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.