We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” But perhaps it’s more accurate to think of it as, “who knows you.” After all, truly meaningful relationships are built on connection and mutual benefit – not simply name recognition. 
Yet, how often do we intentionally invest time into growing and nurturing mutually beneficial professional networks? From my experience, this overlooked skill can be a game-changer for advancing your career, whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional. 
But what if networking feels overwhelming or doesn’t come naturally to you? Don’t worry—here are a few tips I wish I’d learned earlier. Use them to grow your network and open new opportunities.

Before we discuss how to build your network, let's focus on why it matters.
Building connections isn't just about who you know—it's about who knows you and is willing to advocate for your success. It’s an investment with long-term career dividends.
The right connections often mean the difference between landing a great opportunity and missing out entirely. Many of my clients focus on honing their clinical skills as a path to advance. Understand that building a strong professional network unlocks opportunities and that maximize the value of your investment in hard skills, such as:

• Staying informed about industry trends and opportunities that can shape your career.
• Developing soft skills that enhance workplace success.
• Establishing your personal brand and standing out in the field.
• Gaining access to career resources and growth opportunities.
• Boosting your confidence in showcasing your value.
• Receiving recommendations and referrals that can capture the attention of employers.
  

One mistake I see many people make is approaching networking with a “what can you do for me?” attitude.
My most successful clients don’t think this way. They approach new connections by considering how they can help that person reach their professional goals. As a result, networking feels painless because they are giving and, in the process, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Here are a few ways to create connections without ‘networking’:

• Be curious - ask how your peer solved a problem or overcame a challenge.
• Be a resource - offer to be a mentor, or be part of a training team.
• Connect people in your network who might benefit from meeting each other.
• Stay genuine—it’s amazing how far a little authenticity can go.
  

The earlier you start nurturing your network, the better. Don’t wait until you need a job to start creating connections. Start now. Your professional network won’t be built overnight—it requires continual effort.

Networking doesn’t have to feel daunting if you work to place yourself in situations where meaningful interactions happen. Build your professional network through these tried-and-true strategies:

Take small, intentional steps. Your peers today might be hiring managers tomorrow. Make yourself a resource to those around you. Still in school – offer to tutor other students. In the workplace – lead a training team, attend in-person CE sessions, start an afterwork event or organize a volunteer opportunity.

Leverage all your talents. Networking opportunities can arise anywhere, and your workplace may be the most fertile ground. Tying your personal interests to networking can make the experience feel natural and enjoyable. Do you enjoy fitness? Consider starting a walking or jogging group with your colleagues. Or, if reading is your thing, a book club could be the perfect way to connect.  If you create a group, encourage members to invite their professional connections from outside your workplace.
One of my more introverted clients discovered the power of this approach. Her passion for baking led her to bring homemade pastries to work, simply to share her joy with others. Without even realizing it, she was creating connections. Over time, coworkers began stopping by to chat, and she found herself building meaningful relationships across her pharmacy. Even her district manager made it a point to visit on “pastry days,” strengthening an otherwise formal connection into something more personal and productive.
How can you use your unique interests to forge meaningful professional relationships?

Attend in-person professional events regularly. Face-to-face interactions often leave a stronger impression than online exchanges. Events like pharmacy association meetings, CE sessions, and local lunch-and-learns, bring professionals together from various specialties, creating the perfect opportunity to broaden your network. If you’re nervous about introducing yourself, remember that most attendees are there to connect, share ideas, and collaborate too.
Bring your curiosity. Asking questions is the most natural way to connect, and you might leave with valuable insights—and meaningful professional relationships. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are some quick tips to help you approach professional interactions with confidence:

• Come prepared. Research who might be attending, whom you’d like to connect with and what they’re passionate about. Approach those with mutual interests and ask questions. It makes those first interactions much more genuine for you and them.
• Be authentic. Your uniqueness is your strength—embrace it. Avoid pretending to be someone you’re not; people can tell when you’re not being genuine.
  
• Be a great listener. Connecting is more about how well you listen rather than what you say. Take the time to learn about the person you’re speaking with—what they do, what excites them about their field. People remember those who show interest in their story.

Participate in community-based activities. Volunteering or hosting health events at the community level—whether a flu vaccine drive or medication counseling day—can help you meet fellow professionals or even gain exposure to potential mentors. Remember, building a network isn’t just about finding opportunities for yourself—it’s also about adding value for others.

Leverage the power of social media. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn are excellent tools to stay visible in the pharmacy world. Beyond simply “adding connections,” engage with posts from thought leaders or participate in group discussions. Take the time to nurture your connections. Invest a little time each week to review what they’re posting and comment.
Even platforms like Facebook can be helpful for joining pharmacy-related groups where professionals share job updates, industry news, or resources.

Building a professional network as a pharmacist may feel challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding career investments you can make. Networking allows you to learn fresh ideas, uncover new opportunities, and form meaningful connections as you help each other grow.

Remember, networking is just as much about giving as it is about gaining. Learn how to market who you are, show interest in others, and bring value to the table. Your network is a living, evolving community where you support each other throughout your careers.

If you’re not sure where to start, take small steps. Reach out to one new person this week or attend an upcoming live CE event. The first step may feel intimidating, but once you take it, you’re well on your way to creating connections and building your professional network.

Between 2022 and 2024, some of the biggest chains such as CVS and Walgreens shuttered around 2,100 stores nationwide. The latest trend is consolidation and vertical integration where insurers, healthcare systems or pharmacy chains acquire or merge with other entities along the supply chain, such as wholesalers, distributors, or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs}. The aim is to reduce competition and boost profits. However, potential corporate gains are often offset by real risks to patients, staff, management and the communities they serve. This article dives into the repercussions of pharmacy consolidation and offers insights into how pharmacists can adapt and thrive in this evolving industry.

Consolidation and vertical integration are reshaping the profession in significant ways and defining the industry. For pharmacists, these changes present both challenges and opportunities.

Wage changes due to consolidation can be a double-edged sword. Consolidation may mean better employment stability at larger organizations with established financial resources. Yet, increased competition for roles within consolidated entities may place downward pressure on wages resulting in:

• Standardization of pay scales: Larger organizations may implement uniform pay structures, potentially reducing earning disparities but capping incomes at a certain level.
• Consolidated bargaining power: Without small business employers setting competitive salaries, pharmacists may have less leverage to negotiate.
• Reduced job markets in specific regions: If independent pharmacies close, pharmacists may face fewer local opportunities, leading to suppressed salary growth.

There’s a concerning lack of licensed pharmacists in the United States—in fact, the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration projects a shortage of nearly 5,000 pharmacists through 2036. Demand for pharmacists is poised to increase about as fast as the average occupation. That said, those specializing in high-demand roles – such as clinical pharmacy, research, or executive-level management – might still see competitive compensation as these positions remain critical to the industry’s growth and evolution.

If you’re willing to adapt and explore new opportunities, pharmacists can position themselves for success in a consolidated marketplace by:

• Upskill for Upward Mobility. Large employers often prioritize professionals with diverse skill sets. Consider pursuing certifications in areas like pharmacogenomics, chronic disease management, or telehealth services to stand out in a competitive job market.
• Explore Leadership Roles. Consolidated entities often offer career paths beyond patient care. Pharmacists with managerial and leadership aspirations can explore roles in operations, corporate strategy, or pharmacy benefit management.
• Join Integrated Healthcare Teams. Consolidation often brings pharmacists closer to interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Seizing this opportunity can allow pharmacists to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other specialists, delivering more holistic patient care.
• Build a Niche. Though consolidated companies aim for efficiency, there’s always demand for niche expertise. Whether it’s specializing in pediatrics, oncology, or rare diseases, focusing on a niche area can make your skills invaluable within large organizations.
• Be Open to Relocation. Consolidated networks often span multiple locations. While rural communities may face challenges, those open to relocating might find opportunities in fast-growing urban or suburban markets.
  

One of the key debates surrounding consolidation revolves around its impact on the scope of pharmacists' duties. Larger organizations often have greater resources and are better equipped to adopt technological solutions, such as advanced medication management systems and telehealth platforms. These tools could allow pharmacists to shift their focus from administrative tasks toward more clinical roles.
Consolidation also creates opportunities for pharmacists to engage in patient care initiatives that may have been less feasible in smaller or independent pharmacies. For instance:

• Offering comprehensive medication reviews through centralized support systems
• Participating in chronic disease management programs
• Collaborating with healthcare teams within integrated networks

Some worry that consolidated entities may prioritize standardization and efficiency over personalized care, potentially limiting pharmacists’ autonomy in patient interactions. Whether consolidation leads to expanded or restricted scope of practice will largely depend on the corporate culture and priorities of the larger organizations.

Pharmacy consolidation is undoubtedly reshaping the profession, bringing both opportunities and challenges. For pharmacists, adapting to this change involves understanding how to leverage new career paths, using data and technology to enhance patient care, and demonstrating resilience in a shifting industry.

To thrive, pharmacists must stay informed, continually expand their skills, and maintain a focus on what matters most – delivering high-quality care to patients. By doing so, they can help ensure that consolidation serves not just corporate interests but also the well-being of communities and the advancement of the pharmacy profession.

At Ridgemont Resources, we empower pharmacists to reach their full potential by providing top-tier career opportunities and expert guidance. Our solutions are driven by data and analytics, helping our clients achieve their commercial goals while promoting excellence in healthcare. Explore our available positions today and take the first step towards enhancing your pharmacy career.

Excelling in your role requires more than just technical know-how. With rising patient expectations, competitive pressures, and the rapid pace of change, it's crucial to cultivate a core skill set that enhances your professional performance and helps you stand out so that you can control your career growth. Here, we highlight five essential skills that every pharmacy professional should focus on to drive their career forward every day.

Interpersonal skills are vital in the pharmacy setting. You'll frequently interact with patients and a broad range of healthcare professionals. Effective communication that exudes empathy and respect is key. Whether collaborating on care plans or discussing medication details with patients, your ability to build relationships, convey confidence, and approach interactions with a positive demeanor can significantly impact your success. Strong interpersonal skills enable you to foster teamwork and facilitate better healthcare outcomes today and tomorrow.

Few positions are free from the challenges of juggling various responsibilities, but pharmacists take those demands to the next level. From developing medication plans to providing detailed consultations, being organized and adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously is a must. Multitasking in this context isn't just about doing many things at once—it's about switching between them smoothly and efficiently without compromising on productivity – or alienating those around you in the process. Success in this fast-paced environment depends on your ability to adapt to change and manage your time effectively while communicating effectively with your team.

Accuracy is critical in the pharmaceutical field. Pharmacists must possess a keen eye for detail when entering information, checking prescriptions, and assessing patient progress. Scrutinizing every aspect of the medication process ensures safety and efficacy. Key to career growth is fostering trust with patients and colleagues alike by maintaining that attention to detail even while performing the most innocuous tasks. By doing so you'll enhance your reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are indispensable for clinical pharmacists. These skills allow you to evaluate patient conditions accurately and develop effective treatment plans. When issues arise with a patient’s treatment, your analytical mindset will help you build confidence among your peers because they know that you can identify and suggest smart, evidence-based alternative solutions. By approaching challenges with a logical perspective, you can make informed decisions that enhance patient care and drive your career success.

Building a robust professional network is crucial for career advancement. Networking opens doors to new career opportunities and keeps you informed about industry developments. Engage actively with peers and mentors, attend industry events, and focus on what you can contribute to others. Meaningful networking involves listening, sharing insights, and leaving a positive impression. By being authentic and attentive, you can cultivate relationships that propel your career forward.

At Ridgemont Resources, we empower pharmacists to reach their full potential by providing top-tier career opportunities and expert guidance. Our solutions are driven by data and analytics, helping our clients achieve their commercial goals while promoting excellence in healthcare. Explore our available positions today and take the first step towards enhancing your pharmacy career.