Before I obtained my first set of business cards, I considered them to be accessories only for business people or perhaps the overly career savvy – certainly not necessary for a graduate student like myself. But I changed my mind when I became involved in the student association during my studies. I realized then that cards were an essential way to market the organization.
Now I see business cards as an essential tool in networking. I try to enhance their value by adding information; writing down the subject of the conversation on the card that accompanied its exchange is a good way to remember key points, and ensure you follow up with the person who gave you the card. And after follow-up, a marked-up card serves as a good archive of the initial meeting and actions taken as a result of it.
At conferences and workshops, it seems as though graduate students vary in their approach to business cards. Some have them and exchange them, others don't. I would encourage students to get a set printed – with a simple design and basic contact information. And finally, get comfortable approaching colleagues and swapping cards.
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Angerer, P. On the cards. Nature 428, 678 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nj6983-678a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nj6983-678a