Professional Networking for Health Information Management/Technology Students and New Graduates: A Survey of HIM Professionals in Michigan.

The purpose of this survey was to gather advice on professional networking to assist health information management/technology students and new graduates. An online survey was sent to members of the Michigan Health Information Management Association (MHIMA) through a series of e-mails with 119 responses. Open-ended questions were analyzed using qualitative summative content analysis. Overall trends identified from the advice were to be active in the health information management (HIM) community and engage in positive relationships while avoiding negative or self-centered behaviors. Online networking activities were also recommended to be included in the process although not as the only means of networking. Attending regional and state HIM association events and volunteering with regional associations were selected most often as effective networking activities.