College Networking Tips for the Nursing School Student

If there’s one ultimate secret that any seasoned professional can bestow on a college hopeful, it’s this: learn to network. Whatever your selected career path, maintaining the ability to socialize and communicate with individuals in and out of your field is often the absolute core of a successful career. For nursing students, this is even more critical – you’re entering a highly competitive field, and if you aren’t willing to invest the energy to network and make connections, you won’t likely have the same options and opportunities in the medical arena. Below are some great tips on how best to find the right people, organize your contacts, and network you way to the top of the pack. Let’s get ready to mingle! Why network? There is no greater truth in the professional world that it’s not as much about what you know as who you know. Trying to get a job in a hospital or related field by cold-calling or applying to general want-ads can be a way to get your foot in the door, but it’s so much easier if you actually know someone on staff. A little recommendation goes a long, long way. There’s an art to networking, as you never want to appear needy or demanding, but realize that everyone – and I do mean everyone – does it. This doesn’t mean you’re using the individual, as you have to be just as ready to assist them as well (today’s college student is tomorrow’s hospital director, after all), so take heart that what comes around will go around. Now, let’s master this notion – how, when, and with whom do you network? 1) Everyone’s a potential partner, but choose wisely If you know you really wanted work in the ER, find people who work in hospitals near you, or in your selected location, and make friends. Ask questions – people are often all too happy to share their experiences, and this is rarely a burden. Look for potential connections everywhere; your parents’ parties, school-sanctioned gatherings, job fairs, friends of friends, relatives and friends’ relatives – even the gentleman sitting next to you on the plane to Toronto. There’s absolutely no predicting when you’ll meet the person that can help you in your nursing career. The best advice in this avenue is just to get out of the house or the classroom and mingle – attend events that sound interesting and relevant, and don’t be afraid of a little chitchat. Don’t forget, too, that your professors and academic connections are perfect resources as well; ask for help, and you just might get the contact of your dreams. 2) Be vocal – tell the world who you are and what you want You’re a nursing student, so it’s clear what your general field of interest is, but if you’ve targeted a specific niche, make sure to communicate it. If a job in the maternity ward is what you aim to achieve, make sure everyone in your circle knows. You’d be surprised how well this works. Say your friend John meets an OB/GYN at a party, and she’s looking for additional nursing help. If John knows this is your dream gig, he’s likely to relay the information to you both. These chance meetings are the magical moments that spark careers – no one can help you if they don’t know what you’re after. It’s worth it to share your dreams with friends and family; they want you to succeed, and while it might make you feel vulnerable to declare what you want (that dreaded fear of failure!), you’re far less likely to achieve anything by staying silent. 3) Give just as much as you receive – or more As with anything, networking is a balance; people love to help others, and that’s doubly true for someone who exudes the aura of a giver. Don’t assume that just because you’re a college student that you don’t have something to offer. Sometimes your youthful connections are an absolute goldmine. Just remember to be just as quick to lend a hand or a bit of advice as you are to take it. 4) Be gracious, be persistent These two go hand in hand – it’s a necessity. If someone offers to assist in making a dream of yours come true, the most important gift you can give in return is gratitude. Once you have the contact (email addresses are preferable, as they are less invasive), don’t be afraid to keep in touch. Don’t go crazy and ping these individuals daily, but a monthly drop-in isn’t at all overzealous. And show that you listened. If you met a scientist working on stem cell research and this is your favorite field, check on their progress. Be persistent, but not pushy. There’s a fine line there, but trust your instincts, and you likely won’t cross it. Whatever contacts you make during your nursing school career, make sure you hold the information close. That includes professors, fellow students, and random fly-bys; any of these people could end up bring crucial to your career someday. Networking is the key to success. Learn to be graciously social, and pretty soon, you’ll be on the path you’ve always dreamed of.

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