Evaluation of a Virtual Networking Event for Emerging Women Leaders in Global Health

Abstract

Background: Networks are critical for leadership development, but not all networks and networking activities are created equally. Women and people of color face unique challenges accessing networks, many of which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual platforms offer opportunities for global professionals to connect and can be better tailored to meet the needs of different groups. As part of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health annual meeting in 2021, we organized a networking session to provide a networking space for emerging women leaders in global health (i.e. trainees, early career professionals, and/or those transitioning to the field). Objectives: We evaluated the virtual networking session to better understand participants’ perception of the event and its utility for professional growth and development. Methods: We distributed online surveys to participants immediately after the event and conducted a 3-month follow-up. Out of 225 participant, 24 responded to both surveys and their data was included in the analysis. We conducted descriptive quantitative analysis for multiple choice and Likert scale items; qualitative data was analyzed for themes. Findings: Participants represented 8 countries and a range of organizations. Participants appreciated the structure of the networking session; all participants agreed that they met someone from a different country and most indicated they had plans to collaborate with a new connection. When asked if the event strengthened their network and if they will keep in touch with new people, most participants strongly agreed or agreed in both surveys. However, after the follow-up, participants noted challenges in sustaining connections including lack of follow-up and misaligned expectations of networks. Conclusions: The virtual networking event brought together women in global health from diverse backgrounds. This study found that while networking events can be impactful in enhancing professional networks, ensuring sustained connections remains a challenge. This study also suggests that measures to increase the depth and meaningfulness of these connections in a virtual setting and enabling post-event collaboration can help networks become more inclusive and sustainable.

The pros and cons of virtual networking events: online exploratory survey of psychiatrists’ opinions

“…Virtual meetings cost little to no time and money for travelling and accommodation, which a previous report insisted were factors favourable for women and persons living in low- and middle-income countries. 2 However, our respondents found in-person meetings to be better in terms of being ‘easy to build friendships’ (90.6%) and ‘having fun’ (77.6%). This was compatible with the previously mentioned results.…”

“…However, the two groups showed no significant differences in terms of personal relationship formation and a sense of unity in virtual events. 'Networking' in previous articles usually focused on professional dimensions; 2,7 however, in the present study we presumed that networking events have professional and non-professional dimensions. This study may suggest that participants in virtual networking meetings found that these meetings were better for forming professional relationships than personal relationships.…”

“…Networking within a physician's respective field of interest is essential for leadership development and career growth. 1 , 2 We held a virtual networking meeting, the 1st Japan Young Psychiatrists Organization Online International Networking (JOIN) meeting, via the Zoom videoconferencing platform in February 2021. The meeting's primary objective was to maintain international collaboration with the Japan Young Psychiatrists Organization (JYPO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it consisted of a series of events such as team-building workshops, networking events and lectures.…”

“… 6 In addition, the usefulness of participating in virtual networking events has been reported in mentoring 7 and forming global connections. 2 However, there are no studies that have primarily investigated differences of opinion between people with and without experience of participating in virtual networking events. We therefore conducted an online questionnaire survey to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of virtual and in-person conferences to improve future conferences.…”

Unlocking the power of virtual networking for early-career researchers

“…There are other approaches to virtual networking, such as virtual events, and contacts made at these events which should also be maintained if you presume the relationship to be beneficial ( Iyengar et al, 2022 ).…”