Finding Networking Channels for Industry Education

One strategy I’ve been encouraging job seekers to try and it's been effective outside of the usual LinkedIn networking is getting involved in Slack communities. Slack groups are super valuable because they’re more informal and interactive, allowing you to connect with people in your field in a genuine way. These communities often have channels for job postings, advice, and even mentorship, which you might not always find on LinkedIn. You don’t need to be currently employed to join these groups. Whether you’re job hunting, freelancing, or just looking to learn and grow, there’s a space for you. If you’re wondering how to get started: 1. Search for Slack directories like Slofile where you can find Slack groups organized by industry. 2. Use Google to search for groups relevant to your field, like “Best Slack groups for marketers” or “Slack communities for UX designers.” 3. Check out Reddit or LinkedIn, lots of people share invite links for Slack communities in subreddits like r/slackgroups or through posts on LinkedIn. 4. Ask your network, reach out to others in your industry and ask if they’re part of any Slack groups. For me, it’s been a great way to connect, ask questions, and learn from others outside of LinkedIn. Most groups are free, though some require a request to join. If you haven’t checked out Slack communities yet, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try!

To All My Fellow Students Graduating Soon: How Do You Build Connections and Networks? One question I get all the time: What kind of conferences or events should I attend to start building my network? As graduation approaches, it’s natural to feel the need to connect with industry pros, but it’s also easy to feel lost in how to start. Here’s my honest answer: Where there’s a will, there’s a way! 🛤️ Let me break it down for you: Hackathons: Fuel Your Passion for Innovation If you love brainstorming, creating, and problem-solving, hackathons are the place to be! They give you a platform to develop and showcase your ideas, meet industry folks, and even pitch to company reps. This is networking with real impact connections formed over shared ideas and late-night coding! ➡️ Where to find them: Check out Major League Hacking (MLH) and Devpost. They’re loaded with hackathons of all kinds, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned coder. Niche Conferences: Dive Deep in Your Field If there’s a particular field you want to break into, go niche! Conferences focused on specific domains can be a treasure trove of like-minded people. For instance, Droidcon is the hub for Android enthusiasts, while KubeCon is the go-to for those into Cloud and Kubernetes. Networking here isn’t random it’s targeted and full of people who share your passion. ➡️ Where to find them: Eventbrite and Techmeme are awesome for finding niche tech conferences. Casual Networking: Find Local Meetups Sometimes, you just want a relaxed environment to meet people, especially in your city. That’s where Meetup.com becomes my go-to! There’s a meetup for every interest you can imagine, making it super easy to find groups that resonate with you. I personally love it for casual tech talks, coffee chats, and even hobby-based meetups. My Real Advice to You: Don’t Go Expecting Referrals or Job Offers! I say this with love go to learn how to connect, not to collect. Authentic networking isn’t about what you can get right away; it’s about building relationships over time. Show genuine interest, ask questions, listen, and focus on growing together. The job leads will come naturally if you invest in learning and connecting with authenticity. 💡 Special Tip for International Students Being an international student myself, I know it can feel intimidating to join these events, but your unique experiences and perspectives are your strength! Approach networking as a chance to share your story people will genuinely want to hear it. Start small, show up consistently, and you’ll find yourself building a community. Let’s make these last months count! Follow Shagun Saboo to learn more about simplifying your job search!

When I first got into cybersecurity, I knew networking was key—but I had no idea where to start. Like many newcomers, I attended tech mixers, thinking they would help me build professional connections. But I quickly realized most weren’t about career growth. Instead of meaningful conversations, it was drinks flowing, music blasting, and people just looking to have a good time. Nothing wrong with that, but when it came to career opportunities, mentorship, or valuable discussions? Not much was happening. I’d leave with a few LinkedIn connections, maybe a vague “we should catch up,” but no real progress. That’s when I started looking for networking spaces where people were serious about cybersecurity—and these three made all the difference: ✅ 1. Local Tech Meetups Attending smaller, niche meetups changed everything. These events were filled with professionals sharing knowledge, career insights, and opportunities. I met people who helped me understand certifications, job roles, and career paths. If you’re serious about cybersecurity, look for meetups specific to your niche—whether it’s cloud security, risk management, or penetration testing. ✅ 2. Conferences Conferences exposed me to a higher level of networking. Here, people weren’t just making small talk—they were discussing industry trends, new technologies, and real-world security challenges. I met hiring managers, mentors, and peers who helped me advance in my career. Attending at least one conference per year is one of the best investments you can make. ✅ 3. LinkedIn & Online Communities I underestimated the power of LinkedIn and online networking. Engaging in cybersecurity groups, commenting on industry posts, and setting up virtual coffee chats helped me expand my network fast. I found tight-knit communities sharing job opportunities, study groups, and industry insights. These conversations led to referrals, partnerships, and new opportunities I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. Key Takeaway: If you’re early in your cybersecurity career, be intentional about where you network. It’s not about meeting people—it’s about finding the right people who challenge and inspire you. 🔹 Skip the networking events that feel more like a night out 🔹 Attend targeted meetups related to your field 🔹 Go to cybersecurity conferences where professionals are serious about growth 🔹 Engage on LinkedIn and join communities where real discussions happen Your network can open doors you never imagined. Where have you found the best networking opportunities in cybersecurity? Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏾 #Cybersecurity #Networking #CareerGrowth