What are networks Silk Routes Shipping lines Roads Railroads Electricity grids Gas lines Telephones Computer Cell 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 same The foundation of your human network – is you Reputation Quality of Work Professional 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 profession Gain insights into trends in the industry Grow professionally

Networking Myths It’s manipulative not when you are honest about your agenda It’s only for extroverts, folks who are good at schmoozing It may be easier for them – and more important for you They won’t want to talk to me or they are too busy to talk to me Sometimes Be flexible, ask for referrals

Networking – when to start When 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 networking Informal: take advantage of situations that arise Deliberate: plan what you want to achieve and how to achieve it

Informal Networking Wherever you are… Volunteer Organizations Charity/Fundraising Events Civic and Community Groups Religious Community Golf Course, health club Advocacy events Graduation ceremonies

Deliberate Networking Make 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 deliberate Join a professional association Attend a meeting Join a committee/workgroup Join an advocacy effort

Join an Association American Pharmacists Association National Community Pharmacists Association Minnesota Pharmacists Association Minnesota Society of Health System Pharmacists Additional Links:

Attend a Meeting APhA – March 25-28, Seattle MSHP Annual Meeting in Duluth, March 24-25, MPHA – June 10-13, Madden’s Resort

Before the meeting Be prepared to describe you and what you are looking for – 30 second, 2 minute, 5 minute versions Find out who will be at an event Look at attendee and presenter lists Plan what you want to talk about Use the web to see what they look like – learn about them Or, send and ask to set up a meeting at the conference

While at the meeting Ask good questions – concisely! Talk to speakers/authors after their presentations Talk 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 card Send them your resume

After the meeting Follow 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 tools Informational Interviews Social Networking Linked In Professional listservs On-line discussion groups

Advice Say Yes … To committee work To leadership opportunities When you don’t know what to do…build your network View everyone you meet as a relationship to cultivate Listen as much as you talk Be interested and interesting Be a human “linked-in” networking spark – help generate new relationships between different parts of your own network

Advice Always 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

Resources From Student to Pharmacist: Making the Transition By 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

My contact information Tricia Todd, MPH