You have just graduated from a bootcamp, finished a degree in computer science, or perhaps, taught yourself to make awesome things via self-paced courses and decided to switch careers or pursue a new role. Now you need a job. The problem is you’re new to the field, looking to gain experience, and every open position states you are required to have a gazillion years of specific experience and/or education. But do you really need all of that?
A hardworking, eager, amazing candidate can submit 1,000+ resumes with all the right buzzwords, beautiful projects, solid education...and still not make it to the phone interview! Rhia will walk you through how she used an unexpected networking opportunity during her coding bootcamp to land her current role before she was even looking for a job. She will share with you what she has learned about networking -- what it is and isn’t, when and where to network, and how to do it effectively.

I feel like this talk is something that people need at all levels. It is so easy to stay in our own comfy bubbles expecting opportunities to fall into our laps. The trouble with this is that opportunities don’t always find us that way. We have to be willing to step out and make moves. I was introduced to my last three roles by people in my network, so I’m a firm believer that “who you know” truly matters. I want to share some of the things I’ve found useful in my networking pursuits with those who may be struggling.