Advancing Your Career in Federal Healthcare Through Mentorship and Networking Connections
Healthcare is one of those fields where success depends on working with others. Whether it’s patient-centered care or crisis management, you can’t do it alone. This also applies to your professional growth in federal healthcare.
Mentorship and networking can help you navigate challenges and open doors to reach new heights in your career. Mentorship offers guidance, support, and insights that can be life-changing. On the other hand, networking expands your opportunities and connects you with people who can make a difference in your journey.
Unfortunately, while many people know mentorship and networking could significantly boost their careers, only a few take advantage of these opportunities. A study by Simple Practice found that among 900 mental health practitioners, 77% of respondents believed mentors could help them succeed, yet only 25% worked with one.¹
Why are Professionals Not Mentoring and Networking Enough?
One of the top reasons is usually access. Many people might not know where to find the right mentor or feel intimidated by the process of reaching out to someone more experienced. There’s also the fear of rejection—what if the person they admire says no? On top of that, some individuals don’t know where to start and how to go about it.
Another factor is the mindset. Networking and mentorship often require stepping out of your comfort zone, which can be challenging for people who are shy or unsure of their value. Some may also underestimate how much they can gain from conversing with the right people. They might think, “I don’t have anything interesting to offer,” and miss out on building potentially transformative relationships.
Lastly, there’s the issue of prioritization. With the daily demands of work and life, it’s easier to get caught up in immediate tasks and neglect something like mentorship, which doesn’t always have an instant payoff but can bring many benefits in the long run.
The Importance of Mentorship and Networking in Federal Healthcare
Mentorship in federal healthcare is invaluable because the field is complex, highly regulated, and deeply tied to mission-driven work. A good mentor doesn’t just guide you through the technical side of things—they help you navigate the bureaucracy, secure resources, and even grow into leadership roles. They’ve been in your shoes and know what it takes to succeed.
Take, for example, a recent study conducted by Cleveland Clinic.² Researchers found that many nurses want to contribute to research and improve patient care but often lack the time, support, or guidance to do so. The study identified this as a significant gap and concluded that mentorship can help bridge it. Nurses with professional support, dedicated time, and mentorship were shown to be far more likely to engage in research, which, in turn, improves patient outcomes.
Beyond developing research skills, mentorship fosters personal growth and career development. In fact, multiple studies consistently show that having a mentor is linked to career advancement and professional success across healthcare roles.³
Networking is just as important. It’s not only about meeting people—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can open doors. Networking can connect you with people who share opportunities, recommend you for new roles, or even help you see possibilities you hadn’t considered. Research backs this up by showing that 70% of all jobs are not published publicly,⁴ and 85% of jobs are filled through networking.⁵
So, when you think about it, mentorship and networking can do more than help you get by—they can fast-track your career success and help you reach goals that might have felt out of reach.
How to Start Building a Mentor Network
If you’re unsure where to begin, the guide below will walk you through the basics of expanding your professional network and finding a mentor. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of direction and confidence as a federal healthcare worker.
1. Figure Out What You Need
Before taking any major step to connect with someone, be clear about what you want from your career. Where do you see yourself in the next 5–10 years? Are you aiming for a leadership position, hoping to specialize in a specific area, or maybe you want to transition into policy-making? Defining your goals gives you direction. It helps you understand what you’re aiming for and identify the people and opportunities that can help you grow.
2. Start with Who You Know
You don’t have to look far to start building connections. Look at your current network—colleagues, supervisors, friends, or even family members. Someone you already know might have the experience or connections you need, or they could introduce you to someone who does.
If you’re in a larger workplace, check if there’s a mentorship program or ask HR about opportunities to connect with senior colleagues. Companies often have structured ways to help employees grow, and it’s worth tapping into those resources.
You can also look outside your workplace. Professional associations like the American Public Health Association (APHA) or other healthcare-focused groups often offer mentorship programs, which are great places to connect with potential mentors. Start small—attend an event, join a committee, or participate in a discussion. You never know where these initial steps might lead.
3. Do Your Homework
Once you have someone in mind, take the time to learn about them. Check out their LinkedIn profile, read articles they’ve written, or look at their professional accomplishments. Knowing a bit about their background will help you decide if they’re a good fit and make your outreach more personal and thoughtful.
Research the topics or people involved beforehand if you’re attending networking events or joining online communities. This preparation makes it easier to start meaningful conversations and shows you’re serious about connecting.
4. Reach Out First
Reaching out can feel nerve-wracking but keeping it simple and genuine is key. Start with a polite message or email explaining who you are, why you’re reaching out, and what you hope to learn. For example:
“Hi Dr. Johnson, I admire your work in public health policy, especially your research on community healthcare access. I’m currently working as a healthcare administrator and am looking to build my skills in program implementation. I’d love the opportunity to hear about your experiences and get your advice. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat or coffee meeting?”
Keep your message brief and specific. You’re not asking them to immediately commit to a formal mentorship—just have a conversation. This feels more approachable and is more likely to get a positive response.
5. Don’t Overthink It
Many people hesitate because they fear rejection or don’t want to “bother” someone. It’s important to remember that most successful professionals are happy to share their knowledge and experience. They’ve likely been in your shoes before and understand the value of paying it forward.
Instead of fixating on whether you’ll get a “yes” or “no,” focus on starting a conversation. Reach out with that simple, thoughtful message. Even if someone isn’t available, they might point you to someone else who can help. The key is to take that first step without letting fear hold you back.
6. Be Consistent
Building connections isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing process. You may not get a response every time, and that’s okay. Keep showing up. Attend events regularly, follow up with people you meet, and stay active in your professional communities.
Networking isn’t just about meeting new people—it’s about maintaining relationships. Send a quick thank-you note after a conversation or check in occasionally to share updates or congratulate someone on a recent accomplishment. Consistency helps you build trust and keep those connections alive.
7. Give Back
When you do find a mentor or expand your network, know that they aren’t one-sided. As you build these relationships, consider what you can offer in return. Maybe it’s sharing an article, offering your help on a project, or simply showing genuine appreciation for someone’s time and advice. When you approach mentoring relationships with a mindset of mutual support, they become stronger and more meaningful.
Trust Matrix Providers to help you find a federal healthcare job in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Where you work plays a massive role in your career development. A supportive environment doesn’t just help you excel in your role—it also makes it easier to build meaningful mentorship relationships, find mentors, and advance your career. At Matrix Providers, that’s precisely the workplace we aim to connect you with.
We offer a wide range of rewarding federal healthcare careers for exceptional professionals like you. Ready to explore your options? Visit our career page to find opportunities that align with your goals.
Have questions or specific job requests? Get in touch by filling out this short form—we’re here to help you every step of the way!
References
1. “SimplePractice Launches Mentorship Program to Encourage Connection in the Mental Health Community” SimplePractice, 6 March 2023, www.simplepractice.com/press/mentorship-program-launch/.
2. “Study Connects Hospital Support, Strong Mentorship With the Growth of Nurse-Driven Research” Cleveland Clinic, 6 Feb. 2023, consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/study-connects-hospital-support-strong-mentorship-with-the-growth-of-nurse-driven-research.
3. Hill, Sarah E. M., et al. “The Nature and Evolution of the Mentoring Relationship in Academic Health Centers.” Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, vol. 29, no. 27 June 2022, pp. 557–69, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9243938/.
4. Fisher, Julia. “How to get a job often comes down to one elite personal asset, and many people still don’t realize it” CNBC, 14 Feb. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2019/12/27/how-to-get-a-job-often-comes-down-to-one-elite-personal-asset.html.
5. “25+ Important Networking Statistics [2023]: The Power of Connections In The Workplace" Zippia, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.zippia.com/advice/networking-statistics/.