Whatever stage of our life or career we are at, taking time to extend personal and professional networks is important! It might not always feel like it, but we all have something to give as well as to gain from broadening our connections with others.

On the 5th August 2020, members of the SJC Women’s Network circumnavigated Covid-related restrictions and joined together (virtually, of course) with 32 St John’s women, past and present, to unpack and demystify ideas and practices around Networking.

It was great to bring together such a diverse group of women, all tuning in to the Zoom call from various parts of the world. The evening began with three short personal reflections on the topic by members of the Women’s Network: Emeritus Chair, Robin Gorna (1984, Theology), Izzy Fewster Jones (2015, Archaeology and Anthropology) and myself, with the session then opening up to wider discussion.

The key messages that emerged were that networking isn’t the preserve of the sassy and the outgoing amongst us – everyone can find a way of connecting to others while remaining authentically themselves. Networking can be for the purposes of professional advancement, but it can equally be about building relationships that focus on personal development. Networking was talked about as a two-way street, with both parties benefitting from the exchange. It requires a combination of attitude and action; taking the initiative, being prepared to step out of one’s comfort zone and being interested in others were cited among the first important steps.

The invaluable mentoring and peer support relationships that can grow out of our networks also surfaced as we spoke and the panel pointed to the opportunities for mentoring that are available through the St John’s Online Community. 

It was clear from the diverse needs in the group that more targeted sessions would be useful. With this in mind, the Women’s Network is planning to offer similar events around a number of different themes, and this time with a mentoring and peer support element built in.

The first in the series is currently under development: a workshop aimed at those who are planning to return to work having been away rearing children or engaged in other caring responsibilities or indeed for any other reason. If this is you, or if you have been through this transition and would like to share your experiences with others, please contact women@sjc.ox.ac.uk, putting the word ‘Mentoring’ as the subject header, to express your interest in taking part. We also invite you to get in touch if you have participated in a formal returner programme or if you work in a firm who are recruiting women returners. Likewise, if you would like to propose themes or be involved in any way in this series of events, we would love to hear from you.