Medical School Success: The Importance of Networking

This transcript has been edited for clarity. 

Want to know a secret to success in medical school that no one is talking about? It’s networking. The most successful students make this a priority, and it really just comes down to two simple things: making an initial connection and staying in touch. 

First, find people who inspire you and connect with them, whether it’s an email or an in-person conversation. Now, this part, admittedly, does take some courage, but it’s worth it. 

The real magic happens when you stay in touch. Literally, set reminders on your phone to send regular updates quarterly or biannually, depending on the relationship that you have with this person. Here’s the key: Don’t just reach out when you need something. Share how you’re progressing and what you’re working on. 

This simple habit can turn mentors into advocators, and these people will ultimately have a much bigger impact on your career than any test score or research project ever could.