LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN, SAN. All types of networking - but none of which I will be discussing in this post. Instead I will be stressing the importance of building up connections towards other professionals/companies in your field. That networking.
I will begin with addressing the question: Why is networking so important? After all, how far will just having a conversation with someone take you as opposed to spending that time expanding your knowledge and growing as a developer. For a start, your 'soft skills' can really drive you forward in the creative industries - especially computing. I don't blame the outside world when they stereotype people in the field of computing as introverted, lacking social skills, or a plain old 'weirdy beardy'. We set at computers for hours on end sometimes not even seeing the light of day. Sometimes, you need to stand up, walk away from your electronical devices and go sharpen up your conversational skills. After all, what use is being the most talented developer in the room if you can't talk about it confidently in an interview, or work as part of a team where communication is vital?
To accompany the expansion of your soft skills, the obvious reason to talk to other professionals within your field is... GETTING A JOB.
Yes, it's hard to imagine, but that five minute conversation you had with some random before you dart over to the corner of the room subsequently after spotting lunch being served could very well lead to the job opportunity of a lifetime!
If that all sounds convincing, you'll be wondering: where do all these cool people meet? A quick search on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk) for 'networking computing' brings up tens of results. Networking events are held on a regular basis in big cities, like Glasgow for myself. everything from Web Development to Animation. Whatever takes your fancy, maybe even try out something new if you're a young developer. If meeting in person isn't your cup of tea, you can find online conferences also using chat rooms.
If you're looking for tips on how to approach people and how to approach these big shot businessmen, then its simple. Think of them as regular people, because at the end of the day, they are. Remember the quote by William Butler Yeats - "There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't met yet. Try to focus intently on what your conversation partner is saying. Listen. Ask questions. Understanding and learning from these people is just as important as selling yourself in the scenario. Ultimately, you're both there for a mutual reason, to meet new people in the computing circle, there's no need to be nervous!
A great book on the topic is by the author Dale Carnegie by the name of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - it provides helpful tips on persuasion and conversational tactics to up your reputation amongst strangers or your peers.
I will begin with addressing the question: Why is networking so important? After all, how far will just having a conversation with someone take you as opposed to spending that time expanding your knowledge and growing as a developer. For a start, your 'soft skills' can really drive you forward in the creative industries - especially computing. I don't blame the outside world when they stereotype people in the field of computing as introverted, lacking social skills, or a plain old 'weirdy beardy'. We set at computers for hours on end sometimes not even seeing the light of day. Sometimes, you need to stand up, walk away from your electronical devices and go sharpen up your conversational skills. After all, what use is being the most talented developer in the room if you can't talk about it confidently in an interview, or work as part of a team where communication is vital?
To accompany the expansion of your soft skills, the obvious reason to talk to other professionals within your field is... GETTING A JOB.
Yes, it's hard to imagine, but that five minute conversation you had with some random before you dart over to the corner of the room subsequently after spotting lunch being served could very well lead to the job opportunity of a lifetime!
If that all sounds convincing, you'll be wondering: where do all these cool people meet? A quick search on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk) for 'networking computing' brings up tens of results. Networking events are held on a regular basis in big cities, like Glasgow for myself. everything from Web Development to Animation. Whatever takes your fancy, maybe even try out something new if you're a young developer. If meeting in person isn't your cup of tea, you can find online conferences also using chat rooms.
If you're looking for tips on how to approach people and how to approach these big shot businessmen, then its simple. Think of them as regular people, because at the end of the day, they are. Remember the quote by William Butler Yeats - "There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't met yet. Try to focus intently on what your conversation partner is saying. Listen. Ask questions. Understanding and learning from these people is just as important as selling yourself in the scenario. Ultimately, you're both there for a mutual reason, to meet new people in the computing circle, there's no need to be nervous!
A great book on the topic is by the author Dale Carnegie by the name of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - it provides helpful tips on persuasion and conversational tactics to up your reputation amongst strangers or your peers.
Comments
Post a Comment