What are networksSilk RoutesShipping linesRoadsRailroadsElectricity gridsGas linesTelephonesComputerCell phones
What do these have in common?
Why is Networking So Important?
The hidden job market…75%-95% of jobs are never
advertised.75%-80% of jobs are found through networking.
Many of the best, highest paying, and upper-level jobs are rarely advertised.
Networks Are the foundation that make everything
happen…Human/professional networks are the sameThe foundation of your human network – is
youReputationQuality of WorkProfessional Presence
Networking The exchange of information or services
among individuals, groups, or institutions (Merriam Webster)
The cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business (Merriam Webster)
The relationships you build that are critical to your ability to get things done and develop professionally.
What is Networking?
Finding a job is not the only reason to network. Networking also allows you to:Learn more about the
professionGain insights into trends in
the industryGrow professionally
Networking MythsIt’s manipulative
not when you are honest about your agendaIt’s only for extroverts, folks who are good at
schmoozingIt may be easier for them – and more important
for youThey won’t want to talk to me or they are too
busy to talk to meSometimesBe flexible, ask for referrals
Networking – when to startWhen you are a student you focus on
technical areas, to the exclusion of building social capital.
The classic mistake, especially early, is to underestimate the importance of networks.
Different types of networkingInformal: take advantage of situations that
arise
Deliberate: plan what you want to achieve and how to achieve it
Informal NetworkingWherever you are…
Volunteer OrganizationsCharity/Fundraising EventsCivic and Community GroupsReligious CommunityGolf Course, health clubAdvocacy eventsGraduation ceremonies
Deliberate NetworkingMake a concerted effort to meet and talk to people
who can help start and advance your career• Relatives• Friends• Classmates• Professors• Preceptors• Alumni• Social Club Members• Church Members/Clergy• Association Members• Other Job Seekers
Ways to be deliberateJoin a professional associationAttend a meetingJoin a committee/workgroupJoin an advocacy effort
Join an AssociationAmerican Pharmacists Association
http://www.pharmacist.com/National Community Pharmacists Association http://www.ncpanet.org/Minnesota Pharmacists Association
http://www.mpha.org/Minnesota Society of Health System Pharmacists
http://www.mnshp.org/Additional Links:
http://www.pharmacy.org/association.html
Attend a MeetingAPhA – March 25-28, SeattleMSHP Annual Meeting in Duluth, March 24-
25, 2011.MPHA – June 10-13, Madden’s Resort
Before the meetingBe prepared to describe you and what you
are looking for– 30 second, 2 minute, 5 minute versions
Find out who will be at an eventLook at attendee and presenter listsPlan what you want to talk aboutUse the web to see what they look like – learn
about themOr, send email and ask to set up a meeting at
the conference
While at the meetingAsk good questions – concisely!Talk to speakers/authors after their
presentationsTalk to the person sitting next to you, talk to
people in the halls, don’t just hang around with your fellow student friends
Names are important - introduce yourself, ask for a business card, give them your business/networking/resume highlights/website cardSend them your resume
After the meetingFollow up
If you promised to send someone something, do it
If you find an article they might find interesting, send it
Remember that your are building a network for the future – not just for a job.
Other networking toolsInformational InterviewsSocial NetworkingLinked InProfessional listservsOn-line discussion groups
AdviceSay Yes …To committee workTo leadership opportunities
When you don’t know what to do…build your networkView everyone you meet as a relationship to
cultivateListen as much as you talkBe interested and interestingBe a human “linked-in” networking spark – help
generate new relationships between different parts of your own network
AdviceAlways ask to “be connected” Get permission before using a contact’s name
to approach another contact.
Get organized – find a way to keep track of your network so you can nurture it
ResourcesFrom Student to Pharmacist: Making the TransitionBy Jennifer P. Askew
Your best resources are probably inside your network!
“It’s not what you know, but who you know”anonymous
"If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants."
Sir Isaac Newton