There is so much that I have learned during my 25+ years as an Animal Health and Veterinary executive recruiter. One of the things I have learned is the importance of building relationships and networking.
Have you ever heard the expression, “You can never be too skinny or too rich”? If you are below a certain age, you may not have, (it was a saying used in the last century, so don’t send me a message that you can be too skinny. I’m not endorsing the exression) but the expression, “You can never build too many relationships or network too much” is on par with that saying.
As an Animal Health or Veterinary professional, there are two main areas in which you operate—at your current job or place of employment and in the job market at large. In this article, I’d like to tackle both of these areas, as well as present some associated challenges and possible strategies for achieving more success.
Building Relationships in the Workplace
As we all know, in some roles technical skills are important, especially in the Veterinary profession. While these skills are undoubtedly important, the significance of building relationships and networking within the workplace and in the broader job market cannot be overstated. Simply put, the ability to connect with others, both professionally and personally, is crucial for career growth and development.
Below are four ways in which building relationships in the workplace not only enhance career opportunities, but it also contributes to the overall success of the organization.
#1—Fostering a Collaborative Environment
In the Veterinary profession, a collaborative approach is essential for providing the best possible care to animals. Building strong relationships within the workplace encourages collaboration among colleagues, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, support staff, and administrators. A culture of collaboration results in more effective treatment plans, better patient outcomes, and improved overall workplace satisfaction.
#2—Trust and Communication
Effective relationships in the workplace are built on trust and open communication. Veterinary professionals often work in high-stress environments where quick decision-making is essential. Having a strong network of trusted colleagues allows for valuable input and second opinions when faced with complex cases. Moreover, clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors.
#3—Mentorship and Professional Growth
Mentorship is a vital component of building relationships in the workplace. More experienced professionals can provide guidance and support to those who are just starting their careers. These mentor-mentee relationships not only contribute to the growth of the individual but also foster a sense of belonging and loyalty within the organization. This kind of investment in employees can lead to improved retention rates and a more skilled workforce.
#4—Emotional Support
The nature of the Veterinary profession can be emotionally taxing. Dealing with the illness, suffering, and loss of animals can take a toll on professionals’ mental well-being. Building strong relationships within the workplace provides a support system for dealing with these challenges. Colleagues who understand the emotional aspects of the job can offer empathy and help individuals cope with stress and burnout.
Networking in the Job Market
Now let’s turn our attention to networking in the job market in general. This is where some people falter because networking within your chosen field outside of your place of employment requires an additional amount of time, energy, and effort. There are those who are too busy—or believe that they’re too busy—to put forth that effort. However, there are multiple benefits to networking as a professional in the Animal Health industry or Veterinary profession, and four of those benefits are listed below:
#1—Expanding Career Opportunities
Networking in the job market opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you are seeking a new position or exploring different aspects of the industry, having a well-established network can provide access to job openings, industry insights, and potential collaborations. Many job opportunities are not advertised publicly but are instead filled through referrals and recommendations, making networking invaluable.
#2—Staying Informed About Industry Trends
The animal health and veterinary field is constantly evolving, with new research, technologies, and treatment methods emerging regularly. Networking allows professionals to stay informed about these changes and trends. Attending conferences, joining industry associations, and connecting with peers and experts through social media platforms can provide access to the latest information and advancements, ensuring that professionals remain competitive and up to date in their field.
#3—Collaborative Research and Development
In the Animal Health industry, networking enables professionals to collaborate on research and development projects. In a field where innovation is key to improving animal health outcomes, partnerships and collaborations can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in veterinary medicine. These partnerships can involve academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and fellow professionals, allowing for the exchange of knowledge and resources.
#4—Building a Personal Brand
In today’s digital age, personal branding is essential for career advancement. Building a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn and professional websites can help Animal Health and Veterinary professionals showcase their expertise, accomplishments, and contributions to the industry. A well-curated online profile can attract potential employers, clients, and collaborators, enhancing career prospects.
Challenges and Strategies for Effective Networking
Just like anything else, there are challenges and obstacles involved in building relationships in the workplace and networking in the job market. However, you must meet these challenges and overcome these obstacles if you wish to build relationships, build your network, and leverage the connections that result from doing both.
Below are four challenges involved with building relationships and networking, along with corresponding strategies for enjoying more success:
#1—Overcoming Introversion
Not everyone is naturally outgoing, and networking can be challenging for introverted individuals. However, building relationships and networking can be learned skills. Strategies such as setting goals for interactions, attending smaller gatherings, and focusing on quality over quantity of connections can help introverts succeed in building a robust professional network.
#2—Leveraging Technology
In today’s digital age, technology provides numerous opportunities for networking. Social media platforms, professional networking websites, and virtual conferences have made it easier than ever to connect with colleagues and industry professionals from around the world. Learning to leverage these tools effectively is crucial for building a strong network.
#3—Building Authentic Relationships
Effective networking is not solely about collecting business cards or connecting on social media. Authentic relationships are built on genuine interest, trust, and mutual respect. Professionals should focus on building meaningful connections rather than pursuing networking opportunities purely for personal gain. Authenticity fosters lasting and valuable relationships.
#4—Following Up and Maintaining Connections
Networking is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Following up with contacts, staying in touch, and providing value to your network are essential for maintaining and nurturing relationships. A simple email, message, or phone call can go a long way in keeping connections alive and strengthening your professional network.
In the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession, the importance of building relationships within the workplace and networking in the job market cannot be understated. These interpersonal skills not only enhance career opportunities, but they also contribute to the overall success of individuals and the organizations they serve.
Another relationship that you should build is one with an experienced and reputable recruiter. Recruiters often have established relationships with key employers in the field. They can introduce candidates to job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, giving them a competitive edge in the job search. By tapping into these connections, candidates can access a wider range of career options and increase their chances of finding the right fit.
So, whatever your goals are for your career this year, make sure that building relationships and networking are part of those goals. If not, then you could be short-changing yourself—and your career—not only in the short term, but also for the long haul.