Networking During A Pandemic: Tips for Graduate Students and Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns
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etworking and making professional connections are important in just about every career. Graduate Student and Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns are no exception. Networking with Licensed professionals may seem out of reach or a bit intimidating, however, it is a critical aspect of one’s career. While busy with taking classes or accruing the necessary hours for graduation or internship, adding something else to one’s plate might seem a little overwhelming, especially during a pandemic. Rest assured, there are plenty of ways to network and connect with your colleagues, even from the comfort of your own home. Remember the interview most of us had to do with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at the beginning of our Graduate program? The person you connected with to do that interview is still a good resource. Having been interviewed about 30 times, I would appreciate a follow up from anyone who has ever interviewed me. You could reach out to that professional in order to follow up and share where you currently are on your professional journey. Perhaps that professional could recommend other professionals you could connect with in the specialty in which you are interested? Instead of having to search for connections on your own, this established connection could be very helpful to you. Your professors are another valuable resource. Develop a relationship with your professors. Even if their office hours are virtual, you can go with questions or simply to get to know them better. Professors can be a terrific resource to you beyond just teaching your classes. Additionally, some colleges and universities offer mentoring programs. Joining 44
October 2021 InSession | FMHCA.org
a mentoring program can be a great way to network. Your local FMHCA chapter may offer mentoring as well. Feel free to share both on-line or at an in-person meeting that you are seeking a mentor. If you are currently or recently in a study group you set up for the state exam, your group could continue to meet even after the exam. Many of us start peer groups for supervision, education, collaboration, and/or simply connecting. Your study group could transition into a networking or peer supervision group or the like. Another way to network is by connecting with your local inpatient mental health hospitals. The inpatient treatment programs in my area, Central Florida, offer networking, programming, and even meet & greets and tours both virtually and in-person. Inpatient programs are often looking for new therapists and referrals. It can be mutually beneficial to take them up on their marketing opportunities. If you have these programs in your area, I highly recommend taking advantage of
