The world of work is highly dynamic nowadays and only a degree or experience does not ensure success. It is very essential in networking especially in pharmacy profession where new drugs, policies and technologies are being invented every day.
Networking does not only focus on connecting with people but also on learning with other professionals in your careers, getting information about the industry and finding new prospects in the career.
There is a suggestion of a moderate solution, i.e., online (digital) and offline (in-person) networking, which proves to be the most effective among pharmacists. We shall now see how to go about adopting this method.
Face-to-face Networking Strategies.
1.Participate in Professional Merits and Conferences.
Seminars, conferences, and other professional functions, concerning the pharmacy sphere are great opportunities to meet the industry leaders, colleagues and possible employers.
In this case, you are able to exchange your knowledge, experience of others, and develop some helpful relationship in the future.
Tip: Write a concise and memorable elevator pitch about yourself a few lines that neatly summarize your experience, interests and career objectives.
After meeting people at an event, follow up with them a few days after through an email or LinkedIn message in order to make them have a long lasting relationship.
2.Become Members of Professional Organizations.
Some international organizations such as the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) in India or the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) do offer a common platform to pharmacists.
Joining such organizations will help you to know fellow professionals like yourself and stay abreast of activities in the industry.
Tip: An active role in a committee or voluntary work makes your name and recognition stronger. This may be beneficial individuals into your circle of friends.
3.Get involved in events at the community and university.
It is a very good opportunity to attend health fairs, seminars or alumni networking events on your ex-college, university or in your local area.
Such events usually create new opportunities because of reconnecting with old colleagues, teachers, and mentors.
4.Develop relationships by meeting face to face.
A cup of coffee would be better a conversation sometimes than a large event.
Ask a workmate or business acquaintance to go out and have coffee or lunch.
This relaxed environment makes it possible to talk about the important things, establish trust, and comprehension.
Online Networking Solutions.
Now we can speak about the world of the Internet, the most potent tool of the modern networking.
1.Grow an effective online presence.
Look at platforms such as LinkedIn as your business card.
Make sure your profile is kept up to date with all your degrees, certifications, accomplishments, and skills displayed.
Your bio should contain your goals and the photo must be professional.
Tip: Post articles, research, or case studies in your area to make people know that you are a thought leader.
You need to be active in your profile such as liking, commenting, and discussing.
2. become a member of online communities and groups.
Pharmacy professionals are an abundance of groups in LinkedIn, Facebook, or Reddit.
Through engaging in discussions here, you will be in a position to keep abreast with new policies, technologies and opportunities.
Tip: Don’t base yourself on pharmacy based groups.
In case you are a pharmacist in hospital, managed care, or regulatory affairs, you can also join professional groups in those domains.
This will increase your knowledge.
3.Expand interaction with patients and the population using social media.
Such platforms as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are not only useful in the entertainment field today but also in health education.
As a pharmacist, you will be able to inform the population about how to take drugs, side effects, and health risks to society.
Tip: Conduct live Q&A sessions.
Produce easy posts or videos to give information on “medication safety.”
This will improve your professional image and credibility.
4.Participate in online and mixed-conferences.
Not all conferences in the digital era need travelling.
Virtual conferences save time and money, as well as provide you with the opportunity to meet the specialists of the world community.
Chatting with other attendees of such events via chat rooms or mobile applications.
Basic Networking Knowledge.
Having already heard about face-to-face and online approaches, it is time to discuss the essential traits that could make any networking experience effective.
1.Establish real and win-win relationships.
Networking is not simply about benefiting, but developing relations on the basis of mutual assistance.
They can instantly know whether you are simply networking to get on with business or you are interested in getting a relationship.
Share interests with a person outside of work- studies, travelling, hobby.
2.Learn to be active and attentive listeners.
Most people believe that networking is being talkative and a good networker is a person who listens.
People open up to you when you show interest in what they are talking about, ask questions and even attempt to know how they reason.
3.Seek Mentorship
No professional can do away with a mentor, someone to provide a kind of guidance guided by experience.
You may consult an older professor of your college, a member of a pharmacy association or some experienced individual in your workplace.
Tip: Participate in official mentorship programs, e.g. conducted by a university or association.
Or identify with a pharmacist whose path to career makes you feel inspired.
The long term advantages of Networking.
Developing Career possibilities: Most of the jobs are not made known, but referral.
Good network will assist you enjoy the opportunities that are not visible in the eyes of people.
Industry Trends Information: Your network may be the first to receive news about new drugs or health policies, or alterations in governmental regulations.
Personal Growth and Trustworthiness: When you interact with different professionals, you communicate better, become more confident, and social.
Support System: The individuals within your network can be a mentor, coach, and encouragement whenever you are going through a rough time in terms of career.
Conclusion
It is a profession in which constant up-to-dateness, responsibility and knowledge are crucial. Networking does not only facilitate career development, but it is also an avenue of professional development and self-improvement. Being active both online and offline, creating real relationships, and not counting on a state of mind of learning by watching others, you can realize tremendous growth not only in your profession but also in your personality.
