It’s apparent that most of us have heard the speech about how much networking has the potential to impact our careers… Why else would we be using ASHP Connect? I was recently thinking about this and how my networking skills have greatly grown in the past two years because of my involvement with OSHP and ASHP. I am very appreciative of the interaction I’ve had with pharmacy leaders to help me evolve as a student, but it made me wonder if networking really can be taught or if my exposure to networking at an early age helped me become better equipped to interact with colleagues?
Early in life we are all categorized by our personalities: outgoing vs. shy, impulsive vs. strategic, daring vs. cautious, etc. These traits are mostly inherent, although may have some minor influences from our parents and/or siblings. In my case (and those of you who know me will agree), I have always been the outgoing type. I thoroughly talking to strangers when the appropriate situation presents itself, as well as meeting new people in various different settings. But to get to my point, I think a lot of this has to do with the way my parents raised me. I guess if I would have been shy things may have played out differently. Regardless, for as long as I can remember, I have been exposed to social situations that forced me to learn how to network.
My father is one of those people who could sell ice to an Eskimo. He’s developed dozens of wonderful connections over the years with people from all walks of life. Luckily, I was exposed to these people as well. My best memory of this occurred when I was around 12 years old and we were members at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. There was an IMAX movie playing about Mount Everest and it was the premiere night. One of the climbers in the film was there to speak and it was a special event night. I can’t remember seeing any other children there other than us. My younger brother and I were dressed to the nines and were told to be on our best manners… but I don’t ever remember being told about how to talk to adults that we met, we just did. My mother has also helped me develop my people skills over the years. She is a very social person and has always encouraged me to aim high. I remember being encouraged to visit the library on my own after I was old enough. It was a small amount of independence that gave me all the confidence in the world. She made me realize how important it is to be independent, something I will never lose.
Looking back, I know I’m lucky to have such socially active parents who have used networking in various ways over their lives. I think students can definitely develop their skills during pharmacy school and residency, but there’s part of me thinks those who are best at networking get their skills at a much younger age thanks to their parents. Whether you have a sibling, child, or plan on having children in the future, try to keep in mind how important it is to teach skills that aren’t learned in books. You can’t get graded in school on networking, but life is going to require the skill.