I’ve been spending the last month networking, in real life and online. The start of one’s Churchill Fellowship also involves a lot of admin rather than intellectual effort: before I can get to the “real work” of intellectual effort, there are forms to be filled out, travel to be arranged, meetings to be agreed upon. I feel like I’ve inadvertently signed myself up to a part-time job, spending probably 15 hours a week following up leads, researching travel routes and answering emails from people who have found out about my fellowship and have offered to help or participate in some way.

The real-life networking is a little more fun. I attended the Victorian Churchill Fellows Association annual dinner, where each of the 2024 Fellows took to the stage for 3 minutes and introduced their project. Another hit of adrenalin, pride and excitement, and another opportunity to mingle with Fellows old and new.

I’ve also made time to attend other networking events, to expand my sphere of influence and explore new opportunities for connection related to my project. It feels a little like when you’ve decided to look for a new job – lots of dressing nicely and standing around with a drink in your hand. But this time, you have an interesting new idea to “sell” and it makes the conversations a lot freer.

My online networking has mostly involved reaching out to my target interviewees, some for the very first time, and starting the conversation. Most have been enormously generous, offering to connect me with others they think I should also talk to. I’ve had to tweak my travel timeline to make the most of the connections I’ve made in the UK and the USA. I feel it is really starting to take shape.

#churchillfellow #learnglobally #inspirelocally