The Earlier You Start Networking in Your Career, the Greater the Rewards

By Jennifer L. Kasten, MD, FASCP

Have you heard the saying, "No man is an island?" Given that pathologists are people, too, we aren't islands, either. Although some of us have an automatic revulsion to corporate-speak, including words like "networking," it's actually fun, fruitful, and free. And like many of the things which are fun, the earlier in life you start, the more you enjoy it. .

Ask practicing pathologists in both community practice and academics how they obtained their current position, and a large number of them will say: "word of mouth." Whose words and what mouths? Generally, that's all through private, informal conversations. The kinds of conversation you have at a big pathology meeting over a clasped glass of San Pellegrino, wearing a name-tag, and saying hello. Often you might find you get along with a person and can envision them as a future colleague. What a pleasant surprise to meet someone nice, normal and competent, you think. And wow, their group is hiring? File that one away. 

Even if a connection is not so immediately directly related to obtaining something, simply widening one's circle of pathology acquaintances is an objectively good thing. It's nice to meet like-minded people, it's nice to talk shop, and it's nice to learn about other people's practice habits or approaches to solving specific work-related dilemmas. It's nice to recognize a Grand Rounds speaker because you met them at that thing six months ago. It's nice to meet a research collaborator and forge a multi-institutional collaboration. It's nice to make connections with people from all over the country, and the globe, from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of experiences and perspective to share.  

And lastly, for all the self-described introverts who shrivel into their carpet slippers at the thought of conversation with strangers: remember, this isn't a middle school dance. These are colleagues, and you have an enormous amount in common. Introverts thrive on one-on-one conversation, particularly if it's related to technical topics in which we're interested. 

So polish up those business cards. Chat a few people up. Watch your world expand, your opportunities grow, and find your niche.

Jennifer L. Kasten, MD, FASCP, is a past chair of the ASCP Resident Council.