Good Morning 🌤️
I hope you’ve had a great weekend. Let’s get into today’s post :)
🧠 The Dreaded “Networking”
You’re told that mentorship is the secret to success. But what no one mentions is how awkward it can feel to “put yourself out there.” Are you supposed to become LinkedIn-fluent magically? Slide into inboxes with the confidence of a CEO?
Newsflash: Most people feel awkward. And that’s okay. This newsletter is your permission slip to be new at this, while still making genuine, helpful connections.
💬 Why Networking Feels Fake (and Why It Doesn’t Have to Be)
We associate networking with being transactional — like you're only reaching out because you want something.
But good networking isn’t about taking — it’s about learning, listening, and showing up with curiosity.
Reminder: You’re not “using” anyone. You’re seeking insight, and most people want to help, especially those who remember being where you are.
Reframe It To: You’re not networking. You’re curiously connecting.
😌 Low-Stress Ways to Build Real Connections
Ask your professors or supervisors to connect you with someone they know
(warm intros > cold intros)
Reach out after an event, talk, or shadowing shift — reference something specific they said or did.
Use your school’s alumni network (they want to give back!) I reached out to my alumni network to get a student’s perspective on the medical schools I was applying to.
Engage casually on LinkedIn or Twitter/X — comment, repost, DM with a thank-you or question.
Volunteer or join orgs where professionals naturally show up (panels, info nights, mentorship programs)
😳 Permission Slip: You’re Allowed to Be Awkward
You’re a student. No one expects you to be polished and perfect. (except maybe yourself 🙄)
People don’t remember awkward — they remember effort and curiosity.
It’s okay if your message isn’t perfect.
It’s okay to be nervous.
It’s okay if they don’t respond. (That’s not a reflection of your worth)
📬 Steal These DM/Email Templates
💌 Cold Email Template
Subject: [Student Interested in Your Path]
Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I’m a [year] student at [school] hoping to pursue a career in [field]. I came across your work at [where/how you found them], and I’d love to learn more about your journey into [profession].
If you’re open to it, would you be willing to chat briefly sometime this month? I’d be so grateful for your insights.
Thank you for your time!
[Your Name]
📱 Instagram DM Template
“Hi Dr. [Name], I’ve been following your posts about [topic] and they’ve really helped me see the path into [field] more clearly. I’m a pre-health student and would love to ask a quick question if you have time!”
📌 What If They Don’t Respond?
Give it 2 weeks, then send a short, polite follow-up
If still no reply, move on. Don’t take it personally. People are busy.
Keep a simple spreadsheet or doc of who you’ve reached out to
Celebrate attempts, not just responses!
🔄 From Cold to Warm: How to Keep the Connection Alive
Thank them if they replied, no matter what
Send a brief update later (e.g., “I got the volunteer position you suggested!”)
Ask if you can reach out again in the future
Share their talk/event/resource with others and tag them (if appropriate)
🧭 Summary Tips
Don’t aim to be impressive, aim to be curious.
Give people something to respond to (a question, a topic).
Reaching out isn’t weird. Not reaching out is missing an opportunity.
Every connection won’t turn into a mentorship, and that’s okay.
Your pre-health journey isn’t meant to be done alone. Remember that you don’t have to sound like a networking pro to deserve guidance. Awkward messages can still lead to real relationships.