When you’re in school, your main focus is often getting through your classes, passing your exams, and preparing for a new career. But there’s another important piece of the puzzle: your professional network.
Networking isn’t just for people already in the workforce. In fact, the earlier you start building relationships in your field, the more opportunities you’ll have when you graduate. At Hawaii Medical College, we encourage students to think beyond the classroom, and that includes developing real-world connections that can lead to job offers, mentorship, and long-term success.
Here’s how to start building your professional network while you’re still in school:
- Get to Know Your Instructors
Your instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re experienced professionals with deep ties to the healthcare industry. Many of them have worked in clinics, hospitals, and private practices across Hawai‘i and beyond.
Make an effort to engage with them: ask questions, show interest in their experiences, and stay in touch. A positive relationship with a trusted instructor can lead to job referrals, recommendation letters, and mentorship.
- Connect with Classmates
Your peers today might be your coworkers or your connection to your next opportunity tomorrow. Building strong relationships with your classmates can give you a support system now and a professional network later.
Team up for study groups, stay connected after graduation, and celebrate each other’s wins. You never know who might help you get your foot in the door at a future job.
- Attend Career Events and Employer Visits
Whenever HMC hosts a guest speaker, career fair, or employer info session, go if you can. These events are designed to help you meet people already working in the field and learn what local healthcare organizations are looking for.
Come prepared with a few questions, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. These small steps can leave a strong impression.
- Use Your Externship to Make Connections
Your externship or clinical placement is more than a learning experience — it’s a golden opportunity to build relationships with real healthcare professionals.
Be punctual, stay curious, and treat it like a job interview every day. Ask coworkers about their career paths and stay in touch with supervisors who may be willing to write a reference letter or alert you to job openings.
- Build a Simple, Professional LinkedIn Profile
Even as a student, having a LinkedIn profile helps you establish an online presence in your field. Include your program at HMC, your skills, certifications, and any work or volunteer experience.
You can also follow local healthcare organizations and connect with alumni, instructors, and classmates. Think of it as your digital handshake.
- Don’t Wait to Start
One of the biggest misconceptions is that networking only matters after graduation. But employers value candidates who show initiative and are already plugged into the professional world.
Start now. Even one or two meaningful connections can make a difference when it’s time to seek employment.
Small Steps, Big Impact
You don’t have to be outgoing or have years of experience to start networking. It’s about being proactive, showing interest in others, and staying open to opportunities.
At Hawaii Medical College, we’re here to help you grow your confidence and your connections. From our career services team to employer partnerships, we support your professional journey every step of the way.
The healthcare field is full of opportunity, so build your network now to be ready to step into it in the future!
Learn more about how HMC prepares you for career success at hmi.edu.
