What if the biggest opportunities in your STEM career were just one conversation away?

In this episode, I sit down with Jessi Rennekamp—a powerhouse in the STEM world whose journey is living proof that networking isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a career strategy. We talk about the often-overlooked truth: talent alone doesn’t always open doors, but relationships do.

We dive into the moments that shaped Jessi’s confidence, how she made connections that changed the trajectory of her career, and the quiet power of showing up—authentically—in rooms that feel intimidating.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your next big leap, this conversation will challenge how you think about networking and give you real tools to build meaningful, strategic relationships in STEM.

Because the truth is, no one builds a career alone.

Resources:

Healthcare Businesswomen's Association

Life Science Cares

Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 - The Art of Storytelling in Biotech Communications4:52 - Navigating the Networking Landscape9:15 - Building Confidence in Networking13:48 - Authenticity in Networking18:41 - Crafting Your Narrative22:57 - Effective Follow-Up Strategies26:31 - Staying Motivated in Networking30:05 The Unasked Questions in Networking30:14 - Overcoming Networking Guilt30:23 - Building Meaningful Connections32:58 - The Importance of Mindset in Networking35:02 - Confidence Building Strategies37:39 - Common Networking Mistakes38:35 - Timing and Respect in Networking Requests40:23 - Leveraging Connections Respectfully42:10 - Final Thoughts on Networking and ConfidenceSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM ON ALL PLATFORMS

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