How Can I Break Into Tech If I Struggle with Networking?

Dear Yvonne,

I'm a 21-year-old physiology student (for those who don't know, this is a medical course that just teaches one part of medicine, so we are medical students, but not quite). I've been trying to figure out what to do with this degree cause the options have not been very tantalising, and I've finally settled on a career in health tech. I took an I4G/CISCO Cybersecurity course, and I like the path.

Now my dilemma, while I might be outspoken with people and situations I'm comfortable with, every other time, I'm as timid as a mouse. This means I'm horrible at networking and would rather stay home than attend events so I have no idea how I'm going to get on this path. I also don't know anyone in the health tech space that can put me through and I need to land an internship sometime soon.

Any tips at all will be highly appreciated.

Yvonne says,

Hi, I absolutely love that you have discovered a path that you want to get started with. It may not be the final path, but it’s the first step in front of you, and I hope you see how amazing this is. The funny thing about networking is that many successful people dislike them - so you are not alone. However, who says the only way to network is to attend events? I encourage you to see the internet as a digital avenue to meet people and get connected with like-minded individuals. I’ve made a lot of friends and professional associates through LinkedIn and Instagram, who have had an impact on my career. Draft a strong elevator pitch (a way to introduce yourself and your interests to people you meet online), and start connecting.

Also, events are not solely for networking; don’t deprive yourself of the exposure and development that come with attending conferences and events because you’re scared of networking. You can also consider strategies that help you cope in social situations, like going with a friend or connecting beforehand with another attendee so you can meet them at the event. Finally, don’t focus so much on your weaknesses, rather, think about your areas of strengths and use them to your advantage in social settings.