How to find people to talk to and build your professional network

Your existing relationships are the best place to start. Faculty, former preceptors, and clinical supervisors have their own networks and are often happy to make introductions. Alumni share your training background and frequently want to give back.

• Ask faculty and advisors if they can connect you with colleagues or former students working in areas that interest you.
• Reconnect with former preceptors who already know your work. Let them know what you are exploring and ask if they would be willing to talk or suggest others to contact.
• Use LinkedIn to search for professionals by job title, employer, or location. Use the Alumni tool under any school's page to find graduates with similar training. Send personalized connection requests that mention your UCSF affiliation and briefly explain what you hope to learn.
• Try Doximity for health professionals in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, or PT. Search for clinicians by specialty and training background to find professionals with similar career paths.

When reaching out to anyone, keep your message brief, be specific about your request, and make it easy for them to say yes.

How to network in specific settings

• How to network at a professional mixer
• Get ideas for what to wear to a conference on our Pinterest boards

How to establish a presence on social media

• Creating a great LinkedIn profile