My first stream of research investigates the role of social networks in labor markets. In a series of papers, I reveal the benefits job seekers receive from using social connections in their job search. In my second stream of research, I use social networks as a theoretical lens to focus on Chinese returnee-entrepreneurs, or Chinese nationals who start new ventures in China after studying or working in developed economies. In particular, my research seeks to unveil the conditions under which the networks these entrepreneurs have in China and abroad affect firm performance. Because existing data cannot answer many of these questions, my studies typically involve design of new survey modules, face-to-face interviews, hand-coding of existing data, and/or acquiring previously unavailable datasets.