I received tons of feedback following my post last week. So I’m sharing another flashback from my job search last summer: Networking.
I was already an active member of Project Management Institute and ISC2 and regularly attended local AWS User Group meetings. With more time available, I expanded into AI, Product Management, and DevOps meetups, and began attending daytime conferences and symposiums. I gained something valuable from every event.
I also volunteered at several conferences and symposiums. It saved a little money, but more importantly, it gave me greater access and allowed me to connect with even more professionals — including some very influential leaders.
I didn’t attend events to “look for a job.” I went to learn, engage in meaningful conversations, and understand where the industry was heading.
I pushed myself — thoughtfully — to ask questions, contribute to discussions, and step outside my comfort zone.
I became a regular. Familiar faces turn into real relationships over time.
I didn’t land my current role directly through networking, but networking expanded my skills, sharpened my market awareness, and increased my professional visibility. I would not have pursued my CMMC credentials if it weren’t for what I learned from others along the way.
Networking didn’t just support my job search — it strengthened my professional growth.
