Networking for Women with PhDs and Other Doctorates: A Different Approach

Networking is a crucial skill for career advancement, whether in academia, industry and nonprofits, government, or other professional fields. While conventional networking advice applies to everyone, men and women with PhDs and other doctorates often experience networking differently due to socialization, workplace biases, and access to professional circles. Women are often socialized to be collaborative, modest, and accommodating, while men are encouraged to be assertive, self-promoting, and competitive. As a result, many women hesitate to network strategically, fearing they will come across as self-serving rather than relationship-oriented. They may also struggle with making their achievements visible, downplaying successes to avoid seeming boastful. Additionally, women may find it harder to advocate for themselves, whether in salary negotiations or career advancement, as they have been conditioned to prioritize harmony over personal gain.

This can lead to being overlooked for promotions and leadership roles. Understanding these differences can help women with doctorates adopt strategies that align with their strengths while overcoming these common barriers.

How Conventional Networking Works for Men

Men generally network with fewer social and psychological barriers because they:

• View networking as a transactional tool, making it easier to ask for help.

• Have more access to informal networks, including mentorship and sponsorship opportunities.

• Receive more sponsorship (career advocacy) rather than just mentorship (advice and guidance).

• Face fewer penalties for self-promotion, as assertiveness is often positively reinforced.

How and Why Women with PhDs and Other Doctorates Need to Approach Networking Differently

Here’s how women can adapt networking to their strengths:

1. Reframe Networking as Relationship-Building

Many women prefer authentic, trust-based relationships over transactional interactions. Instead of viewing networking as “using people,” they can see it as collaboration and mutual support. A focus on reciprocity—offering value while being willing to ask for help—can make networking feel more natural.

2. Overcome Discomfort with Self-Promotion

Women are often socialized to downplay achievements, making self-promotion feel awkward. From an early age, many women receive messages that modesty, humility, and being agreeable are more valued than self-assertion. Strategies like storytelling (rather than simply listing accomplishments) and highlighting the impact of their work can help. Another effective approach is having a “brag buddy”—a trusted colleague who helps amplify each other’s strengths.

3. Build Strategic Networks and Cultivate Sponsors & Allies

Women often network laterally (with colleagues at their level) rather than upward (with decision-makers). To advance their careers, they should actively seek sponsors—not just mentors—and identify allies who can advocate for them in leadership discussions.

While mentors provide guidance, sponsors actively advocate for career advancement by recommending individuals for promotions, leadership roles, or high-visibility projects. Women need both mentors and sponsors to navigate career growth effectively.

Allies—both men and women—play a key role in amplifying women’s voices, addressing bias, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Male allies, in particular, can use their positions of influence to ensure that women receive equal opportunities and recognition. Women allies can also support each other through mutual sponsorship and advocacy.

4. Navigate Gender Bias in Networking

Women may be penalized for directly asking for favors or advocating for themselves too strongly. Research shows that when women make direct requests for career-related assistance—such as introductions, recommendations, or job leads—they are more likely to be perceived as demanding, self-serving, or overly ambitious compared to men making the same requests. This bias stems from societal expectations that women should be communal, supportive, and selfless, rather than assertive or strategic in advancing their careers.

A more effective strategy can be the “communal ask”—framing requests in terms of how they benefit the broader organization, field, or mission. For example, instead of saying, “Can you introduce me to X?” a woman might say, “I’d love to connect with X because I’m working on Y, which could really contribute to Z in our field.” This approach aligns with gendered expectations while still achieving the goal of securing career support.

Additionally, women should be mindful of “office housework” networking—spending too much time mentoring and supporting others without reciprocal career benefits. While providing guidance and encouragement to colleagues is valuable, it’s important to ensure networking efforts also include conversations that support your development and can lead to concrete career opportunities.

5. Leverage Women-Centered Networks

Women-focused networking groups provide safe spaces for sharing challenges, exchanging opportunities, and receiving mentorship. These networks foster long-term collaboration and support, especially in male-dominated fields. Examples of professional societies that support women include:

• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) – for women in engineering and technology.

• Association for Women in Science (AWIS) – for women in STEM fields.

• Women in Technology (WIT) – for women in IT and tech careers.

• Women in Bio – (WIB) for women in the Life Sciences

• Financial Women’s Association (FWA) – for women in finance and business.

• American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) – for women in medicine.

Call to Action

Networking and self-advocacy are essential for career success, yet many women with PhDs and other doctorates face unique barriers in these areas. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

I invite you to download the accompanying worksheet to explore your networking patterns in more depth. Worksheet link: https://bit.ly/phdwomennetworking

• Reconnect with colleagues using LinkedIn

• Join a professional women’s network in your field to build connections and gain support.

• Identify potential sponsors and allies who can advocate for you.

• Start small—reach out to one new contact this week and begin building meaningful professional relationships.

If you're ready to take your networking and career advancement to the next level, let’s connect! Visit my website to learn more about me and how we might work together: www.smartcareerdesign.com