in the Life Sciences

Speakers

Toyosi Sanni