15 Chapter 15 Navigate Networking and Inter-professional Education/Inter-professional Collaboration
Introduction
In this section, we will explore two areas of expanded skill sets. They are explicitly networking and Interprofessional Education (IPE) or Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC). Both skill sets will contribute to your personal and professional growth. Moreover, they can be practiced and improved. You may have heard someone using the word “networking.” What does it mean? Let’s start with exploring its definition.
- What is networking?
- How does it work?
- Networking skills
- What is IPE?
- Why is IPE needed?
- How are our students trained in IPE?
First things first, what is networking?
According to Merriam-Webster, networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. Specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.
How does it work?
Networking is a way to build your support team that facilitates your professional and personal growth. Susan Ward shared her perspective on the importance of business networking. Click on the link to check it out: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/what-is-business-networking-and-what-are-the-benefits-2947183.
Networking Skills
Not feeling comfortable at this point of your academic career with reaching out to the network is quite alright. Here are some skills that you can practice becoming better at networking. Experts highly recommend these skills. https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/networking-skills
You may be wondering about how to network as a student. Start practicing the skills mentioned above with your faculty members and any staff members from your Program/Department/College. You may be able to network with more professionals in your designated field when you join them at the conference(s). (And, yes, it is a great idea to join a local/regional/national/international conference if you have the chance. Be part of a project that can be submitted to a conference to get you started).
Networking through Professional Organizations
A lot of opportunities (in the areas of research, leadership, community service, etc.) are provided to students as members of the Professional Organization of your selective fields. These opportunities are great platforms to effectively network.
Reach out to your professors from your major for their recommendations.
Some of the professional organizations have a position statement that provides codes of ethics for professionals. Here is a great example: Code of Ethics for Health Educators, Physical Educators, and Wellness Professionals by SHAPEAmerica – Issuu
A lot more for you to EXPLORE!
What is IPE?
Interprofessional education (IPE) is an experience that “occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other” (World Health Organization (WHO), 2010). It is a striving goal for all health-related programs to enhance the service provided to our patients and clients.
Why is IPE Needed?
Although a process started to reduce medical errors, IPE has attracted more attention now than before. When he was a student at Cornell Medical School, Kishore referred to IPE as social responsibility (Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education; Board on Global Health; Institute of Medicine. Interprofessional Education for Collaboration: Learning How to Improve Health from Interprofessional Models Across the Continuum of Education to Practice: Workshop Summary. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2013 Oct 3. 2, Interprofessional Education. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207102/). This social responsibility calls for all healthcare-related professionals to become integral members and work as a solid team to provide the best service to our community.
How are our students trained in IPE?
College of Health Professions keeps IPE at the heart of the educational experience of our students. Annual events are organized at the College level in addition to the activities offered in the curriculum: https://www.utrgv.edu/coha/interprofessional-education/interprofessional-education-seminar/index.htm.
Be sure to check with your faculty on any IPE activities you can participate in during your academic journey with us.