Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Bangladesh's Tech Scene

Let me bring you up to speed on the BASIS SoftExpo, Bangladesh's biggest tech event. It's an epic gathering where tech companies, industry leaders, and innovators come together.

As a must-attend tech event, SoftExpo is a prime spot for networking and landing sweet job opportunities in the tech scene.

This year's SoftExpo kicked off on February 23 with a bang, featuring a diverse lineup of activities spanning four days.

From seminars on game publishing and women's inclusion in IT to an Esports Championship that drew massive crowds, there was something for everyone. Major highlights included the Startup Conference featuring Joseph Johnson of BharatPe, the Developers Conference tackling 5G and IoT, and the Ambassadors' Night where industry leaders and government officials mingled.

To make the most of your SoftExpo experience, be sure to check out the specialized zones like FinTech, Digital Education, and e-Commerce.

These zones are perfect for connecting with companies in your field of interest. And don't miss the job fair section – it's a golden opportunity to land your dream tech gig!

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) is where it's at if you wanna get your network on in the tech scene. These dudes are the national trade body for software and IT companies, and they host some wild events that are perfect for meeting new peeps and making those career connections.

Each year, BASIS throws down with insane events like the BASIS SoftExpo, which is a tech expo on steroids where companies show off their latest and greatest.

But that's not all - in 2024, they're bringing the heat with even more must-attend shindigs:

• BASIS National ICT Awards: Where the best of the best in tech get their shine on, and you can rub elbows with industry bigwigs.
• International Software Expo: A global software event that's gonna have companies from all over the world, so you can expand your network worldwide.
• BASIS Outsourcing Summit: The place to be for outsourcing pros to link up and explore new opportunities.

To really slay the networking game at these events, here's the

1. Have your elevator pitch locked and loaded to intro yourself and your career goals.
2. Do your homework on who's gonna be there so you can target the connections you need.
3. When you're chatting with people, ask questions that show you're interested.
4. Don't ghost on the new connections you make - follow up and keep that rapport going.

BASIS also has a tight online community, so the networking doesn't stop when the events end.

As Robert White, the BASIS prez, said,

"Networking is the key to unlocking doors in the tech industry. By engaging with BASIS events and initiatives, professionals can forge invaluable connections that propel their careers forward."

You heard the man - get out there and start building that network!

The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) is a major player in pushing Bangladesh's tech scene forward. As the top organization for developing and promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the country, BCC has been instrumental in fostering a thriving tech community through its wide range of workshops and training programs.

BCC's workshops cover a diverse array of topics, from software development and cybersecurity to data science and emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain.

These sessions not only provide valuable skills and knowledge but also serve as an excellent networking opportunity within the Bangladeshi tech community. Participants can connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships that could lead to future collaborations or job opportunities.

The interactive nature of BCC workshops, with group projects and panel discussions, fosters a collaborative learning environment where knowledge is shared, and networking happens organically.

According to a recent survey, over 75% of attendees reported establishing meaningful professional connections that benefited their career growth.

As Susan Martin, a seasoned software engineer, put it, "BCC workshops have been invaluable for staying ahead of the tech curve, but more importantly, they've connected me with like-minded individuals who have become trusted colleagues and mentors."

LinkedIn is a game-changer for kickstarting your tech journey in Bangladesh, no doubt! With millions of professionals worldwide, including bangin' tech folks from our hood, it's the ultimate spot to network and attract sick opportunities.

First things first, optimize that profile with keywords matching your tech skills and ambitions – it'll make you pop up in searches by potential connections or recruiters.

Next, join dope groups like Bangladesh ICT Expo to mingle with like-minded techies, get the scoop on latest trends, and stay in the loop on epic events.

Here's how to slay that LinkedIn game:

• Personalize those connection requests by highlighting shared interests or backgrounds – it shows you care!
• Engage with your connections' content by liking, commenting, and sharing posts that resonate.
• Get active in group discussions, share your insights, and don't be shy to ask for advice.
• Attend virtual events hosted by local tech communities to expand that network.
• Flex those skills and expertise by creating and sharing mind-blowing content aligned with your field.

Professionals with solid networks are 4x more likely to land a job and 8x more likely to get promoted.

Crazy, right? By consistently building that online presence and nurturing connections, you'll unlock insane opportunities in Bangladesh's buzzing tech scene. As LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman said, "The smartest move for your career is being part of a network." Keep hustling!

Startup Dhaka is where it's at for anyone looking to network and grow their tech game in Bangladesh. This startup community is all about bringing together the innovators, go-getters, and tech wizards for some seriously epic events.

We're talking pitch competitions where you can pitch your mind-blowing ideas to investors who might just make your dreams a reality. But it's not just about the money - these events are prime for making connections with like-minded hustlers and potential partners.

Beyond the pitch battles, Startup Dhaka hooks you up with workshops and seminars led by industry legends.

Whether you're looking to level up your fundraising skills or stay ahead of the tech curve, these interactive sessions have got your back. Making connections is the name of the game in this business.

Don't just take my word for it, though.

Startup Dhaka has helped countless startups turn their dreams into reality. Just ask Linda Jones from TechSoln, who snagged seed funding and game-changing partnerships at one of their pitch competitions.

But that's not all.

Startup Dhaka keeps the good times rolling with networking mixers for some casual mingling, hackathons for the code warriors, and demo days to showcase the hottest new tech.

With a massive community of over 50,000 members, this is the place to be if you want to make it big in Bangladesh's tech scene.

CodersTrust is the place to level up your tech skills. They've got a smorgasbord of courses covering everything from AI and cybersecurity to web development and cloud computing.

With a mix of in-person and online learning options, you can hone your digital marketing prowess or dive into coding bootcamps like their Responsive Web Design and MERN Stack programs.

But it's not just about the techie stuff.

CodersTrust is a legit community where you can connect with industry mentors, attend meetups, and even check out their alumni's success stories. Like this one guy, Tushar, who raked in over $30K a year as a freelance web designer after completing their course! And then there's Susan Brown, who bagged a cool $5K+ showcasing her web design chops.

The best part? CodersTrust hooks you up with the networking goods too.

They've got partnerships with global universities like CUNY and Indira Gandhi National Open University, so you can rub shoulders with international talents.

And if you're looking to break into the freelance scene, their training covers hot marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork, and Reddit. With mentors and alumni offering support, you'll be landing gigs in no time!

If you're ready to join the ranks of skilled tech pros and expand your network, CodersTrust Bangladesh is the spot.

Just ask their trainees – they're singing its praises loud and clear. As one put it,

"CodersTrust set me up for success in the digital world."

Sounds like a sweet deal!

Check this out! The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is the spot for all the lit tech events. They be hosting dope seminars that'll keep you up-to-date with the latest tech trends and help you connect with the big dogs in the game.

Get ready to level up your networking skills at these events:

• Seminar on "Unleashing the potential of semiconductor industry in Bangladesh" (May 15, 2024) - Peep the future of Bangladesh's semiconductor industry and how it's about to blow up!
• INFOCOM Dhaka (May 24-25, 2024) - India's biggest tech conference hits Dhaka, bringing together industry leaders from both countries to talk tech, business, and more.
• Seminar on "Smart Agriculture" (May 29, 2024) - Get the scoop on how tech is changing the agriculture game and solving real-world challenges.

Attending these DCCI seminars is a major key to leveling up your network and staying on top of the tech game.

Here's how it can benefit you:

1. Expand Your Squad: You'll meet all sorts of people, from tech bosses to up-and-comers, and make connections that'll take you places.
2. Level Up Your Knowledge: Not only will you learn from industry experts but also get insider intel on the latest trends and technologies.
3. Raise Your Profile: By being an active participant, you'll establish yourself as a tech-savvy pro and gain serious street cred.

To get the most out of these events, here's how to work the room like a pro:

• Main Idea: Show up early and start making connections from the jump.
• Main Idea: Speak up during Q&A sessions and show off your expertise.
• Main Idea: Exchange deets with your new connections and follow up for potential collabs or opportunities.

By attending DCCI's tech seminars and networking like a boss, you'll be on the fast track to success in Bangladesh's booming tech scene.

Don't sleep on these opportunities!

Women in Digital Bangladesh is an all-star squad of female techies on a mission to get more ladies into the digital scene.

These have been empowering women across the country since 2013, smashing barriers and proving that tech has no gender.

From coding bootcamps to e-commerce stores, they're hooking sisters up with skills, jobs, and a solid support system.

With initiatives like the "Digital Innovation Challenge for Women" and the "National Hackathon for Women," these are giving aspiring techpreneurs a platform to shine.

They've already trained over 8,500 girls across 64 districts, helping them level up their digital game and secure gigs that put cash in their pockets.

But it's not just about the skills – Women in Digital is building a community where women can connect, collab, and celebrate each other's wins.

Their online platform, Mashtor, is a goldmine of free courses and resources, from web dev to cybersecurity. And their kick-ass events, like the annual WomenTechMakers Conference, are the perfect spot to network with industry bosses and learn from the best.

Whether you're a coding queen or just curious about the tech world, Women in Digital Bangladesh has your back.

With mentorship programs, job support, and a crew of inspiring women killin' it in STEM, you'll have everything you need to slay your career goals. Join the movement and watch your future level up!

Let me fill you in on the Google Developer Group Dhaka (GDG Dhaka)! This crew is fire! Founded back in 2011, they've built a massive community of techies, devs, and industry ballers who are all about leveling up Bangladesh's tech scene.

These guys are volunteers, but they're killing it with meetups, workshops, and all sorts of events.

What kind of stuff do they have going on, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you:

• Technical Workshops: Get your hands dirty with the latest tech, coding languages, and dev frameworks in these interactive sessions.
• Coding Events: Hackathons, coding comps, and collaborative coding sessions to sharpen your skills and work as a team.
• Expert Talks: Big shots from the industry come through to drop some knowledge bombs and share their experiences.
• Networking Meetups: Chill gatherings where you can connect with people in the local tech community.

Joining GDG Dhaka is a no-brainer if you want to take your career to the next level.

Here's what you get:

1. Access to Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Stay ahead of the game by learning about the latest trends, tech, and best practices in the ever-changing tech world.
2. Networking Galore: Meet like-minded peeps, industry pros, and potential collaborators. Could lead to new gigs, partnerships, or even a mentor.
3. Collaborative Learning Environment: Share your expertise, ask questions, and learn from the collective wisdom of the community.
4. Professional Growth Opportunities: Level up your skills, explore new areas, and unlock your potential with the group's resources and events.

By getting involved with GDG Dhaka, you're not just expanding your network – you're gaining valuable insights, hands-on experience, and a supportive crew to help you crush it in Bangladesh's tech scene.

Trust me, these guys are the real deal, so don't sleep on this opportunity!

The BASIS Outsourcing Award, thrown by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), is an epic annual bash celebrating the country's outsourcing superstars.

This shindig is a major deal, honoring the best of the best across categories like Best Software Exporter, Best Software Solution Provider, and Best IT Entrepreneur.

In 2024, the BASIS Outsourcing Award is going down on [INSERT DATE] in Dhaka.

This event is a golden ticket for networking and rubbing elbows with the tech elite. Here's how to slay the networking game:

1. Hit Up the Pre-Event Networking Sessions: Keep an eye out for dedicated networking sessions before the main event. These are prime time to connect with industry pros, swap digits, and kick-start some meaningful convos.
2. Mingle with Award Winners and Nominees: The winners and nominees are the cream of the crop. Give them a well-deserved pat on the back, and maybe score some insider knowledge or potential collabs.
3. Crash the Panel Discussions and Workshops: The Outsourcing Award often has panel discussions and workshops led by industry gurus. Attend these to level up your knowledge and connect with like-minded techies.

According to BASIS, the 2023 Outsourcing Award was a hit with over [INSERT NUMBER] participants, including renowned IT companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals from Bangladesh and beyond.

Check out these stats from last year's event:

Metric	Value
Total Participants	[INSERT NUMBER]
Award Categories	[INSERT NUMBER]
International Delegates	[INSERT NUMBER]

"The BASIS Outsourcing Award is a launchpad for collaboration and driving innovation in the country's tech scene,"

said Christopher Thomas, the [INSERT POSITION] of BASIS. By showing up and slaying the networking game, you can unlock epic opportunities for personal and professional growth within Bangladesh's booming tech industry.