If you are a healthcare professional looking to take your career to the next level, mastering networking is essential. This ultimate guide is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies you need.
Networking can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these five tips to make the most of your professional networking efforts!
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LinkedIn
One of the best places to start your networking efforts is with LinkedIn. This site allows you to create a professional-looking resume-like profile that includes your work experience, education, and professional organizations that you belong to. You can also add connections with other members of the site to expand your network and potential job opportunities. Using LinkedIn can help you find new biochemistry jobs, connect with potential employers, and stay up to date on industry news and trends.
Another great feature of LinkedIn is its groups. Joining groups based on your career field and interests can lead to valuable professional conversations with other members and even put you at the front of the line for job openings.
LinkedIn also offers a news feed highlighting activity from your connections and groups. Checking your news feed regularly can help you stay current on what your connections are working on and sharing with their networks. LinkedIn also offers a messaging system that lets you send messages to people in your network (though some features, such as InMail, require a paid subscription to LinkedIn).
While there is a learning curve when it comes to LinkedIn, making the most of this tool is important for every pharmaceutical job seeker. Take some time to explore all the features of the site, including its group options, search capabilities, and messaging system.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to your connections for advice. It may seem awkward to email that guy from your old job, but a short note asking for his advice about your resume or some general tips on job searching doesn’t have to be too risky and could open the door to an interview and a new position.
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LinkedIn Groups
Aside from finding a job through LinkedIn’s search bar, joining groups is a key way to expand your networking reach. These communities are the place to stay up to date with novelties within the pharma and healthcare industries, engage in conversations, and grow your network. LinkedIn’s algorithm also suggests Groups for you to join based on your profile information and past activity. Some Groups will admit you instantly, while others require admin approval or have strict membership requirements. As your involvement in these communities grows, so do the benefits of your participation. Group members are more likely to help you in your job search if they see you as a valuable and active member of the community, and some even offer referrals.
Creating a robust LinkedIn profile is crucial for Pharmaceutical Reps to stand out among the competition, and this includes highlighting their industry knowledge and expertise in a compelling summary and in conversation. This type of content helps to differentiate Pharmaceutical Reps from the competition and paves the way for them to receive strong recommendations.
LinkedIn’s robust platform offers many tools that can assist Pharmaceutical Reps with their job search. LinkedIn allows you to create a more detailed resume than what is displayed on pharma job search websites, which can give hiring managers and recruiters a clearer picture of your skills, experience, and qualifications.
The Professionals in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry LinkedIn group is a great place to connect with like-minded professionals around the world. This community discusses a variety of topics, including the latest news on pharma company earnings, new regulatory information, and emerging trends in the industry. By becoming a part of this group, you can build your networking reach and stay up to date on the latest in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Networking Events
Pharmaceutical industry events are a crucial component of effective networking. They provide a space for professionals to build connections and spark collaboration that can lead to transformative advancements. Whether you’re looking for a new job or just want to learn more about your field, these events are a great way to expand your network and meet potential mentors.
Attending a networking event can be an intimidating experience for any pharmacy professional, especially if you’re not comfortable talking to strangers. However, getting over this initial nervousness is possible by creating and practicing an elevator pitch before the event. Additionally, attending a networking event with a friend or coworker who shares your interest in the field can make the experience less stressful and more fun.
Pharmacists can also find opportunities to network outside of traditional events by participating in training programs that are specific to their interests and industry. For example, if you’re interested in the clinical side of the pharmaceutical industry, you can take part in a PharmaOut training program that will not only give you hands-on experience but also earn you CME credits to help with your career progression.
If you’re having trouble finding a pharmaceutical- or biotech-specific networking group in your area, there are still plenty of online opportunities to connect with peers from across the country. By using LinkedIn, you can search for groups based on location and industry to find one that’s right for you. For instance, the NBPA is an online community of African Americans in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries that hosts regular webinars and meetings for its members.
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Networking Online
Networking online can be a great way to stay updated on industry news and trends and connect with other professionals in your field. Unlike traditional networking, which often requires significant financial resources for event tickets and travel expenses, online networking costs only your time and effort. Using social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter to follow thought leaders in your field, attend webinars, or engage in discussion boards can all provide valuable information and insight into your career. Additionally, online networking is a good opportunity to get in contact with individuals who can provide mentorship and guidance in your search for a new job.
A downside to networking online is that virtual interactions don’t always happen as quickly as in-person connections. As a result, it’s important to be mindful of how long you spend engaging with each individual and to be sure to only reach out with relevant information and requests. Sending multiple generic networking emails, connection invites, or messages can quickly overwhelm your new contacts and may cause them to unfollow or even ignore you. Instead, focus on reaching out to your network with thoughtful requests for their expertise or support and try to keep the conversations focused on your mutual interests.
Another benefit of online networking is that it can help you make connections with people from all over the world. For instance, if you are interested in working for pharmaceutical companies, you can use platforms like LinkedIn to search for specific companies, and they will provide a list of current employees who work there. Furthermore, some professional conferences offer live networking opportunities, allowing you to meet and discuss your career aspirations with industry experts from around the world.
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Networking in Person
Many people avoid networking in person because they feel uncomfortable talking to strangers. However, in-person networking can be extremely beneficial for your career if you are willing to take a risk and leave your comfort zone. In fact, scientific research supports the benefits of networking in person.
For pharmacy students, it is important to network as much as possible while in school. This includes attending job fairs, taking advantage of career services, participating in clubs, and speaking with professors. Many schools also have mentor programs that can connect you with alumni in the pharmaceutical industry.
If you are a pharmacist, consider taking shifts at mass vaccination clinics or working with new patients in different environments to expand your network. This may help you make new connections with pharmacists or pharmacy technicians who can provide job leads and valuable information about the pharmacy industry.
Attending bio-pharma conferences can be a great way to meet people in your industry and learn about new opportunities. Many conferences have networking events in the evenings, which can be a great place to meet potential contacts. For example, PharmaOut attended the REdI Conference this year and met several people who have already helped us in our careers.
In summary, networking is essential for the life sciences industry. It can set you apart from other applicants and help you find your desired job or residency. Using the tips in this guide, you can develop a strong network to help you achieve your career goals. Remember to be authentic when talking with others and keep an open mind. If you are lucky, you might even make some new friends along the way!
