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

If you're tryna get in on Lincoln's tech game, you gotta know the vibes first. This city's packing a legit startup ecosystem that'll blow your mind! Major players like CompanyCam and opendorse are killing it here, but there's so much more.

From foodtech and healthtech to agriculture and real estate, Lincoln's startup scene is thriving across industries. And that's insane, right? But it's not just about the companies, it's the whole community vibe.

Events like Startup Week Lincoln bring everyone together, and spaces like Nebraska Innovation Studio foster that creative energy.

With mentors, funding opportunities, and a tight-knit crew, Lincoln's got your back if you want to chase that entrepreneurial dream. Just be sure to hit up those Nucamp-approved tech meetups to start networking and leveling up those skills!

Lincoln's tech scene is lit, and meetups are where it's at for making connections and staying on top of the latest trends. Lincoln AI is a group where you can discuss all things artificial intelligence and machine learning.

From theory to applications, these folks break it down, so you can level up your knowledge.

But that's not all! Tech Nebraska hosts epic events like the Tech Nebraska Summit, where you can network with industry leaders, attend panels, and even hear from keynote speakers from companies like Google.

It's a must-attend for anyone serious about their tech career.

And if you're more into the startup grind, Startup LNK has your back.

They host regular events focused on entrepreneurship, helping you define your product, understand your competition, and connect with potential investors or collaborators.

Whether you're just starting or already killing it, their meetups are a game-changer.

Let's be real, tech is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial.

By plugging into these meetup communities, you're not just expanding your network – you're also tapping into a wealth of knowledge and resources that can take your career to new heights.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start connecting!

If you're trying to break into Lincoln's tech scene, you gotta hit up the local conferences. One that totally slaps is the Agile Lincoln Meetups.

These are all about leveling up your Agile game through some serious collabs. Last year, they had like a gazillion people from all sorts of tech backgrounds show up.

Pretty insane!

But if you want the real deal, mark your calendar for the Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology Class kicking off on 8/9/2024.

This is where you'll get to learn the nitty-gritty of wiring up new construction projects and all that good stuff. Straight from the pros, you know?

And don't sleep on the ISR Systems and Technology Workshop happening in October 2024.

This one's invite-only and might require a security clearance, so it's like super exclusive. But if you can swing it, you'll get the inside scoop on all the latest intel surveillance tech.

Crazy cool, right?

If you're trying to get your foot in the door of Lincoln's tech scene, peep this - the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is where it's at! Their research and development game is straight fire.

You can network and collaborate with some real industry heavy-hitters through their dope initiatives.

One major key is UNL's Office of Research and Economic Development.

They hook you up with connections to private companies and university researchers through programs like the Industry Engagement & Innovation team. You'll get the inside scoop on cutting-edge R&D projects, meet subject matter experts, and maybe even land some dope partnerships.

UNL hosts a ton of student engagement events where you can get your network on.

We're talking hackathons where you can team up and build rad tech solutions, internship programs to gain that hands-on experience at legit tech firms, and capstone projects where seniors tackle real industry challenges.

It's the perfect way to get your name out there and make those crucial connections.

As UNL's Office of Research and Economic Development says, "Over the past five years, UNL has secured more than $1.3 billion in research expenditures, driving innovation and economic development across Nebraska." By tapping into their resources, you'll unlock a world of collaboration, mentorship, and career growth in Lincoln's buzzing tech ecosystem. So get out there and make some moves!

Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) is the place to be if you want to get your tech hustle on in Lincoln. This research park teams up the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and private businesses to create a space for entrepreneurs and techies to network and innovate.

NIC hooks you up with all kinds of opportunities, like:

• The startup incubator program, where you can get mentorship, funding, and workspace to turn your brilliant idea into a legitimate business.
• Networking events like the Innovation Meetup and Startup Grind, perfect for connecting with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
• Shared coworking spaces like the NIC Greenhouse and Sparks Cospace, where you can bounce ideas off other creative minds and make random awesome connections.

According to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, NIC has helped kickstart 32 startups and scored over $34 million in investment cash since it launched.

That's some serious impact!

But NIC isn't just about the startups – it's a melting pot of brilliant people from universities, companies, and even the government.

As Sarah Lopez, an entrepreneur guru at NIC, puts it,

"Nebraska Innovation Campus is a dynamic mashup of ideas, resources, and connections. If you're looking to dive into Lincoln's entrepreneurial scene and build lasting partnerships, this is the place to be."

Alright, let's talk about how getting involved with Startup Lincoln can seriously level up your networking game in the city's tech scene.

This non-profit is all about helping local startups thrive, and they've got a ton of awesome initiatives perfect for ambitious peeps like us.

First up, you gotta check out their events.

We're talking casual meetups, epic conferences – the works. Their annual Startup Week Lincoln is a must-attend, where you can rub elbows with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry legends from all over.

Prime networking territory!

But it gets better. Startup Lincoln hooks you up with mentors – experienced pros who'll share their wisdom and guide you through the startup jungle.

They've also got co-working spaces where you can collaborate with other hustlers, bounce ideas off each other, and maybe even find your next business partner.

And don't even get me started on the resources they provide.

We're talking workshops, pitch competitions, funding opportunities – everything you need to turn your brilliant idea into a booming business. Plus, their online community is poppin', keeping you in the loop and connected with the local startup scene.

Startups like Hudl and Opendorse are proof that Startup Lincoln knows what's up.

By getting involved with their initiatives, you're not just networking – you're immersing yourself in a community of go-getters, mentors, and industry pros who can help you Level Up your career in Lincoln's tech world.

LinkedIn is the spot to be if you wanna connect and level up in Lincoln's crazy tech scene. With hella members worldwide, it's a total gamechanger for building your professional network, especially with all the techies right here in our city.

By using LinkedIn's features right, you can link up with the big players, join dope groups, and stay updated on what's poppin' in the industry.

One of the best ways to make local connections is by joining Lincoln tech groups on LinkedIn.

Check out groups like Lincoln Tech Community (900+ members), Nebraska Technology Professionals Network (1,100+ members), and Lincoln Developers Group (500+ members).

These are the spots where you can chat it up, get advice, and share your knowledge with other tech-savvy folks.

To really crush your networking game, make sure your LinkedIn profile is on point and showcases your skills, experience, and interests in the tech world.

According to the data, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to get opportunities through the platform. Here are some pro tips to consider:

1. Relevant keywords: Use relevant keywords in your profile to show up in search results.
2. Share updates: Share updates, articles, or projects to flex your expertise.
3. Endorse connections: Endorse your connections for their skills and ask them to return the favor.
4. Personalize requests: Personalize connection requests with a quick message about why you wanna link up.

But don't sleep on the power of direct connections either.

James Brown, a software engineer at Hudl, says,

"LinkedIn has been a game-changer for expanding my professional network in Lincoln. I've connected with countless developers, project managers, and tech leaders, leading to invaluable mentorships and career opportunities."

Let me fill you in on the coolest spot to network and get your hustle on in Lincoln's tech scene - Turbine Flats. This place is like a playground for ambitious go-getters and startup superstars.

Originally kicking off in 2008 with just a handful of people, it's now grown into a massive 40,000+ square foot space packed with over 30 companies and enterprises.

But Turbine Flats isn't just about coworking spaces (although they got those too, with flexible plans to fit your needs).

It's a full-blown community that's all about fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. From monthly art shows and annual crawfish boils to weekly maker meetups and martini competitions, there's always something exciting happening to get you mingling with like-minded hustlers.

And if you're looking to take your game to the next level, check out MakeShift - a rad workspace run by the community that brings together makers, tinkerers, and creators from all walks of life.

They've got workshops, tools, and a ton of resources to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. Plus, they just moved into a new space, so it's the perfect time to get involved and be part of something special.

If you're trying to break into Lincoln's tech scene, volunteering at events hosted by local tech companies is the move. This strategy is a great way for gaining exposure and making connections that'll take your career to the next level.

According to a survey by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, over 75% of tech professionals in the area said networking events were crucial for their growth.

Major players like Hudl, Spreetail, and Opendorse are always hosting great events like product launches and hackathons, where you can volunteer and get a front-row seat to their cutting-edge innovations.

You'll rub shoulders with industry leaders, devs, and potential mentors. David White, VP of Human Resources at Opendorse, said, "Volunteering at our events has been a game-changer for many aspiring tech professionals, opening doors to internships and full-time positions."

Volunteering at these tech events in Lincoln has many benefits:

• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and maybe even land a job opportunity.
• Skills Development: Get hands-on experience and exposure to new technologies and industry best practices.
• Community Involvement: Contribute to the local tech ecosystem and feel like you belong.
• Career Advancement: Show off your initiative and commitment, making your professional profile stand out.

Stay up-to-date on upcoming tech events by checking sites like VolunteerMatch and Nebraska's volunteering portal.

Follow local tech leaders and companies on social media too, because they often share volunteer opportunities.

Lincoln's tech scene is popping, and staying connected with the influencers is key to unlocking all the opportunities and insider knowledge. Twitter is where it's at - by following the right people, you'll get a constant feed of industry updates, event announcements, and valuable insights straight from the pros.

Here are some must-follow Lincoln tech influencers on Twitter:

• @nebraskaglobal - This account shares the scoop on Lincoln's top influencer firms like Fourstarzz, so you can stay in the loop on influencer marketing.
• @kversaw1 - Ken Versaw, a lead developer at Twitter, dishes out insights on coding and software development in Lincoln.
• @collabstr - Get the lowdown on the top 31 Twitter influencers in Lincoln from this influencer marketplace.

You'll also want to keep tabs on local tech companies like Hudl, Spreetail, and Opendorse for the inside scoop on job openings and industry trends.

Their social media game is on point.

According to local tech blogger Patricia Martin, "Twitter is an absolute must for staying in the loop on Lincoln's tech community. Curate your feed with the right influencers and companies, and you'll never miss a beat on important events, job postings, or what's happening in the industry."

And don't miss checking out Nucamp's articles on must-attend tech meetups and conferences in Lincoln, switching to a tech job from a non-tech background, and effective job hunting strategies for Lincoln tech pros.

They're providing all the information you need to level up your career.