This article was written by Jessica Levco, Healthcare Writer & Event Strategist.

Last year, The Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame (HIHOF) introduced a new award called the Rising Talent Award. 

This award recognizes and celebrates individuals in the healthcare Internet industry who have been active between 3 and 5 years, shown significant career growth and received attention within and outside their organization.

Georgiana Masgras, Head of Martech at UCLA Health, won the award last year. She has more than 15 years of experience in web and digital transformation, and a track record of driving large-scale digital strategy, omnichannel marketing and digital product development to enhance customer experience and support business growth.

“Receiving the award was a huge confidence boost in my career,” Masgras says. “Having an award like this is a great way to encourage and recognize newer people to the industry.”

Reflecting on her career, she shares five tips for newcomers to the healthcare digital marketing industry:

Build relationships first

Don’t expect any major changes on Day 1 of your new job, Masgras says.

“It’s important to spend time in the beginning to build relationships with key stakeholders,” Masgras says. “It’s not going to work if you come in and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to make all these changes,’ because stakeholders will feel like they weren’t brought along for what you wanted to do.”

Her approach for establishing trust and credibility? “Start by helping with small projects that have an immediate, tangible impact to your business stakeholders,” Masgras says. “Be seen as a person who wants to be helpful and understand how the business works before you propose key changes.”

Influence without imposing

When you have new ideas, the delivery matters.

“If you can figure out how to influence without imposing, there’s a higher likelihood that people will go along with for the ride,” Masgras says. “Rather than top-down mandates, run a pilot and show the data that the new project is working. Try to build a consensus through idea and data sharing.”

Talk to your vendors

Masgras takes time each month to talk to each vendor partner about current trends and best practices they see from other organizations. And if they’re thinking about getting a new vendor, the first question she always asks is: “Who are your clients? Can I talk to them?”

Develop your professional network

The healthcare digital field often operates with small teams, making external connections important.

“A lot of times you’re going to be the sole person in whatever position they brought you in to support the health system,” Masgras says. “You have to build your network with people at different organizations. Find out what they’re doing and lean on them for support.” 

Track your accomplishments

Masgras says it’s important to remember all the work you’ve done, even if you’ve only been at the job for a few years.

“Before you go to a conference, remind yourself of some of your accomplishments,” Masgras says. “Don’t be shy about talking about yourself and the great things your organization is doing.”