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

Let me tell you about the Eugene O'Neill Foundation - it's a spot for all you theater nerds out there.

Their mission? To keep the legacy of Eugene O'Neill, America's top playwright, alive and kicking. They got all sorts of cool events and programs to celebrate the man's vision and work.

Like, you can even apply for their Artist in Residence gig if you're a writer looking to level up your craft.

Plus, they're right here in Danville, so you don't have to go far to get your theater fix.

If you're trying to break into the tech scene here in Eugene, you gotta check out the thriving tech hub we've got going on.

Nucamp's got the scoop on the history of how this place transformed into a low-key Silicon Valley over the years.

Here's how you can effectively navigate Eugene's tech scene:

1. Explore the history: Nucamp's got the scoop on Eugene's transformation into a tech hub.
2. Job-hunting strategies: Get insider tips on effective job-hunting strategies.
3. Network at events: Attend must-attend meetups and conferences to level up your networking game.

The Eugene Science Center is a total hotspot for tech geeks! They've got some seriously cool events lined up that'll blow your mind.

From laser shows featuring epic bands like Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith to an out-of-this-world adulting night called "Apollopalooza" dedicated to all things space exploration, this place has got you covered.

They also host some mind-blowing special events like the Oregon Bach Festival's performance of Holst's "The Planets" and laser shows featuring chart-toppers like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé.

It's like a techie's dream come true! And let's not forget about the annual Maker Faire, where you can geek out over the latest tech innovations and get your hands dirty with some seriously cool interactive exhibits.

To score some action at these events, just hit up their website and peep the event calendar.

You'll need to register in advance for some of the stuff, but trust me, it's worth it. And if you're feeling extra ambitious, you can even volunteer to help out and get an inside scoop on all the behind-the-scenes action.

It's a way to network with fellow tech enthusiasts and maybe even make some new friends.

Alright, so you know about this Hack for a Cause event that happens every year in Eugene? It's basically a 24-hour coding marathon where tech geeks team up to build cool solutions for non-profits and community organizations.

This hackathon is straight-up networking gold!

According to the details on their site, Eugene's 5th annual H4AC went down in April 2020, organized by the Tech Association of Oregon.

Over 200 participants from 29 different countries showed up, ready to hack for a good cause. And making connections at events like these is key. Like, James Jones, who attended said the links he made opened up crazy career opportunities for him.

But it's not just about networking, you know? Past H4AC events have spawned some seriously innovative projects that are still making waves.

Like this GreenPath app that helps people find edible plants in Eugene's parks, or AccessEd, an online platform hooking up underprivileged students with educational resources.

The vibe is all about using tech to uplift the community, and it's a total melting pot of brilliant minds collaborating on real-world solutions.

Engaging with the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) is a total game-changer for anyone trying to level up their networking game and dive deep into the tech scene.

This tight-knit crew of 450+ companies and orgs is the real deal when it comes to making connections and sharpening your skills in the tech world.

Here's the scoop on why joining TAO is a no-brainer:

• Networking on Steroids: These guys host a crazy amount of events every year, from chill monthly meetups to massive conferences. It's like a never-ending networking fest where you can rub elbows with industry bigwigs, potential employers, and a whole squad of like-minded techies from all over Oregon.
• Skill-Building Extravaganza: TAO hooks you up with workshops, coding bootcamps, and mentorship programs to keep your tech game strong. They'll make sure you're always ahead of the curve and ready to slay in today's fast-paced tech jungle.
• Community Crusaders: These guys are all about giving back. They run dope initiatives like the Oregon Mentors program, where seasoned pros guide up-and-coming students and job seekers. As a member, you can share your expertise and help cultivate a diverse, inclusive tech ecosystem.

TAO members also get access to a treasure trove of resources, like:

1. Job Opportunities: A stacked job board with openings from the biggest tech firms in the state.
2. Insider Information: Industry reports and insider intel to stay ahead of the curve and spot new opportunities before everyone else.
3. Exclusive Discounts: Exclusive discounts on software, services, and event registrations, saving you some serious cash.

As "a unifying voice for Oregon's technology industry," TAO is the real MVP, helping you crush it professionally while fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the state's thriving tech community.

The Eugene Friends of Sasquatch group is where it's at for tech geeks and creatives in this city! With over 30 members, these meetups are all about connecting with others who share a fascination for the paranormal, spirituality, and other weird, wild interests.

Whether you're into Bigfoot sightings, tarot readings, or just chilling with some craft brews from Bigfoot Beverages, there's something for everyone at these laid-back hangouts.

The vibe is super chill, perfect for swapping stories about your latest paranormal encounter or geeking out over that mind-bending sci-fi flick you just watched.

You never know what kind of random, fascinating convos you'll stumble into – that's part of the fun! Plus, it's a great way to expand your social circle and meet others who march to the beat of their own drums, just like you.

Beyond the socializing aspect, these meetups often feature cool activities like crystal wrapping workshops, sound healing sessions, or even the occasional Bigfoot tracking expedition.

Imagine bonding with your new crew while learning to craft funky wire jewelry or channeling good vibes through gong meditation. Doesn't get much cooler than that, right?

In a city brimming with tech startups and creative businesses, having an outlet like Eugene Friends of Sasquatch is clutch.

It's a refreshing break from the daily grind, a chance to embrace your quirky side and forge connections with open-minded individuals. Who knows, you might even walk away with a new business partner or collaborator for your next passion project.

The possibilities are endless when you surround yourself with like-minded people – just ask the Sasquatch crew!

Check this out - volunteering at STEM summer camps in Eugene is a total game-changer! Not only do you get to inspire the next generation of tech wizards, but you'll also be rubbing shoulders with some seriously cool people.

These camps are all about getting kids stoked on science, tech, engineering, and math, which is like, super important for the future of our city's thriving tech scene.

According to the big brains at the National STEM Education Center, a whopping 75% of kids who attend these camps become way more interested in pursuing STEM careers.

It's like, they catch the STEM fever, and it's up to us to keep that fire burning. By volunteering, you're literally shaping the minds of tomorrow while networking with fellow STEM enthusiasts who share your passion.

When you volunteer at these camps, you get to:

• Connect with teachers, professors, and industry pros who live and breathe STEM
• Stay up-to-date on the latest teaching techniques and cutting-edge tech
• Show off your skills and maybe even land some sweet opportunities down the line

Charles Anderson, a seasoned STEM camp volunteer in Eugene, put it best:

"The connections I've made through volunteering have been wild. Not only do I get to inspire young minds, but I've also built a solid network of pros who are just as passionate about STEM education as I am."

So, if you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, while also expanding your professional circle, hop on board the STEM camp train.

Check out volunteer gigs with local STEM summer camps in Eugene and let's make some serious waves in the tech world!

If you're tryna switch careers and get into tech, Nucamp Coding Bootcamp has your back. Their full-stack web dev program is legit, teaching you all the coding skills you need to slay in today's job market.

But that's not even the best part.

At Nucamp, you get to learn with a squad of cool peeps just like you. Studies show that students who do peer learning perform way better than those stuck in boring lectures.

You'll have your classmates hyping you up and keeping you motivated, so the knowledge really sticks. One student, Linda Martin, said the peer learning was "invaluable" and helped her push through all the challenges.

Once you graduate, you automatically join Nucamp's nationwide alumni network - it's like having a whole crew of mentors and job hookups at your fingertips.

The career services team is on a mission to help you land your dream gig, offering personalized coaching, resume tips, interview prep, and connections to top companies hiring junior devs.

79% of Nucamp's job-seekers scored roles in tech within six months of graduating! That's some serious success rate, my friends. Just ask James Martin, who went from retail to earning $75K as a software engineer after completing Nucamp's bootcamp in Eugene.

Check this out! Oregon's tech scene is on fire, and there are so many dope networking events to hit up. From chill meetups to massive conferences, these things are the perfect way to link up with other techies, expand your mind, and build lasting connections in the industry.

Two events you gotta keep an eye out for are the EUG Startup Coffee Meetup and the TAO Signature Events, where all the big shots and innovators come together to drop some serious knowledge bombs and collab.

To make the most of these events:

1. Do your homework: Get familiar with the agenda, speakers, and who's gonna be there. Figure out who you wanna connect with and come up with some fly conversation starters.
2. Get involved: Attend those workshops, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that interest you. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and get those discussions poppin'.
3. Network like a pro: Introduce yourself with confidence, listen up, and swap those contact deets. Follow up after the event to keep those potential connections alive.

But that's not all.

Here are some more ways to connect with the tech pros across Oregon:

• Engage on social media: Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to engage with industry leaders, stay updated on the latest convos, and find out about upcoming events.
• Join local tech groups: Join local meetup groups and online communities like the Eugene Tech Slack channel, where you can kick it with fellow techies in your area.
• Attend industry-specific events: Check out industry-specific events and workshops hosted by organizations like the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) or the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN).

Oregon's tech scene is blowing up, and seizing these networking opportunities is the key to making dope connections, collabs, and career moves.

Like they say,

"The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity."

So come correct with an open mind, share your knowledge and experiences, and you'll not only expand your network but also contribute to the fire tech community in Oregon.

You know what's really cool? Eugene Women in Tech is all about building a diverse and inclusive tech community here in Eugene.

Their whole thing is empowering women and others to make it big in the tech world. They've got like over 500 members from all sorts of tech fields - we're talking software engineering, data science, design, cybersecurity, you name it.

These guys are doing some really awesome stuff to help people network and grow their careers.

Every month, they've got meetups, workshops, and mentorship programs where experienced pros guide newbies through coding projects, reviews, and all that jazz.

Elizabeth Brown, the President, was like "We're creating a space where women and others can just thrive, learn, and make connections that'll take their careers to the next level."

And the impact they're having is insane! Members have been sharing success stories about landing dream jobs, building confidence, and expanding their networks like crazy.

Like, Thomas Wilson met his mentor through the group and now he's a software engineer at a major tech company. Emily Wilson said the community and workshops have been a total game-changer for her networking and confidence.

It's pretty awesome to see.

Eugene Women in Tech has some epic plans coming up, like quarterly "Tech Talks" with brilliant women leaders in the industry, a "Women in STEM" mentorship program for high school students, and collabs with local universities to promote diversity in tech education.

If you're looking to make it big in Eugene's tech scene, joining this group might just be the move.

In today's world, social media is the go-to place for making connections, especially for young tech pros like us in Eugene. You've got platforms like LinkedIn, where you can network and research careers like a boss.

I mean, 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent, so having a strong profile there is a must. But it's not just about job hunting; you can also connect with the alumni community and explore the career paths of thousands of Ducks who've been in your shoes.

Then there's Twitter, where you can stay up-to-date on industry trends and engage with influencers in real-time.

And let's not forget the EUG Startup Coffee Meetup, a local favorite for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded folks and fuel their startup ambitions.

And if you're looking to get really involved in the Eugene tech scene, the Eugene Tech Slack channel is the place to be. With over 2,500 members, it's a buzzing community where you can discuss the latest trends, share job opportunities, and attend virtual events.

Mastering online networking takes some strategy, though.

Keeping your LinkedIn profile fresh and engaging is key, showcasing your skills and achievements. Participating in Twitter chats and discussions is also a great way to share insights and connect with industry leaders.

And on Slack, joining channels related to your interests can open doors to mentorship, collaborations, and even job opportunities, just like it did for Elizabeth Garcia, who landed her dream job at a startup after connecting with the CTO on LinkedIn.