Networking for Nurses: Why is this Important?
By: Allison Rein
Networking is a key skill that, if you plan to enter the business world, you are going to have to practice. Networking isn’t something nurses actively do, so this blog post covers the basics of networking, as well as some tips and tricks.
What is Networking?
Networking is any conversation between two people where you discuss your background and your goals. Where have you worked up until now, what are you doing now, where do you hope to go next? It can be anything as casual as a conversation between classmates, or something much more formally such as arranging for an in-person coffee chat with someone who works at a company you would like to work at!
Why is networking important?
Networking is beneficial in several ways including making connections, learning about roles / industries / companies, and can potentially lead to a job down the road.
Networking allows you to make connections with people you may otherwise not speak to. If you reach out via LinkedIn, or chat at an in-person networking event, you may discover someone that you have something in common with, or someone willing to help you get where you are going. I have made connections like this that have then introduced me to some highly valuable people who have shared tips and tricks from their experience. If you foster these relationships, these people can become mentors for you.
Networking is a great tool for learning. Especially as a nurse, you likely don’t know exactly what corporate job is the right fit for you. Networking methodically can allow you to narrow down what sort of industry, company and role you are looking for! It allows you to learn about different corporate cultures, and identify where you will fit in! My networking allowed me to focus on the following search criteria when looking for a role: Healthcare, private sector, medium sized company, amazing corporate culture, based out of Toronto, with some travel. I ruled out Pharmaceuticals, large Medical Devices, and public sector, just through networking. Not to say those aren’t things I might wish to explore in the future, but at the time, Health Tech or Medical Devices that are used by nurses sounded really interesting to me!
Networking can ultimately lead to a job. If you build a relationship with someone, and they know what you are looking for, they can let you know if something that fits your interests comes up, or even refer you internally directly to the job. Be warned, connect genuinely with people prior to asking for a referral, most people do not want to be asked to make a referral for someone they don’t know.
How do I network?
1. Reach out to Scrubs to Suits through our contact us button and register as a member. Jordan or I would be happy to speak with you, and help you connect with a mentor!
2. When starting business school, ask the school to help you connect with a current student with a similar background.
3. Set yourself some goals: what are you trying to accomplish through networking? Are you looking for a role, just looking to learn about potential roles, or just grow your network? Setting clear goals ahead of time will help your calls.
4. Reach out to people on LinkedIn – ideally find people that you know or are just a 2nd degree connection – remind them how you met and let them know why you’d like to connect.
My networking calls aren’t going well – am I doing something wrong?
If your calls aren’t going well, ask yourself why they aren’t going well? Are you prepared for the calls? Are you choosing the right people? Is the technology holding you back? Use this checklist to ensure success!
1. Set out your goals (ex. I am networking to try to learn about roles available to me post-MBA).
2. Identify how you can achieve those goals (I will talk to 2 people in each of 5 different roles)
3. Set yourself a timeframe – it’s all too easy to feel motivated one day and then not interested the next (I will talk to all 10 people within 2 months)
a. I find 1 call / week very doable.
4. Start identifying people: I recommend you don’t reach out to all 10 at once. Instead, pick 3 and craft custom messages. Make sure you add a note when requesting a LinkedIn connection. Ensure your note covers who you are, why you are reaching out, and (ideally) what mutual connection you have – whether this is a person, a school or an interest / similar background. Be polite and professional.
5. Upon hearing back, reply promptly – do not delay. Ask if they are open to a 20 – 30 minute zoom / teams call. I recommend a video call of some sort – you can connect more easily than by phone and the person can see how engaged you are.
6. Prior to the call, review the person’s background, why you reached out to them specifically, and craft a list of questions you are hoping to get answered. Be prepared to talk about yourself, as well as ask about them. If you are looking to learn about their role, and immediately decide this role isn’t of interest to you, have a backup topic to ask them about – ex. The company they work at, certifications they hold, or books they would recommend!
7. End the call on time – it’s polite to acknowledge when you are 2-3 minutes away from the end time, thank them for their time, and, if you’re interested, ask if it’s okay if you follow up with them if you have any more questions, or ask if there’s anyone else they recommend you speak to.
8. After the call, send a thank you note, highlighting 1-2 key takeaways.
9. Ask yourself: what went well? How could I improve?
10. Repeat this process as needed.
If you find your calls still aren’t going well, please reach out to myself or Jordan, we are happy to help and can connect you with mentors to support you in networking!
