From zero to connected: tips for networking in tech

If you don’t already have a robust network of people in the tech world, it might feel like you’re at a disadvantage. But even if you didn’t go to a fancy school and don’t live in Silicon Valley, you can still build a strong network that will open doors to new opportunities. 

The key is knowing how to start.

Start where you are—you’re more connected than you think

Chances are you have more connections than you realize—you just haven’t tapped into them yet. One of the best places to start is your alumni network. Whether you attended a university, coding bootcamp, or even completed an online course, alumni networks are often full of people eager to help fellow graduates. We even know some individuals who reconnected with high school peers who happened to be in the same field!

You can use LinkedIn to search for alumni who now work in companies or industries you’re interested in. Start by searching for people who graduated from your school and currently hold positions in software engineering or related fields. Narrow down your search by company or job title to find alumni with relevant experience.

Once you’ve found someone, send them a personalized message. This is key. You want to demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to research them and aren’t just sending out a generic message to dozens of people. 

Here’s an example of a friendly, professional outreach message:

“Hi [Name], I’m also a [School Name] alum currently working as a software engineer. I noticed that you’re at [Company] and would love to hear about your journey. Would you be open to a quick chat to share your experience? I’d really appreciate your insights.”

Join tech communities to find like-minded engineers

In addition to personal outreach, joining online tech communities is a great way to meet other software engineers and build relationships organically. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even subreddits dedicated to coding are excellent places to showcase your expertise and connect with like-minded individuals.

• Contribute to open-source projects. This is a fantastic way to collaborate with other engineers and showcase your skills. As you work with others on open-source projects, you’ll naturally form relationships and grow your network.
• Answer questions on Stack Overflow: By helping others solve technical problems, you can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. This can lead to meaningful conversations and connections with people who share your interests.

If online communities aren’t your style, consider attending local meetups or virtual tech conferences. These events provide a more relaxed environment to meet new people and discuss shared interests. Be proactive about having meaningful conversations and always follow up with the people you meet afterward. A simple follow-up message can turn a casual chat into a long-term professional connection.

Connect with strangers 

If your alumni network is limited, LinkedIn is still a goldmine for networking. You don’t need to have direct connections to get started. Cold outreach can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to build a network when you’re starting from scratch. 

Start by looking for people who share mutual connections with you. If you don’t know the person directly, ask your mutual contact for an introduction. An introduction can make a big difference in your outreach success. If you don’t have any shared connections, don’t hesitate to reach out directly.

When reaching out to someone you don’t know, keep your message concise, clear, and focused on learning from their experience. 

Networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships. Even if you’re early in your career, you can still offer something of value. If you’ve come across a great article or tool that aligns with their work, mention it. If you’re working on something related to their field, offer to share insights or discuss your approach.

The key is to be genuine and clear about why you’re reaching out. Don’t ask for a job in your first message. Instead, focus on learning more about their career path, their company, or their role.

This approach shifts the dynamic from just "asking for help" to offering something in return, which helps build meaningful, long-lasting connections.

Personalize every message. Generic messages are easy to spot and likely to be ignored. Always reference something specific about the person’s work or background that caught your attention. If possible, include similarities between the two of you, even if you’re not connected, like if you graduated from the same college or are from the same city.

For example:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and saw that you work at [Company]. I’m really interested in learning about your role and your experience in the industry. Would you be open to a short chat? I’d love to hear your story.”

This keeps the focus on them, which is a great way to start building a professional relationship without coming across as transactional.

Here’s another example of a cold outreach message:

“Hi [Name], I’m really impressed with your work on [specific project or area]. I’m a software engineer looking to grow in [specific area] and would love to hear more about your experience at [Company]. If you’re available, I’d appreciate 15 minutes of your time to chat.”

Building a network takes time, but it’s worth it

Remember, networking is a long-term investment in your career. Start small, be genuine, and focus on learning and offering value to others. Over time, these efforts will pay off as you build a strong, supportive network that will help you grow in your career as a software engineer.

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