BHS Talks is happening this week! Need a refresh on networking? We got you.
When people hear about business-healthcare, they imagine the intersection of two very different fields. Let’s try a quick thought experiment here:
When you hear the word business what’s your first thought?
An accountant typing away in a cubicle? Or perhaps a group of executives having a boardroom meeting?
Now take a second to think about healthcare…
Did you think of doctors and nurses bustling around in a clinic?
These two fields are more similar than most would assume. But as it turns out, there are a number of transferable skills that may be associated with one field and yet are key in the other field as well. To change things up a bit, this blog will discuss something often associated with business; networking.
Networking is a vital part of working within business, BUT it is also crucial when working within the healthcare field as well. In fact, perhaps the biggest similarity between the two fields is the importance of people and communication skills.
Anti-social people, I know you’re crying right now. Introverted people, I can hear your sighs from here. Here’s the good news though, you can choose to network in a way that makes you feel comfortable and doesn’t exhaust you. Choose the right approach and you may even enjoy yourself?!
Here are some tips to make networking work for you:
As fun as it is to hangout with your friends during a networking event, branch out! Introduce yourself to people you’ve never met before.
For those who find it difficult to muster up the courage to walk over by yourself, consider dragging a friend along with you as you introduce yourself to someone new.
Want to talk to people but don’t know what to talk about when you’ve just met them?
Start with the basics. Introduce yourself (name, year of study, major) and they’ll follow suit. You’ll be surprised how quickly the conversation can pick up from there.
Consider the FORD (Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams) acronym to think of topics to discuss.
For the introverts out there:
Plan it out! If going to these events exhaust you, be selective about which ones you attend. Choosing the ones that you think will be most valuable to you is a good place to start.
Try avoiding going out to networking events right after one another.
If your social battery runs low during an event… try taking a quick break or even excuse yourself. Networking events don’t mean you have to be there for the entire duration.
Finally, try and have fun!
You never know who you’ll randomly connect really well with at one of these events.
If you click with someone, consider exchanging contact information. Maintaining and building relationships with people is just as important as forming them.
Overall, networking is something that’s beneficial no matter what field you work in. It allows you to expand your relational network diagram and opens the door for new opportunities. Be sure to attend our club's own networking event this week: BHS Talks. Sign up here!
As always, make sure to follow us on social media to learn more and engage with our club!