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Build Relationships (Networking)
The Importance of Networking
You build friendships all the time, meeting new people in class or at campus events. But do you take the time to build relationships with faculty, advisors, and others that might prove to be key players in your application to a health profession program?
As a student considering a health career, you may not realize that your professional networking skills need to be developed before entering your profession. And when you become a health professional, you will hear a lot about building your professional network. That’s how you get connected to new job opportunities, leadership positions, and research opportunities.
Networking may seem intimidating, but it is actually a very simple process of building relationships and sharing information across professional lines. Those who effectively create and cultivate business friendships and acquaintances recognize the value of networking as a strategy for establishing career connections, for now and in the future.
Start building your network today. You already have a personal network: your family, friends and colleagues who have similar interests or common experiences. Your professional network will be similar, but will consist of relationships with people who can help you in your career exploration and throughout your career. Start building your network today! College is a great time to build relationships with faculty, advisors, and professionals who may impact your future. Start building your network while you are still taking General Biology or General Chemistry. It’s not as difficult as you might think!
Know who you know. Create a list of people you know – then identify what information, knowledge, or contacts they may have, which might be of use to you. This is the start of your professional network. Update it with new people as you get to know them. Keep track of where you met them, when you met them, and how you know them.
Checkpoint:
There are many tools available to help you manage your professional network: online programs, specialized software for managing email contacts, or even a simple spreadsheet. Find a system that works best for you and keep your network connections updated.
Expand your network. Take advantage of any opportunities to network, even if they seem to be with people who might not be an obvious connect or support to your career plans. Those individuals might know someone who can assist you…thus, creating a larger network for you.
If you are volunteering or working in a patient-care environment, get to know the professionals you work for or volunteer with. Let them get to know you, so they can identify your strengths and describe your work ethic at a later time...such as when they’re writing a letter of reference for you. If you never interact with them, they will not be able – or may not be willing – to write you letters of reference. Spend time getting to know them. Be pro-active in meeting people or offer to help support them in their work.
Visit your professors during their office hours and make an effort to get to know them as well. If they have a lab, offer to volunteer in the lab. This may eventually turn into a paid position, perhaps even in a research position!
Remember that relationships depend on give and take. Networking is relationship-building. An important aspect of networking is realizing that you have something to give to a relationship. For example, you might not see what you have to offer to a professor, but in reality, building a relationship with a professor in school might simply involve giving them your attention during class, asking useful questions to enhance class participation, being prepared for the class discussions, and turning in assignments on time. Such actions may result in a positive relationship with the professor, which may lead to letters of reference/recommendation to a health professional program or even research opportunities down the line. The key is to developing your network is to see the possibilities and future potential in those relationships.
Use your network. Your network is a tool for you to use, when looking for opportunities, such as informational interviews, job shadowing, volunteering, or even employment. Remember that when you ask for information from these people, be specific and courteous. Always remember to say thank you for any information or support you receive from them. Follow-up with them if there is an outcome from their suggestion. It may spark a whole new set of opportunities!
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Networking and Relationship Building
Example Story
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David was advised by his chemistry professor to contact a former colleague of hers, who works as an occupational health and safety nurse in biotechnology research firm. She recommended that David conduct an informational interview, so that he could learn more about the type of work a nurse does in the biotechnical field.
During the interview, David expressed an interest in the field and he was offered an opportunity to shadow the nurse for a day. David contemplated whether or not he should do this, knowing he was already so busy and didn’t really have time to spend a whole day shadowing someone. However, he took advantage of the shadowing experience and, as a result, was offered an internship at the biotechnology firm.
David promptly wrote a thank you note to his professor to express his gratitude and to update her on the new job opportunity. His chemistry professor was thrilled for him and it led to the start of a great working relationship. Today, David is pursuing his Ph.D. in Nursing, with his chemistry professor is one of his graduate school advisors.
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Additional Resources
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