this is a recurring theme for me... I am also a TOTAL introvert. I am a science geek to boot. My last mentor taught me some great stuff that I'll pass along.... networking is in the eye of the beholder. I mean, it may look like networking for me to get someone who is an expert in his/her field to write a letter of recommendation for me, but if that person is my best friend, it doesn't feel like schmoozing to me.

I was at a formal event (first one since prom), and met a fellow biochemist. We chatted all evening - didn't talk to anyone else all night but my bf. This person has since called a colleague of his and told him that while he doesn't know how good my 'hands' are, he did discuss science with me all night. So, was that schmoozing? Probably, but it felt like talking about a favorite nephew or something all night .

My favorite mentor always told me to tell everyone I know when I'm looking for a job. Call all your friends. Send an email to people even sort-of friends. You never know who may know someone who knows someone who can get you that perfect job. Now, I am currently really looking for a career somewhere and I have my eye on one particular job. I applied (even though I am not a toxicologist), but that wasn't enough for me. I emailed a letter to the CEO of the company as well with my CV attached. It is a small company. He personally replied and HR called me within 20 minutes of me sending that email. That was schmoozing for sure. Now, I have spoken with everyone I have ever met in the city where that job is and asked if they know anyone there, and if they do, I flat out ask them to put a good word in for me.

Do I have an offer on the table? Nope. Will I eventually? Yup. One thing 'soft money' has taught me is to always keep looking and maybe someday if I click the heels of my shoes together, I'll find my prefect job complete with benefits and 'hard money'. Best of luck to you! You can do the schmooze thing - especially if you just schmooze among your best friends for now