WEST Wisdom Blog

What is networking?

Networking is the exchange of information, ideas, and help among people with a common profession, special interest, or community.

Why is networking important?

Making connections throughout life is essential. You never know if someone you met in middle school is going to have an impact on your future. For many people, you might not start thinking about networking and making career connections until high school or college. The internet has made connecting much easier by having the ability to connect with someone thousands of miles away.

Topics: Career, Community, Network, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Relationships, Connect, Collaboration, Developing Your Skills, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Webinar

How do you build an effective community?

WEST began in 2000 intending to create a supportive environment for women in the fields of science and technology. The community has been growing over the past 20 years into an even more influential group impacting women every day. The goal for this year is to build a strong community of resilient women making a positive impact on the world.

Topics: Leadership, Career, Community, Resilience, Network, Women in STEM, Networking, Annual Theme, Upcoming Events, Connect, Making a Difference, Career Path, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Impact, Career Development, Diversity, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Webinar

Despite popular belief, people’s top fear is NOT public speaking. That is a myth. For many people, especially women, the top fear is public JUDGMENT.

As a woman leader or emerging leader, how do you OWN what you’re saying without feeling like a fraud?

Whether you’re speaking up in an online virtual conference, a board meeting or giving a presentation, you need to be able to speak with confidence to influence your listeners.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Women, Career, Communication, Women in STEM, Upcoming Events, Developing Your Skills, Career Development, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Be Fearless, Be Brave, Imposter Syndrome, Webinar, Fearlessness, Public Speaking

Take charge of your development. Take advantage of the opportunity to join events virtually from anywhere. WEST has many exciting upcoming events to help you improve communication, bypass your inner critic in public speaking, practice fearlessness, refine your presentation skills, and much more.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Women, Career, Communication, Resilience, Panel, Network, Presentation, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Mindfulness, Developing Your Skills, Career Development, Learn, Advocate, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Be Fearless, Be Brave, Webinar, Fearlessness, Parenting, Public Speaking

As COVID-19 continues to spread in Massachusetts and the Country, we are reminded of how interconnected we are. These are challenging times for us all, and WEST hopes to play a small role to help those in need! WEST is pleased to organize a special virtual panel discussion with WEST Board and Advisory Board members. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Life Sciences Cares COVID-19 Response Fund providing flexible grants to organizations working to meet the emerging and shifting needs caused by this unprecedented outbreak. Panelists will share inspiration, challenges, advice, and ways their companies are addressing issues with COVID-19. Join us to ask questions and share your experiences working remotely. Learn more and register at https://www.westorg.org/2020-04-22-virtual-covid19-fundraiser.

Topics: Donation, Events, Leadership, Women, Career, Communication, Panel, Giving, Women in STEM, Upcoming Events, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Be Fearless, Be Brave, Webinar

Are you committed to lifelong learning and growing your skills? If so, WEST has some great spring webinar offerings to help you lead with mindfulness, build success with grit, make your ideas irresistible, advocate for yourself, improve communication, and much more.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said "I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday." Now is a great time to focus on your personal development and embrace purposeful learning to promote your career and prepare for tomorrow.

Join us at an upcoming webinar.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Women, Career, Communication, Resilience, Presentation, Women in STEM, Upcoming Events, Mindfulness, Developing Your Skills, Career Development, Learn, Advocate, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Be Fearless, Be Brave, Webinar, Grit, Fearlessness, Parenting

Conflict is caring

You know it’s time to polish your resume if you don’t care enough to voice your frustrations. Or call out the cognitive disconnect. Or make your case for a different approach. Personally and professionally, we tend to treat conflict as a negative event. But if someone cares enough to state their disagreement, that means they are invested in the outcome. Conflict only arises in situations where participants care enough about the subject to question whether the means best serve the ends.

Topics: Women in STEM, Workshop, Upcoming Events, Emotional Intelligence, Developing Your Skills, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, Feedback, Career Development, Influence Without Authority, #WESTevent, Women in Business, Be Fearless, Be Brave

WEST and Cooley invite you to our Holiday Cocktail Party on 12/12 for an evening of networking and festive food and drinks. Please join us to celebrate the holidays, connect with members, exchange ideas, learn about job openings and more. This event is free for members thanks to Cooley’s generous sponsorship.

Topics: Women, Career, Communication, Community, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Professional, Connect, Holiday Party, #WESTevent, Be Fearless, Be Brave

Your Career = Your Business. Regardless of industry, at some point, moving forward will requiring marketing your business-of-one.

In STEM fields, entrepreneurs don’t have a monopoly on ‘selling’ ideas. As the CEO of your career, you are your best advocate. In life and career, eventually we all find ourselves pitching a new concept. Maybe you need to explain your science to prospective investors. Or, you’re going for that grant. Or you want to present your paper at a conference. 

Topics: Women in STEM, Upcoming Events, Tools, Career Development, Marketing, Advocate, #WESTevent, Women in Business, Be Fearless, Be Brave

In the world of business, careers are no longer linear or predictable. What was once a clearly sign-posted path as you progressed through milestones, a career road map is now circuitous presenting new challenges and opportunities at every bend. Life-long careers in one sector or one company are becoming a rarity as new technologies and shifting social norms disrupt traditional careers. Both employers and employees are seeking more diversity of experience, lifestyle flexibility and alternative paths.

These panels are designed to help you think about your career path and the different options that are open to you. Each panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, transferrable skills for those looking to make a change, tips for uncovering opportunities, advice for others, and how to make brave leaps. Then you will get some small group time with the panelists during a few speed networking rounds. 

Topics: Events, STEM, Women, Science, Transitions, Career, Panel, Cambridge, Success, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Innovation, Professional, Biotech, Digital, Career Path, Career Development, Career Possibilities, Speed Networking, New Opportunities, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Be Fearless, Be Brave, Venture Capital/VC, Business Development, Research & Development, Devices, Medical