What is networking?

[IgotoPitt]

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Hi, a rising P2 hoping to land either a Regulatory Affairs or MLS job in the future in industry.
I do realize the majority of pharmacy communities online is saying jobs are disappearing for pharmacists, but I am more of an optimistic person so I would like to get some realistic help from this community, not saying that it's a dead end for this profession.

What is networking? Just talking to professors (implying you need a job) and hope that they know somebody that work in industry that could have a say in HR? Go out and meet as many different pharmacists as I can and just befriend them, rather than being professionals with them? Or just keep applying 1k+ times until you somehow just land summer internship?

Everyone says networking is a key but I really don't know how that works.
My current situation is, I work at CVS, involved in many organizations in school, and I teach new things to myself everyday (reading, coding, working out, whatever). So I just don't see how I can expand my network when I see the same people everyday. Also would joining a research project run by a professor help?

Thanks,

 

[Lubeckd]

Hi, a rising P2 hoping to land either a Regulatory Affairs or MLS job in the future in industry.
I do realize the majority of pharmacy communities online is saying jobs are disappearing for pharmacists, but I am more of an optimistic person so I would like to get some realistic help from this community, not saying that it's a dead end for this profession.

What is networking? Just talking to professors (implying you need a job) and hope that they know somebody that work in industry that could have a say in HR? Go out and meet as many different pharmacists as I can and just befriend them, rather than being professionals with them? Or just keep applying 1k+ times until you somehow just land summer internship?

Everyone says networking is a key but I really don't know how that works.
My current situation is, I work at CVS, involved in many organizations in school, and I teach new things to myself everyday (reading, coding, working out, whatever). So I just don't see how I can expand my network when I see the same people everyday. Also would joining a research project run by a professor help?

Thanks,

meetup.com

 

[JustFillIt]

meetup.com

Is that website safe for work?

 

[Lubeckd]

Is that website safe for work?

not work, just networking and finding a hobby. If you like fishing you can find one

 

[TerryTerry]

Well, one thing is clear for sure.
If you gotta ask about networking, you have no idea how to do networking.

 

[projektreverb]

Is this a joke?

 

[spacecowgirl]

I'm feeling 5% benevolent today so I'll say, check out podcasts on networking. Go to Stitcher or whatever podcast app you use. Search "networking".

 

[owlegrad]

I know how to put in a router but anything more complicated than that and I find networking to be too difficult.

 

[Saiyo]

Networking is just your friends from work that you know "professionally"

 

[spacecowgirl]

I know how to put in a router but anything more complicated than that and I find networking to be too difficult.

I know how to restart the router but if that doesn't work, I'm stuck.

 

[mentos]

OP, watch the movie "The Social Network".

 

[Mr. Corporate Pharmacist]

No one teaches networking in pharmacy school.

Only those that know how get ahead, and everyone else is left to figure it out through trial by fire.

In short, networking is all about investing in long-term relationships

Most people wait until they need a job to even think about networking

That's like waiting to hire people only when someone quits or gets fired

Rushed decisions and relationships usually don't work out

And people can sense when you have ulterior motives

Here's something I wrote about my first failures at networking

It's a lot like watering a garden; you need to continually give your time and nourish it

Good luck, be yourself, and add value to others

The Perils Of Networking In Pharmacy – The Corporate PharmD

Looking for a job with our PharmD in this saturated market is a grueling nightmare. Since the dawn of time, I would hear, “It’s not what you know; it’s whoRead More The Perils Of Networking In Pharmacy

thecorporatepharmd.com

 

[gwarm01]

Wired networking is a dead end technology. I would consider trade school to take advantage of the upcoming 5g boom.

 

[mustang sally]

Just talk to and get to know as many people professionally as you can.

Be kind and try to help others out when they need it.

As the above poster said, it's about relationships.

 

[pharmBear]

Alright let me give you real actionable advice on this career goal.
First - read how to win friends and influence people.

2nd create your own opportunity.
Reach for your phone and call fda f9r regulatory affairs. There is also a master program with a focus on it.

Third:
In terms of industry, here are a few methods.
1. Create a decent linkedin profile and reach out to the msl on linked..they are on there.
2. Look into fellowships
3. Sign up for a managed care rotation for your appe year...industry interact often with managed care.

If you do any of that and are stuck, pm me and i will get you a contact of a few msl to get you started.
Deal?
Goodluck.

 

[Lubeckd]

Well as a former pharmacy extern my network still keeps in contact with me about it pharmacy. For me I'm not looking for a job just to learn about the industry

 

[spacecowgirl]

Work+Life Podcast

 

[spacecowgirl]

 

[Jbrl]

What is networking? Just talking to professors (implying you need a job) and hope that they know somebody that work in industry that could have a say in HR? Go out and meet as many different pharmacists as I can and just befriend them, rather than being professionals with them? Or just keep applying 1k+ times until you somehow just land summer internship?

Everyone says networking is a key but I really don't know how that works.

To dovetail off of what has already been said here, let me provide a few more practical examples. It’s really just building relationships or friendships with people. There’s nothing magical about it. Networking doesn’t have to be sales-y, formal or transactional. It just takes some practice since it’s not something healthcare professions emphasize.

1. Use LinkedIn to network. Search for people in regulatory, send a connection request with a short note asking to learn about what they do. Keep in touch every few months to provide updates, solicit help eg resume, share interesting info. When it comes time, you can ask about openings.

2. Do a rotation at a pharmaco, do the same thing. Send out emails, have lunch, keep in touch.

3. Go to conferences or events - do the same thing.

4. Affiliate yourself with certain groups or organizations - eg IPhO. Or tap into your school’s alumni database.

Naturally, the best networks take time to build, but all you need to do is put yourself out there and connect genuinely.

For a peek at how more network-oriented industries do it, you might find this useful: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview.

Lastly, sometimes I hear from students that they don’t think people will respond or have nothing to offer in return. Neither of which are true - so don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

[northeast-southwest]

Hi, a rising P2 hoping to land either a Regulatory Affairs or MLS job in the future in industry.
I do realize the majority of pharmacy communities online is saying jobs are disappearing for pharmacists, but I am more of an optimistic person so I would like to get some realistic help from this community, not saying that it's a dead end for this profession.

If you want a job in the soccer world, I'd suggest changing majors to something more sports related.

 

[Corytrade]

Networking is an abuse of the human existence. Going to networking functions is just a group of people trying to meet other people that they may be able to use for their own gain in the future. Others are trying to do the same to you.

By just naturally doing your job well, and taking opportunities (such as doing in-services for nurses or MDs, volunteering to sit on a committee, etc.) in your workplace will build natural relationships that are far more beneficial than networking.

 

[JustFillIt]

By just naturally doing your job well, and taking opportunities (such as doing in-services for nurses or MDs, volunteering to sit on a committee, etc.) in your workplace will build natural relationships that are far more beneficial than networking.

This is the best advice on the thread

 

[Mr. Corporate Pharmacist]

Networking is an abuse of the human existence. Going to networking functions is just a group of people trying to meet other people that they may be able to use for their own gain in the future. Others are trying to do the same to you.

By just naturally doing your job well, and taking opportunities (such as doing in-services for nurses or MDs, volunteering to sit on a committee, etc.) in your workplace will build natural relationships that are far more beneficial than networking.

I agree that there are good and bad ways to build relationships

But what's the difference between volunteering in the workplace and voluntarily adding value at a formal meeting or conference?

The only difference I see is the method in which you want to add value.

Building relationships on purpose can be done in a human and altruistic way.

Connections at a networking event can start off with small services and eventually lead to more influence and larger impact.