The Importance of Networking for Medical Communicators

As medical writers and editors, we spend quite a bit of our time working alone. However, interpersonal relationships and interactions are essential in our line of work. In a previous post, I discussed the importance of collaboration for upskilling in this industry. Collaborations begin and flourish because of networking, a practice that you, as a professional, may already be familiar with.

Networking allows medical communicators to connect with their peers and other professionals, build long-term relationships, and establish strong social networks that help in many ways:

• Share knowledge and resources
• Find job opportunities
• Receive guidance in the industry
• Establish a support system
• Build reputation in the field
• Start collaborations

Where does networking for medical communicators take place? I’d love to share a few settings that have helped me build connections and succeed in the field.

Conferences

Conferences are ideal settings to meet people with similar professional focuses and interests. Because of the large number of attendees, connecting with new people at a conference can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re introverted and just starting out in the field. However, structured networking sessions are specifically designed to bring people together. Examples are meet-and-greet events, round tables, speed networking sessions, and networking dinners. Most of the professional organizations we’ve highlighted in previous posts (read here and here) offer in-person or hybrid (part live, part virtual) conferences with plenty of networking opportunities.

Local In-person Events

Attending events in your city or town means that you can network without having to travel far. These gatherings allow you to save costs associated with attending conferences (registration fee, hotel room, travel expenses) and interacting in a less structured way. You’ll typically meet fewer people at a local event, but you may also be more willing to attend regularly, which will help you form long-term bonds as you interact with the same people and become more comfortable meeting new ones. The Southwest Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association offers local networking events, such as coffee socials and happy hours to facilitate connections between members.

Virtual Events

When COVID-19 hit, the world turned to virtual events to keep people connected. Even after going back to traditional in-person events, many organizations and groups maintained cost-effective networking formats to enable participants from different geographical areas and with accessibility constraints to join. I have especially enjoyed virtual round tables, which facilitate small group interactions, while allowing people to learn something new about medical communication. Hosting a virtual round table is also an excellent, low-stress opportunity to build your confidence and skills as a presenter, especially if you’re an early career professional.

Many of my own networking activities have taken place within professional associations, but you can also network by attending career fairs, volunteering for an organization, and being active on social media platforms.

Thanks to those who attended our FREE webinar “Navigating Change: How to Upskill as a Medical Communicator”!

Keep in touch and receive our news and content by subscribing to the Evergreen Newsletter.