3 Tips for Virtual Networking as a Tech Professional

Networking plays a vital role in professional development, especially in the tech community. And traditional face-to-face interaction has transformed the way we network. Virtual networking opens up doors to valuable connections that support career growth and endless opportunities in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Here are 3 tips for virtual networking as a professional in tech:

1. Expand your reach in the tech community.

By leveraging online platforms, you significantly expand your reach and gain exposure to global networks of like-minded individuals and industry experts. A few ways to expand your reach is by utilizing the internet and tech to participate in communities like:
 

• LinkedIn – Join general or niche IT groups, make connections, and actively engage.
• Tech Forums – Learn and contribute to Stack Overflow, TechRepublic, and Reddit.
• Social Media Pages – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.
• Webinars – Participate in live chats and follow up to nurture connections.
• Meetups – Travel to conferences and events.

Expanding your reach through online platforms helps accelerate the potential for career growth by providing access to new job opportunities, mentorship possibilities, projects, and more. 

2. Establish a strong online presence.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is one of the best (and easiest) things you can do as a professional in the IT space. Highlight your skills, experience, accomplishments, and certifications. Use relevant terminology to be easily discoverable by recruiters and potential employers. 

Strengthening your online presence doesn’t stop at profile completion. Make a brand for yourself. Post and interact with relevant content in your field. Try to spark meaningful conversation with trending topics or controversies. Join LinkedIn groups to ask questions and share your thought with others in your community. You want to position yourself as someone who possesses the knowledge and a passion for the field toward industry leaders and prospects. 

3. Leverage tech events.

Not only does attending events provide you with the latest trends in tech, but they also present opportunities to connect and learn from industry leaders. There are a variety of tech events to partake in, including webinars, hackathons, conferences, and panel discussions, to name a few. You can find these online, in groups you are a member of, and even on company websites. Make sure to actively participate and engage throughout and during Q&A to demonstrate enthusiasm and showcase your interest. Afterward, you can network by following up with hosts and attendees and keep in touch for future collaboration or job prospects. 

Genuine participation is essential to thrive with virtual networking. It equips you with the tools to find the people you need to advance in your career.  

Are you, or someone you know looking for work? We have opportunities in all areas of IT from cybersecurity, data science, software development, and more. 

Contact us today, or refer a friend!