Networking tips for Residency?

[MyRealNameIs]

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Hi

I am in my second year and currently 1 or 2 in class rankings so my grades are good.

But I am terrible at networking. I only have two professors that know me by name (barely) compared to some of my other classmates that will regularly chat with professors.

I am wondering how important networking is and if there are some tips to help me get better at it?

Also, I know I need research in my cv so I have been emailing professors that do research that interest me but I haven't obtained one yet. And I feel like part of that is because I don't know any of the professors personally. Should I start showing up to office hours even though I don't really have questions? I feel like they will think that I am stupid or lazy for not figuring things out on my own.

Thanks

 

[callmebrie]

Its great that you are thinking about networking right now because it is very important. The best way to get to know professors outside of class, can involve going to their office hours. you many not necesssarily have a question but you can get them to explains something again, just to make sure you understand it. also, join clubs or organizations and have an active or leadership role. a lot of times, they are advisors so you can get to know them that way. and you may also get to have them as a preceptor later on in your pharmacy school rotations.

 

[callmebrie]

also find a subject you are interested in, and get to know that professor, and you never know when the opportunity may present itself.

 

[Seriously Serious]

I would approach your professors in person if they are not responding to your emails. I would definitely approach them with questions and I would learn about their research interests and perhaps look over some of their past publications. I would ask something along the lines of, "I'm looking to take on a research role, do you have any future/ongoing projects that I can participate in?". Naturally, the professors understand that, as students, we are amateur researchers. Even if you are not promised a publication, you can still look to making a poster out of the research you are participating in which then you can present at national conferences such as ASHP Midyear or your state organizations.

 

[honurasp]

Tip #1: Don't make grades your only priority in school. Want to network? Go out more!! Join clubs and organizations, or better yet - lead them! Get involved, go to regional and national pharmacy meetings (ASHP for sure, even if you dont want an ASHP-accredited residency), join a fraternity, go to your local pharmacy association events, bring your business cards, and build relationships with the pharmacists you meet from retail to the hospital level, from IPPE to APPE, from a guest lecturer to the dean. A simple hello, a good handshake, and a nice thank you letter can really go a long way and set you apart (not even in pharmacy school, just life itself!).

People can be at the top of their class but not get a residency (or even a job) if their head is stuck in a book all 4 years of school. You're only in your second year, which is great, so get out there and make those connections! I would do this regardless of your residency pursuit, networking will benefit you no matter what your class rank is (as long as you dont burn any bridges!).

 

[MyRealNameIs]

Alright, thanks guys!