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Maximize your job connections with our tips on leveraging professional organizations, including networking, accessing industry resources, and participating in events and forums.
Ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of competing online? Looking for unique opportunities to build lasting connections? Professional organizations could help you tap unique job opportunities. These groups aren’t just about handing out business cards—they’re about building real, lasting connections and gaining access to resources that can help you grow. Think of them as clubs where everyone shares the same goal: advancing their careers.
You get to attend cool events, meet industry leaders, and maybe even find a mentor. It's a place to learn new skills, get career advice, and stay updated on industry trends. Whether you dream of escaping a dead-end job or fear being left behind in the tech revolution, these organizations can provide the support and knowledge you need. So let’s explore the top six ways to leverage professional organizations for building a network.
Joining a professional organization is just the first step. To really make the most of it, you need to get involved and take advantage of all the opportunities they offer. Here are six tips to help you boost your career and connect with the right people.
“If you had told me eight months ago that I'd land my dream job through a networking event, I wouldn't have believed you,” says Alex Schulte, now a key player at The Muse. Despite being an extrovert, she always found networking events to be awkward and nerve-wracking. But when she decided to change careers, she realized she needed contacts in her new field, which she didn’t have. “Change requires work, so I decided to give structured networking a chance,” Alex shares.
Attending alone pushed Alex out of her comfort zone and led to some unexpected and valuable conversations. "While trying to find a seat before the keynote, I had a few brief but enjoyable conversations." She learned the importance of setting realistic goals and focusing on meeting people in her desired industry rather than expecting immediate job offers.
To make the most of these events, Alex found it crucial to follow up on initial connections. "I went the business card route, and an editor at The Muse ended up sending me an invite and note over LinkedIn." This follow-up turned a casual chat into a job opportunity, proving that a little bravery and effort can go a long way.
Tips from Alex:
Even at NoCode Institute you meet new people in our cohort programs and build a strong network. Look at these testimonials to see the effect of community building in these programs. The professional networks you will build at NoCode will prove to be quite handy when you are looking for a career change or are in search of a new client for your business.
Most career events are awesome opportunities for networking and talking in person with your desired employer. But these events are typically overcrowded with eager candidates like you. So, how can you make yourself noticed and remembered? Andrey Delion, a Digital Project and Marketing Manager, found a unique way to stand out at TechFest in Toronto. He designed a T-shirt with a brief resume printed on it. "I combined only those facts about me that are essential to my goals and may benefit potential employers," Andrey says. This creative approach turned heads and made people remember him as "that guy in a resume T-shirt."
But Andrey didn't stop there. To ensure he stayed connected with the new contacts he made, he created QR-coded business cards. These cards led directly to his LinkedIn profile, making it easy for people to follow up. "The QR card put smiles on people's faces and was like a final chord to almost every conversation," Andrey shares. His innovative strategy worked wonders, leading to meaningful connections and even photo opportunities with attendees.
Tips from Andrey:
If you're worried about standing out in your job search or want to switch to a tech career, consider how NoCode Institute of Technology can help you develop the skills and confidence to succeed. Check out the programs here.
The summer before college, Kelly Lam Ma felt the pressure to start applying for jobs and internships. “I really just wanted to relax and hold onto summer a little longer,” she recalls. However, seeing her peers already creating resumes and landing part-time jobs made her feel like she needed to catch up. Without much job experience, Kelly turned to her volunteer and leadership roles from high school to fill out her resume. To her surprise, this involvement helped her secure three offers.
Kelly's involvement with VolunteerMatch led her to an Event Planning Internship at a local Boys and Girls Club. By highlighting her volunteer experience, she impressed the interviewer and landed the position. Later, updating her LinkedIn profile led to a surprising offer from a finance company. "I was thankful and excited to explore different avenues for myself," Kelly shares.
Tips from Kelly:
If you’re looking to stand out and gain relevant experience, consider volunteering for leadership roles. Check out how NoCode Institute can help you learn the necessary skills for these roles with our programs and resources.
Engaging in online forums and discussion groups can open unexpected doors. Take it from PurpleWho, a Reddit user who landed a cool gig by simply searching Twitter for the phrase "my website is crap." By responding to tweets and offering to help, PurpleWho managed to secure a client and build a website. "I got lucky with that one, but I do write to business owners and applications when I think there is something that I could help with," the Redditor shares.
Although reaching out to people out of the blue doesn’t always yield a high response rate, it’s worth pursuing. "I get a few responses for every 20 I send out. They usually don't pan out," PurpleWho explains. However, the long game pays off. Following up with those who respond eventually leads to work, and these clients often refer new projects. "The referrals I get from these clients keep coming. Years later now," the Reddit user adds. The key is to treat your first clients well and hold onto them, turning them into long-term sources of work and referrals.
Tips from PurpleWho:
Participating in online forums and discussion groups can be a strategic way to find job opportunities and build a network. In NoCode Cohort Programs, we encourage our students to engage in communities to enhance their learning and network.
Célia Remédios, a tech enthusiast with a passion for mechanics and 3D printing, found herself at a crossroads when she lost her job at 40. With an educational background far removed from web development, she needed to rethink her professional skills. "Nocode Institute made it super easy to upskill myself in the tech world," Célia shares. Despite having a university degree and certifications in other areas, she turned to the NoCode Institute to gain new web development skills. She quickly got back on track as a freelancer.
Célia found the NoCode Institute's community invaluable. "Extra points for the community you get to know along the way, to boost your ideas, knowledge, and job proposals!" she says. This sense of community, coupled with the institute's comprehensive resources, helped her transition smoothly into a new field. Her story is a testament to the power of utilizing online resources for career growth and adaptability.
Tips from Célia:
If you're looking to switch careers, upskill, or reskill, NoCode Institute offers the tools and support you need. Check out the programs and see how you can transform your career today.
Audrey Christophory's journey highlights the power of mentorship in transforming careers. "A skilled mentor will help you to set goals and develop a plan for reaching those goals," she shares. Audrey has had several career mentors who guided her through education and beyond, helping her identify her strengths and map out her career path. She emphasizes the importance of having a mentor who can provide broader insights into psychology and employment. "It made me able to step away from the work-for-a-paycheck routine to the paid-to-live-my-passion."
Similarly, Geoff's experience with the ServiceNow Developer Mentorship program underscores how impactful a mentor can be. When Geoff decided to broaden his skillset in IT Service Management, he joined the program and was paired with Willem Zeiler, a seasoned ServiceNow architect. Through monthly virtual meetings, Willem helped Geoff formulate a plan and introduced him to new concepts. "Willem took the time to introduce me to The Open Group IT4IT Standard and other topics, including the CSDM 4.0 model," Geoff recalls. This mentorship led to Geoff earning certifications and securing a new role as a ServiceNow platform developer.
Tips from Geoff:
If you’re looking for guidance and support in your career journey, seeking mentorship opportunities can make a significant difference. The programs at NoCode Institute of Technology, can offer exactly that. You can learn no code skills in a friendly cohort environment. Not only technical skills, but the community you build at no code helps each other through time guiding in career growth and professional development.
Choosing the right professional organization is crucial for advancing your career. Start by identifying organizations that align with your career path and goals. Look for groups that cater to your industry and offer opportunities that match your professional aspirations. Next, evaluate the benefits and resources they provide. Are there networking events, educational workshops, or job boards that can help you grow? The right organization should offer tools and support that help you achieve your goals.
Consider the geographical and industry relevance of the organization as well. Joining a local chapter can provide face-to-face networking opportunities, while industry-specific groups can keep you updated on the latest trends and opportunities.
Leveraging professional organizations can significantly boost your job connections and career prospects. By attending networking events, making a creative impression, volunteering for leadership roles, engaging in online forums, utilizing online resources, and seeking mentorship opportunities, you can open doors to new opportunities. Selecting the right professional organization is essential, and focusing on those aligned with your career goals and providing valuable resources can make a world of difference.
At NoCode Institute of Technology, we offer more than just educational programs. Our cohort-based learning approach fosters a strong, supportive community that helps you build meaningful connections and navigate your career transition. Whether you're looking to break into tech or enhance your current skills, NoCode Institute is here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step towards a thriving career—join our programs today and connect with a network that propels you forward.
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