How to Network in the Tech Industry as a Newcomer

by Daniel Raymond · September 30, 2024

The tech industry is evolving fast. And over the last decade or so, high salaries and mind-blowing perks of the sector have drawn in large swaths of young people to tech jobs. But not everything is as rosy as it may appear from the outset. With 4.9 million people currently in tech, according to Forbes, competition for jobs is considerably high. Add frequent layoffs to the equation, and things can get pretty daunting for a newcomer.

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But a simple recommendation from the right person can go a long way in opening up doors to career opportunities. This is why networking is crucial if you are new to the tech industry. From meeting new people and making an impression to finding their LinkedIn profiles and nurturing relationships, let’s look at what you must know to network like a pro.

Spruce Up Your Networking Skills

Yes, you heard it right. Networking is a skill you need to master. This is even more so if you feel nervous approaching new people or being among crowds. Here are a few tips to help set you off on the right track.

1. Research Ahead

Do your homework in advance before meeting important people. It will enable you to build rapport faster and make your interactions smoother and more effortless. Today, a quick search on Google, social media, or a people search engine is enough to find information about almost anyone online.

2. Work on Your Elevator Pitch

Often, you will only get a few seconds to make an impression. So, you need to be able to pitch yourself as quickly and concisely as possible when the right opportunities present themselves. This is where your elevator pitch comes in. Ensure you craft it carefully and practice diligently.

3. Mind Your Manners

There are specific rules that govern social interactions, whether you are dealing with an individual online or in the real world. For instance, be respectful and avoid sensitive topics like politics and religion. Give people space and know when to walk away.

Put Your Social Media Skills to the Test

You don’t need to be a social media expert to network online. However, certain skills will be invaluable for making the best use of what networking platforms have to offer. Things to focus on include:

1. Crafting a Winning Profile

Your LinkedIn, X, and other social media profiles can act like a digital resume. They are an excellent tool for showcasing your experience, education, interests, and referrals. So, make them snappy, unique, complete, and consistent.

2. Building Connections

LinkedIn and most other social media sites have excellent search features to discover people on their platforms. You can use these to find and connect with those with similar industry interests, influencers, and people you already know.

3. Creating an Effective Social Presence

Regular engagement is key for networking on social media. This means posting insightful content, sharing opinions and suggestions, as well as interacting with content posted by others.

An important point to note is that social media is no longer limited to platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and the like. There are online forums, WhatsApp and Telegram groups, and countless other channels you can leverage for networking.

So, consider what will work best for you based on your time and interests.

Don’t Skip Those Industry Events

From expos and hackathons to conferences and summits, each year, the tech industry has a busy events calendar offering plenty of opportunities for you to mingle and connect with others. Joining professional organizations will also get you access to some of the most sought-after events. Once you identify such valuable networking opportunities, confirm your participation in advance.

Here are a few tips to make the most of them.

Have several icebreakers ready to help start a conversation.
Be approachable and pay attention to your body language. For instance, stand straight, maintain an open posture, make eye contact, and smile.
Have enough business cards at hand to exchange with your new connections.
Don’t just limit yourself to the attendees; Ask questions and interact with the speakers, too, to increase visibility.
Attend casual or personal gatherings, too, such as barbecues and parties. These non-work-related events can also lead you to interesting contacts in tech.

Nurture Your Relationships

Meeting hundreds of people will not do much good if you don’t make an effort to build and nurture relationships with them. But staying in touch is an art that requires time and deliberate action.

So, how can you develop a meaningful relationship with your industry contacts?

Whenever you make a new connection, find their LinkedIn and other social media profiles and send an invitation to connect.
Create groups, for example, on WhatsApp, for shared contacts.
Calling or meeting up for a coffee or drinks are all excellent ways to check-in. Sometimes, it could be as simple as dropping a text or DM or liking, sharing, or commenting on someone’s social media posts.
Determine the right frequency of interactions for each person. For some, a call once a month could be sufficient. With others, you may want to maintain more regular interactions. The goal should be to cultivate relationships without coming across as overbearing or too distant.
Create a system to make it easier to keep in touch. For instance, develop a schedule to check in and slot it in your calendar with reminders.

A Few Final Tips

Networking is essential for all newcomers to the tech industry, especially when looking to get their foot in the door at the best employers in the sector. However, making new connections does not have to be all about finding career opportunities. Networking has other benefits, too—from discovering mentors, building a reputation, and collaborating with like-minded individuals to gaining insights into the latest tech and emerging trends.

By knowing your priorities and setting realistic goals, you can direct your networking efforts toward achieving more productive outcomes. Having said that, nurturing relationships takes time. It is not a one-off activity. Instead, it requires constant and consistent work. So, be patient, and make sure you make the process enjoyable.