5 professional development tips for health professionals

Whether you’re in private practice, working in a health facility or just exploring your options in the health sector, engaging in development activities such as networking, training, volunteering and other learning opportunities is a great way of expanding your professional contacts, and crucially, your opportunities.

Networking tips for the Health industry

Attend conferences and other events for health professionals

Large conferences can be expensive, if relevant, consider asking your employer about the possibility of attending on their behalf. Also keep an eye out for smaller, local workshops and meetings (such as local chapters of your professional association), they can be just as valuable.

Maintain an active social media presence

There are many social media platforms to choose from, consider the type of audience each one attracts and tailor the way you use them. As a health practitioner, you may choose a platform such as Instagram or Facebook to reach your potential or existing client base by sharing insights and information relating to their health and wellbeing. You may also attract the attention of others in the field and grow your reputation as an influence or thought leader here. A platform such as LinkedIn, is more likely to attract the attention of others in your chosen field. Think about your peers and your role models, share insights and engage with posts. The more active you are and the more you contribute, the more likely you are to build awareness and your ‘personal brand’.

If you maintain an active social media presence on professional networks, you can portray your expertise to your followers. Keeping on top of the latest trends and continuing your education already positions you in the top few percent in your area of expertise. In time and with authentic and considered engagement, you too will be perceived as a leader. This is a great way of networking - it catches the eye of the people who need to see it most.

Keep your existing contacts

When you move on from your job or your studies, don’t burn your bridges. Personal networks prove time and time again as invaluable in growing your career and professional development opportunities. Stay in touch with previous colleagues, classmates and employers, because you never know who or what may be the ticket to the next step in your professional journey. There's no harm checking in to see if they know of any potential opportunities that you may be able to seize- but you can only do this if you maintain trusted and professional relationships.

Join your professional association or networking groups

All health professions have professional associations, these can be large and small, national and local but they invariably all provide an opportunity to connect with your chosen profession. They might host professional development webinars, face to face talks, provide newsletters or social media-based support groups. They may host registers of health professionals and practitioners where you can also connect with others or be found yourself. Additionally, local councils, business groups or other community groups unrelated to your profession, may provide you with the just the type of connection you need. And if you’re not confident meeting people in real life, then many of these professional groups may provide virtual, online or other ways for you to stay connected.

Start networking early

If you're a current student, recent graduate, or you're considering enrolling, it's never too early to start connecting with your profession. Join the groups as a student or associate, subscribe to the industry newsletters and join your professional association. It can be a bit daunting at first, but universities like Torrens University will offer you opportunities to network while you're there. Start small – speak to your academics and other students. They are bound to have tips and opportunities you hadn’t event thought of yet!