Three developers at a table with their computers, collaborating on a project and building their network together.
Blog,  Web Development Essentials

Build Your Network: Take Charge of Your Career Today

One of the most important habits you can develop as an aspiring or junior web developer is to build a strong professional network. Think of it this way: you’re the CEO of your own career, and like any good CEO, you need a reliable network to lean on for support, advice, and opportunity.

If you’re waiting until you’re burnt out in your current job or worse—laid off—before you start thinking about networking, you’re doing it wrong. Building a supportive circle of connections isn’t just for those times of crisis; it’s an ongoing process that keeps you agile in your career, helps you stay ahead of the curve, and opens up doors you might not have even known existed.

Today, we’re talking about why networking matters, and practical ways to build your network to support your career now and in the future.

Why Networking Matters (now more than ever)

Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about building relationships. Making friends. It can help you in ways you may not expect, both personally and professionally. 

You never know when the opportunity will come knocking—whether it’s a new job offer, a side project that allows you to experiment with a cutting-edge framework, or meeting a mentor who helps guide you through the murky waters of a career change. A solid network gives you the flexibility to navigate these opportunities and challenges with confidence.

Career Advancement

Like many branches of tech, web development can change rapidly—new tools, frameworks, languages, and methodologies pop up all the time. It’s easy to get stuck in your own little bubble, but networking can help you stay aware of trends. By engaging with others in your field, you might learn about the next big thing in tech before it becomes mainstream.

A good network can also fast-track your career advancement. While job boards are ok (their dominance has been shaken a bit in the last two years of tech layoffs), many opportunities these days come through personal recommendations. By being part of a community of developers, you can position yourself as someone people think of when they hear about exciting projects or open roles. 

It’s not uncommon to hear developers say, “I got this job because someone I knew recommended me.” 

And those connections? They didn’t start just after burnout or a layoff. They were built over time.

Find Mentors and Peers

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re struggling to get through a particularly tricky bug in your code or debating whether to take a new role, having people in your corner who understand the industry can be invaluable. 

Mentorship, in particular, is one of the hidden gems of networking. Having someone more experienced in your field to turn to for advice and guidance can shape your career in ways you may not anticipate.

Networking also provides an avenue to meet peers—developers in the same boat as you—who you can bounce ideas off of, collaborate with on projects, and share the highs and lows of the dev life.

How to Build Connections

So, how do you actually start building this elusive “network” everyone keeps talking about? It doesn’t have to be daunting. The goal is to cultivate meaningful relationships that will last throughout your career.

1. LinkedIn: Your Online Business Card, Resume, and Mini Portfolio

If you’re not active on LinkedIn yet, you’re missing out. It’s the go-to platform for professional networking, and it’s free to use. 

Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Use a professional photo, write a compelling headline, detail your skills and projects, and add in your experience. Show off your work! If you’ve contributed to any open-source projects or completed a major web development project, feature that prominently.

Once your profile is in shape, start connecting. Don’t be shy! Reach out to other developers, senior engineers, project managers, and hiring managers. When you do, personalize your connection requests. Mention shared interests, common connections, or why you find their work inspiring. It takes just a few minutes, but it can make a world of difference in how you’re perceived.

Engage regularly with the content on your feed. Like, comment, and share posts from others in the development community. Share your thoughts on recent industry trends, tools you’ve been using, or even challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Authentic engagement helps build relationships over time.

2. Open Source Communities: Contribute and Connect

If you haven’t dipped your toes into open-source projects yet, it’s time to get started. Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Stack Overflow, and countless others are communities where developers come together to collaborate, contribute, and learn from each other.

Contributing to specific open source projects like Drupal, WordPress, Jekyll, and others is about more than just giving back; it builds your credibility and showcases your skills. It’s a real-world portfolio piece that demonstrates your ability to work with others, solve problems, and contribute to meaningful projects. Plus, you’ll meet like-minded developers who could become future collaborators or even employers.

Look for projects that interest you and need contributors. Start small—maybe fixing a bug or adding documentation—then work your way up to more significant contributions. The relationships you nurture here can open doors you wouldn’t have thought possible.

3. Slack, Discord, and Developer Forums: Join the Conversation

There are countless communities for developers on platforms like Slack, Discord, and other forums. These spaces are perfect for more casual conversation, collaboration, and quick tips. It’s also an excellent way to stay connected to your peers, share resources, and learn about new opportunities.

Join developer-focused Slack channels or Discord servers, introduce yourself, and participate in discussions. Answering someone’s question in a forum or contributing to a community discussion might not seem like much, but it can leave a lasting impression. Many of these communities have job boards or channels where project opportunities are posted—making it easier for you to discover interesting projects and roles.

Remember, networking doesn’t have to be formal. Some of the best professional relationships start with a casual conversation in a Slack channel or over Discord chat.

Go To In-Person Events

While online networking is incredibly valuable, don’t underestimate the power of in-person events. Attending local meetups, tech camps, or conferences are a great way to build your network. Take advantage of face-to-face interactions with developers and industry professionals who share your interests.

These events offer a chance to grow more personal connections and find out about job opportunities, collaborations, or interesting side projects.

Talk with your employer about sponsoring your ticket or covering the expenses of a conference trip. Present it as a professional development opportunity that will benefit your team and employer.

Meetups and Local Networking

Most cities have tech-focused meetups, where developers of all levels come together to share knowledge and ideas. Platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite often list developer meetups in your area. These events are typically low-pressure and can help you practice your networking skills in a relaxed, casual setting. Look for groups that align with your niche—whether that’s JavaScript, Python, front-end design, or another area of web development.

Hackathons and Coding Bootcamps

Hackathons are fantastic for networking while also sharpening your coding skills. These events typically involve working with a team to solve real-world problems under time constraints. Even if you don’t win, the experience is invaluable, and you’ll leave with new connections, fresh skills, and potentially some job leads. Similarly, coding bootcamps often host networking events where you can meet professionals from companies who are looking for fresh talent.

Conferences and Tech Camps

If you’re serious about growing your network, consider attending larger conferences or tech camps. Events like DrupalCon, WordCamp, or PyCon bring together thousands of developers and industry leaders from around the world. Not only will you get to hear from experts on the latest trends and technologies, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with companies and recruiters directly. These events often have career fairs or networking mixers specifically designed for job seekers and junior developers.

Pro Tip: Follow Up

After attending an event, don’t forget to follow up with the people you meet. A quick LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message or an email thanking them for the conversation can go a long way in keeping those relationships warm.

Take On Side Projects

One of the most effective ways to grow your skills and network simultaneously is by working on side projects. 

Whether it’s a personal project you’re passionate about, a collaboration with a peer, or a freelance gig, side projects allow you to flex your skills in different ways than your day job might.

Side projects help you stay sharp, honing your existing skills and perfecting new ones. They can also lead to more work opportunities. People love to see that you’re passionate about development and willing to invest your time into growing your craft. 

Plus, you might meet potential collaborators or employers through these ventures.

Expand Your Skills with Courses and Webinars

There’s no shortage of courses and webinars to help you grow your web development skills. Whether you’re learning a new framework, brushing up on soft skills like communication, or diving into a different area of development, expanding your skillset is crucial.

You can start with general courses on platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Coursera, which offer a wide range of foundational topics. If you’re looking to dive deeper, search for niche courses that focus on specific programming languages, platforms, or skills you’re interested in. 

Be sure to also invest time in developing non-technical skills like project management, client onboarding, and budgeting. A developer who masters both technical and business-related skills is more likely to find opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.

Attending industry webinars or taking part in online courses helps you learn and gives you opportunities to meet other learners. Engage in course discussion forums, follow up with webinar presenters or attendees on LinkedIn, and share what you’ve learned. It’s an easy way to grow your network while upskilling.

Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

A key part of networking is putting yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, lessons learned, and thoughts on development topics. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, Medium, as a guest blogger for your favorite online communities, or even on your own blog, sharing your journey helps others connect with you on a more personal level.

Start by writing about the challenges you’ve overcome, the projects you’re most proud of, or the tools and frameworks you enjoy working with. 

Over time, as you contribute more content, you’ll establish yourself as a thought leader within your niche—and that visibility can attract the right opportunities.

Be Proactive

Networking is not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. It requires ongoing effort. 

Don’t wait for burnout or a layoff to hit before you start reaching out to people and expanding your network. Take charge now. The connections you make today could become tomorrow’s career boosts—whether it’s a job opportunity, a side project, or a mentor who helps you make critical career decisions.

So go ahead. Be the CEO of your own career and build your network right now. Nurture relationships, engage with communities, share your thoughts, and stay curious. The opportunities are out there. You just have to find them.

Credits

Featured image: Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.

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