5 Ways to Boost Your Networking Skills as a Pharmacist to Begin Working in Sports

5 Ways to Boost Your Networking Skills as a Pharmacist to Begin Working in Sports

(Even If You're the Odd Man Out and Know No One)

Networking can feel like a sport in itself—except there's no referee, no halftime, and definitely no time outs. 

If you’re a pharmacist dreaming of a career in sports but don’t have connections yet, don’t sweat it! This guide is here to tell you how to network your way into the game like a pro (minus the sweatbands and awkward handshakes).  

1. Slide Into DMs (Professionally, of Course)

If reaching out to strangers on LinkedIn makes your palms sweat more than the heat in a boxing glove, think of it like this: most people actually enjoy talking about their work experiences. Start by identifying sports personnel, team physicians, or athletic trainers on YouTube, LinkedIn or BlueSky.

Craft a message that’s short, genuine, and flattering. For example:  

> "Hi Dr. [Name], I admire your work with [Team/Organization], especially [specific example]. As a healthcare professional passionate about sports, I’d love to learn about your journey and any advice you might have for someone starting out."

2. Become a Sports Nerd

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To talk the talk, you need to know the lingo. Familiarize yourself with the sports pharmacy landscape—read up on athletes concerns, exercise physiology, anti-doping regulations, and sports trends. Follow sports medicine journals, and attend webinars on athlete care. When you can casually drop, “Did you see WADA’s recent updates on the clearance of glucocorticoids?” into a conversation, you’ll stand out as someone serious about the field.  

3. Volunteer Like You Mean It

No connections? No problem. Opportunities to volunteer at local sporting events like marathons or high school games are everywhere. Whether it’s handing out water or helping athletes as they cross the finish line, you’ll meet people in the field and build credibility.  

Volunteering is also a golden chance to show your skills without saying, “Hire me, please!” 

Remember: actions speak louder than résumés. 

4. Go Where the Athletes Go

No, this doesn’t mean sneaking into locker rooms (that’s illegal). It means attending sports conferences, workshops, or community meetups. Events like a Sports Summit or sport-specific community engagement talks on athlete health are perfect hunting grounds for connections.  

Stand out. Ask well formatted, intermittent questions on the topic. Don’t just lurk in the back row. Mingle during coffee breaks, and—here’s the secret ingredient—follow up afterward. A quick “It was great meeting you at [Event]. Let's stay connected!” as a DM or email can go a long way.  

5. Make Friends Before You Need Them 

Networking isn’t about cold-calling your way up a ladder; it’s about building relationships. Stay in touch with classmates, coworkers, or professors who share your interest in sports. You never know who might introduce you to someone down the line.  

If your network circle looks more like a pin point right now, that’s fine! Start small and nurture connections over time. Remember, the person who knows someone who knows someone who knows the coach of [Insert Favorite Team] could be just one conversation away.  

It takes persistence.

Breaking into sports healthcare without connections is like playing a game of pickup basketball: intimidating at first, but doable with the right moves. The key? Be proactive, stay genuine, and don’t take rejections personally—they’re part of the game.  

Now, go lace up your (networking) sneakers and get out there!

Or at least go out and start.

Now.