You have an impressive resume, a promising future in healthcare, and career goals you are already knocking out of the park. But do you know how to network? Do you know how to sell yourself organically without being salesy? And can proper networking accelerate your ambitions and achievements and get you from point A to B faster? Are you using the free networking tools and resources available to help you build connections with the right people in the right places and at the right times?

You likely decided to embark on a career in healthcare because you enjoy working with people. As such, adding valuable skills to your resume, establishing your desired career trajectory, and widening your influence all require a level of professional networking. Unfortunately, as with leadership development and emotional intelligence, professional networking how-tos are missing from medical school curricula and residency. Luckily, there are many ways to enhance your networking skills and even more ways to ensure that when you do make valuable connections, you’re remembered when it matters most. Here are six tips for networking and building professional relationships while building your exciting career path.

6 Tips for Networking and Building Professional Connections in Healthcare

Use (and frequently update) your social media accounts.

Social media sites are a free and effective way to stay connected with your peers and overall network. What’s more, social media sites like LinkedIn offer training, conferences, and specialized groups to put you and your skills and qualifications front and center for new opportunities. To maximize the free marketing and network opportunities social media platforms offer, you must keep your accounts updated and current and show up by sharing your own content. But don’t worry—you don’t have to try to be an influencer or post a Shakespearean soliloquy to gain traction on social media; you can simply re-share an inspirational story or quote or comment on others’ posts that resonate with you or add value.

Keep an open mind.

It’s not uncommon for healthcare professionals to change course or even specialties as their career progresses. While an established trajectory is important to track and achieve your goals, allow yourself to remain open and flexible about other unexpected opportunities that may arise along the way. As your career evolves, so will you as an individual—and being open to the unexpected allows for alternative paths that may be more aligned with your goals and vision, which may be a better fit.

Join a professional organization.

In healthcare especially, professional organizations, associations, and societies abound for all specialties. These are a great way to meet and learn from other healthcare professionals and stay up-to-date in your field. Building connections with people involved in such organizations increases your chances of being a top-of-mind endorsement for your next career move.

Attend virtual and in-person events or conferences.

Where much of the corporate working world has clung to exclusively remote work following the pandemic, there certainly is merit to changing out of the work-from-home attire and joining the party—literally! Often, one of the perks of the aforementioned professional organizations is being in the know about upcoming events, conferences, and other mingling opportunities that might get you in front of your career role models or favorite speakers! In any case, you can meet and learn from a wide range of peers—a valuable networking tool. If you aren’t yet part of a professional organization, you can find virtual and in-person events or conferences on LinkedIn. If your profile is updated and optimized, the LinkedIn algorithm will suggest events that likely interest you or apply to your field.

Consider volunteering.

Believe it or not, as a skilled healthcare professional, your experience and proficiencies are helpful and can make an impact far beyond the hospital or doctor’s office. Seeking volunteer opportunities provides several overarching benefits: widening your influence, building your reputation, renewing your sense of purpose in your line of work, bringing personal fulfillment, providing new, exciting, career-building experiences, and of course, introducing you to new people to grow your network.

Perfect your elevator pitch.

We’ve all been in those dreadful meetings where the host asks everyone to go around the room and introduce themselves. And similar to those instances when your hands get clammy and you suddenly forget your own birthday as you prepare to give your spiel, networking requires some storytelling to be successful. You can exercise all available networking opportunities, but if you don’t have a compelling story to tell the people you’re meeting, you won’t achieve your networking goals (whether that is finding your next role or breaking into a new industry or specialty) or worse—you’ll just be forgotten. Some tips for a memorable elevator pitch: avoid your elevator pitch from becoming a sales pitch, make sure it lasts no more than 30 seconds, and include your motivations for pursuing the work you do in your field. You can also use online guides to craft yours or lean on the expertise and tips of storytelling influencers like Nancy Duarte.

Networking is a crucial skill that can accelerate your career in healthcare. The power of professional connections cannot be underestimated. Remember, networking is not about being salesy but rather about building authentic connections with like-minded professionals who can support your career goals. So, take the initiative, embrace networking, and unlock new opportunities that can propel your healthcare career to new heights.

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