Navigating the tech industry can be daunting, especially for newcomers eager to establish meaningful professional relationships. Insights from a Global Data Science Leader and a Chief Technology Officer provide a roadmap for success. The article kicks off with advice on engaging with passionate communities and concludes with the importance of being proactive and helpful, offering a total of thirteen expert strategies. Discover these actionable tips to elevate professional connections in tech.
- Engage With Passionate Communities
- Participate In Industry Events
- Focus On Adding Value
- Contribute To Open-Source Projects
- Prioritize Genuine Curiosity
- Be Authentic And Vulnerable
- Engage In Industry Events
- Practice Intentional Generosity
- Join A Podcast
- Create Something Interesting
- Create Your Own Opportunities
- Leverage Unique Skills Or Products
- Be Proactive And Helpful
Engage With Passionate Communities
Engaging with communities that align with your passions can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities. Here’s my experience:
As someone deeply committed to learning about and contributing to AI, I joined the Austin AI Alliance’s Slack community. Instead of merely observing, I actively participated in discussions and engaged with members’ projects. When I encountered intriguing work, I reached out directly to discuss their contributions, offered constructive feedback, and volunteered assistance where I could.
This genuine involvement led to valuable collaborations. One connection even resulted in an advisory board position at a startup, where I now provide strategic guidance.
Key lessons:
- Join communities that reflect your interests.
- Actively engage with others’ work.
- Reach out with thoughtful feedback and offers to support.
- Consistently nurture connections.
Building meaningful relationships takes time, but authenticity fosters growth. Focus on adding value first; professional benefits will naturally follow. It’s not about quick networking wins but about cultivating lasting relationships through genuine interest and mutual support.
Balaji Dhamodharan, Global Data Science Leader, NXP Semiconductors
Participate In Industry Events
In my experience, one of the most effective strategies for building meaningful professional relationships in the tech industry, especially when you’re just starting out, is to actively participate in industry communities and networking events. Attend meetups, conferences, hackathons, and other gatherings where you can connect with like-minded professionals. When you’re there, don’t just collect business cards—have real conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up afterward to continue the dialogue. Show genuine interest in learning from others, offer help when you can, and focus on building trust and rapport.
Over time, these relationships can lead to valuable advice, potential partnerships, job opportunities, and more. I’ve found that when done authentically, this kind of community engagement can be a cornerstone for establishing your reputation and expanding your network in the tech world.
Early in my career, I made an effort to regularly attend local tech meetups in my city. At one such meetup focused on web development, I ended up in a conversation with a senior developer from a successful startup. We really hit it off and continued chatting over drinks afterward. Though we worked at different companies, we shared similar passions and values around technology’s role in society. Over the next few years, that chance connection led to an informal mentorship that was tremendously helpful in leveling up my skills and shaping my thinking. It just goes to show you how important it is to put yourself out there.
Daniel Nyquist, CMO, Crosslist
Focus On Adding Value
In my experience, the most effective strategy I’ve found for building meaningful professional relationships, especially for those just starting out in the tech industry, is to focus on adding value. Look for opportunities to help others, whether it’s providing thoughtful feedback on their work, making warm introductions to contacts in your network, or sharing resources and insights that could be useful.
When I first entered the field, I made an effort to get to know peers beyond just superficial small talk. I’d ask about their career goals and current challenges, then try to connect them with people or information that could help. Over time, these relationships evolved into valuable friendships and collaborations. The key is being generous without expecting anything directly in return. If you consistently offer your knowledge and connections to help others, they’ll likely reciprocate down the road. But the biggest reward is the satisfaction of supporting colleagues in enriching their careers.
Philip Stoelman, Founder & CEO, Network Republic
Contribute To Open-Source Projects
One effective strategy for building meaningful professional relationships in the tech industry is to focus on contributing value before seeking it. When I was starting out, I joined open-source communities and hackathons where I could collaborate with others and showcase my skills. By contributing code, offering insights, or even helping with documentation, I built relationships organically while demonstrating my expertise.
A specific example is when I contributed to a project on GitHub. My input led to a direct connection with the project maintainer, who later became a mentor and helped me land my first big opportunity.
My advice for newcomers: look for communities or forums relevant to your field, such as developer meetups, open-source projects, or LinkedIn groups. Show genuine interest in others’ work, share your knowledge, and be consistent in your interactions. Building professional relationships is less about networking for opportunities and more about creating authentic, mutually beneficial connections.
Patric Edwards, Founder & Principal Software Architect, Cirrus Bridge
Prioritize Genuine Curiosity
When you’re genuinely interested in understanding someone else’s work, challenges, or unique perspective, it’s a great way to start conversations that feel real rather than forced. For example, early in my career, I attended networking events where, instead of diving into what I needed, I asked about the other person’s role and recent projects they were excited about. That opened doors not only to interesting conversations but also to lasting connections because people could sense that I wasn’t just there to “get something.”
Especially for those new to the industry, showing a genuine interest in learning from others can be more impactful than trying to pitch yourself too hard. This approach often leads to referrals, collaborations, or even mentorship opportunities. And as you grow in your career, you’ll likely find that the people who remember you are the ones with whom you shared those more authentic conversations.
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
Be Authentic And Vulnerable
One of the most valuable strategies I recommend for building meaningful professional relationships in tech is to prioritize authenticity and vulnerability. Too often, we try to project an image of having everything figured out when the reality is that we’re all constantly learning and growing. By being open about your journey—the challenges you’ve faced, the mistakes you’ve made, and the lessons you’ve learned—you create space for deeper connections and richer dialogue. This approach resonates because it’s grounded in shared human experience.
For example, early in my career, I vividly remember feeling like an impostor at many industry events, convinced everyone else knew more than I did. It wasn’t until I started being upfront about my insecurities and eagerness to learn that I began attracting mentors who could relate to that mindset. The relationships that emerged from those authentic exchanges ended up being some of the most meaningful and impactful of my professional life.
Rengie Wisper, CMO, G-BRIS
Engage In Industry Events
One effective strategy for building meaningful professional relationships in the tech industry, especially for those just starting out, is to actively engage in industry events and communities. Attending conferences, seminars, or online forums opens doors to like-minded professionals who are also eager to connect. As someone who’s been in tech for years, I can say these interactions aren’t just about exchanging LinkedIn profiles—they’re about genuine connection. Early in my career, joining these gatherings allowed me to meet mentors who provided advice that shaped my path forward.
Finding the right mentors is also crucial. When I started, I sought out leaders in IT who had walked the path I wanted to take. Many were generous with their knowledge, and those conversations often opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about technology and problem-solving. Reach out to experienced professionals with questions about industry trends or challenges; most will be glad to share their experiences. A well-chosen mentor can offer insights that textbooks can’t, and that guidance is especially helpful when you’re new to the field.
Finally, build connections with peers and colleagues who share similar goals. When I first joined Parachute, collaborating with others who faced the same challenges helped me grow. It’s easy to feel isolated, but forming bonds with peers can lead to partnerships and mutual support. Share your experiences, listen to theirs, and look for ways to support each other’s goals. Building a network takes time, but with patience and genuine interest, it will prove invaluable as your career progresses.
Elmo Taddeo, CEO, Parachute
Practice Intentional Generosity
One effective strategy for building meaningful professional relationships in the tech industry is to practice intentional generosity by consistently looking for ways to offer value first and be proactively helpful. This means actively seeking opportunities to support others without expecting immediate returns.
For example, if someone in your network needs a specific skill set or resource, connect them with someone in your network who can help. These small, thoughtful actions show you care about their success and build trust.
For example, I once connected a founder with a prospective customer they had been pursuing, which not only helped them but also strengthened my relationships with both parties. Similarly, introducing investors to promising startups—even if you aren’t directly involved—shows your willingness to support others’ success. By consistently looking for ways to support others and creating value for them, you’ll build a network of more deeply connected professionals because of the value you’ve added.
Judd Schoenholtz, Co-founder & CEO, Deferred
Join A Podcast
An efficient way to develop meaningful connections in the tech field, if you’re a beginner, is to join a podcast as a guest or in a backstage role. Podcasts are just a fantastic way to meet people because you’re having actual conversation, which means you’re meeting people on an emotional level. You become a guest and can talk about your experience and expertise, making yourself an active contributor. Even if you aren’t ready to go on air, you might be able to help out with outreach, editing or content research and have some valuable contacts to both the host and guests on the show.
The podcasts also allow you to connect with other influencers in your industry and request them to join, or just be exposed to your work. This is a very simple conversation starter but it can have the biggest impact—people are crazy about sharing stories and they like someone who’s curious and interested. It’s also a chance to network without the anxiety of a traditional networking event.
Adam Klein, Certified Integral Coach® and Managing Director, New Ventures West
Create Something Interesting
Make something interesting and your network will instantly emerge. Meaning, it’s much better to provide value first, and make something useful than to bother random people for coffee meetings. It can be anything from an interesting blog, a small tool, free design templates, open source software, whatever it may be.
Another way may be to organize something like an event or a meetup. If you are the host and get people to join you, you are literally in the middle of the network and people will know you for that.
Joshua Schoenaker, CEO and Co-founder, TalkJS
Create Your Own Opportunities
If you want a good network in the tech industry then create your own opportunities instead of waiting for others to help you up the ladder. One way to do this is to become a thought leader. Start a podcast, do interviews, or write tech articles for local publications. These will showcase your expertise and make you visible to like minded people and potential collaborators.
Building your own path allows you to grow progressively, learn from your mistakes, and steer your career in the direction you want. Along this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to build a network that can open doors to new opportunities.
Harry Morton, Founder, Lower Street
Leverage Unique Skills Or Products
An innovative product or a unique skill set gives you the leverage to build a network in the tech industry. When you bring something to the table—whether it’s a product, a skill or a new perspective-you naturally get noticed. This is where connections start, as people are drawn to what you can offer and the impact you make.
On the other hand if your product or skills aren’t market ready, building a network takes more time and effort. Without something to showcase, networking can feel slower and harder. In this case focus on developing your skills and refining your product so when you reach out you have something worth showing.
Jase Rodley, SEO Consultant, Jase Rodley
Be Proactive And Helpful
Building meaningful professional relationships in the tech industry is the same as in life in general.
Put yourself out there, proactively book meetings with people, attend meetups, be genuine, be curious, be helpful to everyone you meet.
If you do these things consistently, you’ll be surprised how many great relationships you build.
Ben Grimwade, Software Engineering Manager, Just Another Tech Lead
