As a teacher with dreams of transitioning into the tech industry, you may not have an accessible network within the tech world. This was me when I first started putting out feelers and considered making a career switch. I didn’t actually know anyone in the tech field who were former teachers, but I later found my own network of likeminded people on LinkedIn and social media.
As a former teacher, I never really understood the hype behind networking in the corporate world. I knew how important relationships with my colleagues, students and heads of school were, but I never understood how important it was to connect with people with whom I didn’t already have a prior relationship.
In its essence, networking can help open doors to exciting new opportunities, insights and support that can help you succeed in your career transition. In this post, we’ll explore the basics of networking and how it can help you to make new connections.
The Power of Networking
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections (although that is likely a good first step for people who are just starting out). It’s about establishing genuine relationships with people who share your interests and goals. As a teacher looking to break into tech, here’s why networking is absolutely crucial:
- Learn and Adapt: The tech industry is ever-evolving. Networking allows you to learn about the latest trends, tools, and skills you need to thrive in this dynamic field.
- Access to Opportunities: Many job openings in tech are not publicly advertised on job boards. Networking can help you uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insights into companies that you’re interested in.
- Mentorship: Connecting with experienced tech professionals can provide valuable mentorship opportunities. They can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate the industry. While mentorship is very helpful in any stage of your career, having a mentor at the start of your career transition is especially important.
Getting Started
If the thought of networking makes you anxious, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you overcome your fears and get started:
1. Define Your Goals: What are you looking to achieve in your tech career? Define your goals to target the right connections. Are you interested in programming, data analysis, project management, or something else? Knowing your objectives will guide your networking efforts. For me personally, I wanted to get into tech sales. When I first started my journey, I thought I wanted to clinch an SDR/BDR role. It was only through speaking to others in my network that I realized my personality and strengths lay more in post-sales/account management sort of roles.
2. Attend Events: Look for tech-related events, meetups, conferences, and workshops in your area or online. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite are excellent resources for finding tech gatherings. Attend as many as you can to expand your network.
3. Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums, LinkedIn groups, and social media communities focused on tech and career transitions. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. While many people believe that career-related advice is primarily shared on LinkedIn, I discovered that the opposite is true. In fact, I found not only inspiration and motivation but also a wealth of practical guidance for my career transition on platforms like TikTok and within various Facebook groups!
4. Volunteer: Offer your skills and time to tech-related organizations, non-profits, or community projects. Volunteering not only allows you to give back but also exposes you to potential connections who share your interests.
5. Leverage Your Teaching Background: Don’t underestimate the value of your teaching experience. Mention your background when networking, as it can make you stand out and offer unique perspectives in the tech world.
6. Attend Workshops and Courses: Consider enrolling in workshops or courses related to your tech interests. These can be excellent places to meet like-minded individuals and potential mentors. Some of these workshops and courses also offer community support groups which can be very helpful in getting good tips and advice!
7. Be Genuine: When networking, be authentic and genuinely interested in others. Ask questions, listen actively, and build meaningful connections. Remember, networking is a two-way street.
8. Follow Up: After making initial connections, I like to exchange contacts. I usually do this by following/connecting with them on LinkedIn. After that, follow up with a friendly message or email. Express your interest in maintaining the relationship and offer to meet for coffee or a virtual chat.
9. Stay Consistent: Networking is an ongoing process. Consistency is key. Continue attending events, engaging online, and nurturing your connections over time.
10. Pay It Forward: As you build your tech career, don’t forget to give back. Offer support and guidance to others who are on the same journey.
Remember, networking is an investment in your future. It offers a pathway to stay updated with industry trends, discover hidden job opportunities, and gain the wisdom of experienced mentors. It might take time to see significant results, but the connections you make can be instrumental in your transition from teaching to tech. So, put on your networking hat, step out of your comfort zone, and start building those tech connections today. Your dream tech career might be just one handshake or virtual meeting away!
Ready to build your tech network and explore new opportunities? Join us at TeacherTechTransform to connect with fellow educators making the transition to tech. Share your experiences, share and seek advice, and be part of a community that’s dedicated to helping teachers thrive in the world of technology. Your journey is about to become even more exciting and rewarding – together, we’re transforming teaching into a tech-powered adventure! 🚀💻
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