I had coffee with a stellar former student yesterday who asked a great question:
"I know it’s important to keep in touch with mentors & former supervisors but how do you recommend doing that?"
Here was my answer:
1. Don’t stress about quantity. Even checking in once or twice a year is plenty. I keep a birthday calendar for friends and professional contacts and always try to check in around their birthday. It’s an easy natural reason to connect and people are often (pleasantly) surprised.
2. Share good news and ask them questions. If something great happens, share it. Personal or professional. And if you are deciding whether to apply for a new job or are faced with a new task just ask! People want to be helpful even if its been awhile.
3. Share an interesting piece of content. If a news article or TV show or podcast episode makes you think of someone, share it with them!
4. Don’t be afraid to reach out if it’s been a while. So what if it’s been two years! Pandemic happened. Life happened. Decide to have one or two catch up coffees a month and thats 12-24 extra connections a year. Plus I find these experiences to be so fulfilling!
5. What would I avoid? Don’t worry about the quarterly clockwork checkin. Don’t worry about needing a specific ask. Don’t make it hard to meet (doesn't have to be lunch -- I love an afternoon coffee or walk when I am least productive anyway).
TL;dr. Keeping in touch with professional contacts, mentors, and bosses is not just strategic it’s SO enjoyable as well.