Join us for the SSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series, which in 2026 will be co-delivered with the NZSA Mentor Programme. This online professional development series is invaluable to statisticians who are looking to improve and enhance their skills in communication, time and project management.
Webinar 2:
Effective Networking as a Statistician
Presenter: Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Date and Time: Thursday 7th May 2026, 11am AEST
Abstract
Effective networking is a critical but often under (or never) taught professional skill for statisticians at all career stages. In this seminar, we will reframe networking as a purposeful, values driven practice focused on building authentic, mutually beneficial professional relationships rather than transactional exchanges. Designed for both mentors and mentees, the talk will address how networking goals and strategies evolve across career stages and roles, and how mentors can actively support mentees in developing sustainable professional networks. Drawing on examples from academia, collaborative research, and professional service, the seminar will cover practical approaches to networking in one on one, group, and virtual settings; strategies for initiating and maintaining professional connections; and common barriers to networking, including discomfort, power dynamics, and time constraints. Participants will also discuss how inclusive and intentional networking strengthens mentoring relationships and contributes to long term career development within the statistical community. The session will be interactive and reflective, with actionable takeaways for integrating networking into everyday professional practice.
Presenter's Bio - Professor Kelley M. Kidwell
Kelley M. Kidwell is Professor of Biostatistics and Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the design and analysis of clinical trials, with methodological work aimed at better aligning how medicine and public health are practiced—through individualized, sequential decision-making—with how they are experimentally studied. Her collaborative research spans diverse clinical areas, including mental health, substance use, pain, and perioperative care. In addition to her research, she is deeply committed to graduate and professional development and created the course Graduate Student and Professional Success Skills for MS and PhD students in Biostatistics to address essential skills often absent from the technical curriculum.
Webinars:
Fees:
- Mentoring program participants – Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
- Non SSA/NZSA Members – $60.00
- SSA/NZSA Members – $30.00
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.
From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.
@StatSocAus
