Rachel Lucky is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Union University College of Pharmacy and the 2024–2025 APhA–ASP national president-elect.
Networking can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to build your career as a student pharmacist. Here are five practical tips to help you make lasting connections and navigate the world of networking at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition (March 21–24 in Nashville) with confidence.
Plan ahead
Before the meeting, review the schedule and pinpoint key sessions or events where you can connect with others. Make those blocks in your personal meeting agenda a priority to attend. I would also challenge you to identify one speaker you’d like to meet, learn about their background, and prepare a thoughtful question to ask them after their session. This intentional effort will help you stand out and leave a positive impression.
Elevate your icebreaker game
Networking is so much more than just exchanging names and schools. Always having two to three questions ready to guide the conversation in a more personal direction is a great way to avoid awkward small talk. Some examples of these questions include:
- What’s your go-to study snack?
- What’s your favorite thing to do when you're not studying?
- Where would you like to live after graduation?
Pro tip: “Look for a common connection or interest. Ask questions that can direct a conversation toward something you are passionate about that may also be of interest to them. For example, I am an avid football fan (go Steelers!), and if I find out that you are too, we could talk for hours. When striking up a conversation with someone I am meeting for the first time, I typically ask where they are from and, based on that response, tease out if they have an interest in their local sports teams (‘You’re from Buffalo—does that make you a Bills fan?’). This makes for a memorable connection point that opens up the conversation to talk about pharmacy career goals or other networking opportunities!”—APhA New Practitioner Advisory Committee Chair Erin Ballentine, PharmD, MBA, MS, BCPS
Reject transactional mindsets
Networking is about building relationships, not simply collecting business cards. When you make a conscious effort to repeat an individual’s name during conversation, it strengthens face-name connections in your mind. Walk away remembering one unique detail about each person to make your interactions more intentional and memorable.
Pro tip: “Be your genuine self and focus on developing good working relationships versus networking just to cast a net for opportunities. This requires listening actively and showing genuine interest to build meaningful connections. Be confident in who you are and realize that the people you are engaging with are people just like you who have worked hard and have a lot to offer as far as advice and guidance from their own journeys. There is something to learn from anyone and everyone!” —APhA President Alex Varkey, PharmD, MS, FAPhA
Use LinkedIn to stay connected between meetings
LinkedIn is an effective tool for maintaining connections after meetings. Send personalized messages to remind people of your conversation and don’t shy away from connecting with speakers, practitioners, or other professionals. After the connection has been made, commenting on or sharing their posts communicates your genuine interest in them as an individual and keeps the relationship growing.
Have fun!
Remember that professional meetings are meant to be enjoyable. Networking isn’t just about professional gains—it’s about renewing your excitement for pharmacy and forming lasting friendships with others in the profession. Pharmacy is a small world, and the more you connect, the more likely you’ll see familiar faces at future events. You’ll be surprised at how naturally conversation picks up right where it left off.