How to Make Connections and Grow Your Career in the IT Industry
You may believe networking is just something you do when you’re searching for your next IT job, but the truth is networking is important at every stage of your career! At Patriot Talent Solutions, we understand how creating strong connections in the IT industry can open doors to new opportunities, so we actively support many networking organizations in our local communities. You will often find our team members attending networking workshops, socials and happy hours in Knoxville, Tennessee and Tampa, Florida.
Grow Your Industry Knowledge
Networking is a great way to expand your industry knowledge and stay up-to-date on new innovations in your field. By simply talking to your peers in the IT industry, you will learn about new ideas, industry trends and new technologies. These conversations are great for growing your knowledge base, and they may even spark creative ideas for you to implement in your current job. You can also seek out networking events geared specifically toward learning. Many networking organizations host workshops and discussion groups centered around IT industry topics. The knowledge you gain from networking events can help you become a more competitive job candidate in the IT industry whether you are just starting out in your career or climbing the ladder in your company.
Learn about New Opportunities
Networking is about more than exchanging business cards. It’s about making real connections and learning from one another. During networking events, you meet people from a variety of backgrounds. As you talk to your peers and get to know what they do, you can learn about companies in the local area and job opportunities that could be a great fit for your next career move. You may even learn about IT roles you didn’t know existed but want to explore. The more you network, the more you grow a community of peers that can help you advance your career in the IT industry. Someone may hear about a job opening at their company and reach out because they think you’d be a good fit, or a hiring manager may pick your resume out of the stack on their desk and remember meeting you in person. You never know what opportunities will emerge from heading to your next networking event.
Improve Your Confidence & Communication Skills
Does walking into a room of strangers at a networking event sound like a nightmare? You’re not alone. For many people, networking can feel intimidating, but the more you step out of your comfort zone and attend networking events, the more relaxed you become when you meet new people. Have you ever heard of an elevator pitch? After a few networking events, quickly explaining who you are and what you do will become second nature. If you have a remote job, you may not talk to your peers in person very often, which makes networking events even more valuable. By going out and meeting others in the IT industry, you can keep your in-person communication skills sharp and improve your self-confidence.
Get Involved
When we sit down with someone job searching in one of our communities, we want them to feel confident that we know the local job market well, which is one of the reasons we actively support and attend networking events in Knoxville, Tennessee and Tampa, Florida. We believe in actively participating in the communities we serve, and our clients benefit from the knowledge and network we are continuously growing. If you’re looking to network with IT professionals in Knoxville, Tennessee or Tampa, Florida, we hope you’ll join us at an upcoming event!
Networking Events & Organizations Sponsored & Supported by Patriot Talent Solutions
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Technology Council: Women in Tech
Learn More: https://www.knoxtech.org/women-in-technology/
Connect on Social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/knoxville-women-in-technology/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ktechwit
KnoxDevs
Learn More: https://knoxdevs.com/
Tampa, FL
Women in Tech International
Learn More: https://witi.com/networks/tampa/
Connect on Social
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1536477/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WITITampa
Looking to make a career move in the IT industry? Check out the Patriot Talent Solutions job board for remote roles and in-person IT roles in Knoxville, Tennessee and Tampa, Florida, and contact our team to get started!