Center for Health Workforce at Mason

Networking is an essential skill for healthcare practioners as it can aid you in your job search, help find support in your career, and gain more insight into the industry. Like other skills, it requires some planning and practice. You can network in many ways such as making connections through your school, on social medias (such as LinkedIn), volunteering, and participating in local events.

One of the most effective ways to network is by joining local organizations aimed at your practice so that it's relevant to both your location and your career field. You can find local groups and organizations though the search engine, social medias, and healthcare-related websites. You can also check out some national organizations such as the Red Cross to see if they have a group in your area. 

One of such local organizations in Northern Virginia is Medical Society of Northern Virginia (Home). The Medical Society of Northern Virginia is a not-for-profit association founded in 1884 serving physicians who live, practice and have hospital privileges in the Northern Virginia area. MSNVA's mission is to advocate for the physician community through: education, business resources and access to up to date information affecting their practices. Additionally, it has programs and foundations for researching funding and internship opportunities.

Discussion question: How do you find ways to network in your local community?