Chapter 14: Networking Through Your Academic Journey: Bolstering Successful Passage Into STEM-Related Careers

When we began our postsecondary educational journey, we were unaware that the longer our trek on this journey, the more connected we can become. At the turn of the century, W.E.B. Du Bois coined “the talented 10th” to describe the likelihood of 1 in 10 Black men becoming leaders of their race in the world by continuing their education, writing books, or becoming catalysts for social change. When this phrase was coined, it was unfathomable that this percentage would still apply over 100 years later; however, the same statistic of fewer than 10% of African Americans, men and women holding advanced degrees applies today. One hundred years ago, women were not even considered in this equation. For those of us on the advanced educational journey today—and, yes, educational journeys do take a lifetime—we are constantly learning, growing, striving, and achieving to become captains of industry and leaders in our fields. There are few degrees of separation between those on this journey who are leading and innovating during this lifelong educational journey. Networking is perhaps one of the most critical aspects that connect the individuals who are leading and innovating today.