IT Networking Groups and Forums

My most effective networkers aren't solely relying on LinkedIn to connect. Here are 10 'other' tools and platforms I recommend for job seekers ↓ Here's the list... Lunchclub ↳ AI-powered networking that introduces you to professionals with similar interests/goals for 1:1 video chats. Shapr ↳ A networking app that works like Tinder for professionals. Match based on shared interests and schedule virtual meetups. Slack Communities ↳ Many industries have active public Slack groups (e.g., Superpath for content, Online Geniuses for marketing, Tech Masters for tech pros) where you can connect and get referrals. Fishbowl ↳ Anonymously connect and chat with professionals at similar levels or companies. Great for getting candid advice and backchannel info. GitHub ↳ For tech professionals and developers, networking through open source contributions and discussions is a high-trust path to referrals. Dribbble / Behance ↳ For creatives and designers, sharing work and engaging with others can lead to project invites or internal referrals. AngelList / Wellfound ↳ For startup enthusiasts. Find companies, connect with founders and early employees, or get intros for roles. Meetup ↳ Local and virtual events across every professional interest. Great for in-person networking or niche industry groups. Eventbrite ↳ Search for industry events, webinars, and workshops where you can engage directly with professionals. GrowthMentor / MentorCruise ↳ Connect with experienced professionals for mentorship; often leads to warm intros or referrals over time. A few pro tips with these tools: 1. Be careful with online communities. There ARE people who want to help, but there are also people who want to take advantage of you. 2. For 'event' sites, I recommend avoiding events where companies or hiring teams are not present. 3. I'd also recommend considering going to service or volunteering events hosted by local companies - this is a great way to meet employees in your area. And that's it! _ _ _ Let me know what platforms you'd add to my list.

People think joining user groups is just about business networking… but that’s NOT all, I promise! What else can you get from user groups? → Insights and Knowledge That ISN’T Available Elsewhere You’re getting sneak peeks at new tools, features, and best practices directly from industry leaders – sometimes without the public knowing any of it! → Problem Solving with Peers Who’ve Already Done It It’s like a cheat-code for your career. Get help and advice from mentors that are steps ahead and can pass their wisdom on to you so you can get your most complex problems solved. → Skill Development in Real Time You’re learning from real-world scenarios shared by people who live them daily. It’s like an ongoing workshop tailored to your needs based on the platform or technology you’re interested in. → Community Support That Goes Beyond Work As I mentioned, it’s not just about business networking. These are communities where you can go beyond your profession and meet people to share wins, frustrations, and help you navigate the ups and downs with both work and your personal life. I’ve been a part of many, and I continue to benefit from being an organizer and leader as well as an attendee. Wanna check out a user group for yourself? Here are three I recommend if you work at a company that’s a Microsoft shop (which I’m also a leader of): - Portland Azure User Group - Portland Fabric User Group - Portland Power Platform User Group But, whether it’s user groups I’m involved in or not… what’s most important is that you find one that fits your needs and interests. Are you part of any user groups?

Dear Recruiters, I see your struggle. You're being asked to find a unicorn — for the price of a fish. And while that may sound impossible, it is doable… if you know where to look. Here’s the truth: in the technical community, we share one thing in common — a deep, sometimes obsessive, passion for learning. Yes, we’re those “crazy ones” who choose to spend our Saturdays at full-day workshops learning how to use new tools… while others are at the beach or by the pool. The good news? There are thriving communities dedicated to exactly that — learning, teaching, and connecting. And that’s where many of us are hiding. That’s how I’ve met many of my past employers — not through career fairs or forced networking events (we can’t stand small talk), but at user groups and technical conferences. You’ll find these communities on platforms like Meetup or at events like SQL Saturday, Data Saturdays, DevOpsDays, and more. The groups are usually named after the tech we love — SQL Server, Azure, Python, Kubernetes, you name it. So if you’re still looking for that unicorn? Try the places where we gather not for jobs, but for knowledge. That's where the magic happens. #TechTalent #RecruitingTips #UserGroups #SQLSaturday #Meetup #DataCommunity #LatinaInData #GildaAlvarezAI

I just heard a valued connection of mine got a job through an in-person networking event. In the world we live in now where automation is king, in-person, face-to-face, real, emotional human connections are the key to overcoming your job search hurdles. I've been advising everyone from SOC Analyst to CISO to get out there, get involved with their local security community, and start meeting more people face-to-face. It's far too easy to get lost in a sea of competition all applying for a single job posting. Some ideas to get out there and meet more security people: ✔️ Local chapters of ISACA, ISC2, ISSA, Infragard ✔️ Meetup groups - go to Meetup.com and type in cybersecurity or infosec ✔️ Conferences - BSides, RSA, whatever conference you have locally. ✔️ Industry associations, networking groups like BNI, or Chamber of Commerce meetings ✔️ Networking events hosted by local groups, often advertised on LinkedIn - here in Tampa Bay we have Tampa Bay Techies, Tampa Bay Tech, etc. ✔️ Networking events put on by local Private Equity or Venture Capital Groups - in a down market, follow the money!