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

The Memphis Technology Foundation is where it's at if you want to level up your network and score some sweet gigs in the local tech scene.

These folks are all about raising the tech tide in Memphis, and they've got a ton of rad events to help you get connected with fellow code warriors.

Every month, they host these meetups where you can network with devs, designers, and tech pros while learning about the hottest trends and collabos.

But that's not all - they've also got this dope Code Co-Op Memphis where you can flex your coding skills or get some hands-on mentorship if you're just starting out.

And let's not forget about their free coding bootcamps, like the ones offered by innovative spots like LaunchCode - those are seriously clutch for building your tech superpowers from scratch.

With the Memphis Tech crew in your corner, you'll be networked to the max and primed to snag those prime job openings. The opportunities here are endless if you're ready to hustle.

If you wanna level up in the Memphis tech game, CodeCrew is where it's at. These guys are all about hooking you up with the coding skills to crush it in the digital world.

By joining their crew, you're instantly part of a sick network of techies who share your passion for all things code.

CodeCrew has already trained over 800 students, and a whopping 80% of their graduates land sweet jobs after completing the program.

That's straight fire! With their coding bootcamps and workshops, you'll gain those in-demand tech skills that employers go crazy for. But it's not just about the knowledge - you'll also get mentored by legit industry pros who'll guide you every step of the way.

Plus, they embrace diversity like no other, so no matter where you're from, you'll fit right in.

Now, here's where it gets even better. CodeCrew hosts some epic events that you won't want to miss:

• Demo Nights - Show up and witness the brilliance of CodeCrew students as they showcase their coding projects. It's the perfect opportunity to network with potential employers and mentors who could hook you up with your next big break.
• Volunteer Instructors - Share your knowledge by volunteering as an instructor. You'll be guiding the next generation of coders while building your own skills and connections.
• Hackathons - These high-energy coding marathons let you team up with fellow techies, put your skills to the test, and maybe even turn your wildest ideas into reality.

When you're part of the CodeCrew squad, you've got a whole group of tech enthusiasts backing you up and helping you level up in the Memphis scene.

Get involved in their events, volunteer, and watch your network (and skills) grow like crazy.

You gotta get on that TechCamp Memphis grind! It's like the ultimate meet-up for all the tech heads in this city. Last year's event was insane, with hands-on cybersecurity games, IoT programming sessions, and coding workshops that'll blow your mind.

They even had a whole segment dedicated to hacking ethical AF, which was pretty dope if you ask me. This year, they're taking it to the next level with autonomous car projects focused on real cybersecurity attack scenarios.

We're talking password cracking, buffer overflows, and man-in-the-middle attacks – the full package!

But TechCamp isn't just about the technical side of things.

It's also a prime spot to connect with like-minded peeps and expand your network. According to the TechCamp website, these events are all about creating connections, sparking innovation, and empowering the community to tackle global challenges through technology.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with experts from all sorts of fields, from investigative journalism to peace promotion and good governance. You never know who you might meet or what kind of mind-blowing collab you could end up being part of.

And if you're looking to level up your skills, check out the Teen Tech Camp too.

It's a week-long program that'll get you pumped about tech careers and emerging technologies. You'll learn how to code apps for phones and tablets, and even get a behind-the-scenes look at how tech powers everything from manufacturing to warehousing and delivery.

This stuff is straight fire, and it's the perfect way to get your foot in the door of the Memphis tech scene.

If you're trying to get your startup game on, EPIcenter Memphis is where it's at. This place is like the mothership for all the hustlers and go-getters in the city.

They've helped over 1,200 startups raise a whopping $338 million in capital since they started doing their thing.

That's some serious cheddar!

One of the coolest things they got going on is the Startup Lineup, a series of events that'll help you network like a boss.

• 1 Million Cups where founders pitch their ideas and get feedback from the squad.
• Startup Grind, where you can kick it with successful entrepreneurs and pick their brains.
• Don't forget the Startup Pitch Competition where you can show off your hustle and maybe even score some funding.

But it doesn't stop there.

EPIcenter's got your back with a ton of other dope programs and resources.

• The Startup Accelerator, a 14-week crash course that helps you level up your business game.
• The Co.Starters program, where you can test-drive your ideas and see if they've got legs.
• If you're thirsty for knowledge, they've got the Memphis Entrepreneurship Academy to school you on the biz essentials.

If you're trying to make moves in the startup scene, EPIcenter Memphis is the spot to be.

They're all about creating an environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and bring their innovative ideas to life. So, get out there, connect with the community, and let EPIcenter help you turn your dreams into reality.

The 901 Developers community is the place to be for Memphis tech peeps! These have been killin' it since 2014, helping coders and nerds connect, collab, and level up their skills.

With over 1,500 members, they host some seriously cool events all year round:

• The central idea of this point is learning and engagement. Monthly Meetups: Get your learn on with expert speakers, live coding demos, and talks about the latest tech trends. It's like a buffet for your brain!
• The central theme here is testing skills collaboratively. Hackathons: Twice a year, it's time to put your coding skills to the test. Team up and develop mind-blowing solutions under pressure. Teamwork makes the dream work!
• This point focuses on sharing experiences. Tech Talks: Chill sessions where members share their stories, projects, and insights. Like a cozy fireside chat, but with more 1s and 0s.
• The key takeaway is hands-on practice. Workshops: Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with programming languages, frameworks, and tools. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, they've got you covered.

But here's the real deal – 901 Developers is the ultimate networking goldmine.

Just ask Richard Harris from XYZ Corp, who says, "These events have been for meeting awesome people and making connections that have taken my career to new heights." Rub elbows with industry pros, potential mentors, and maybe even your next boss!

To make the most of it, here are some pro tips:

1. The core advice is active participation. Show up and get involved! Attend events regularly and don't be shy – speak up and participate.
2. The main goal is networking. Work that room! Introduce yourself, talk about your interests and skills, and get to know fellow coders.
3. The focus here is knowledge sharing. Share the wealth! Volunteer to present or lead a workshop and share your expertise.
4. This tip emphasizes staying informed. Stay in the loop! Follow 901 Developers on Twitter for the latest updates and event deets.

If you're a girl trying to make it big in the Memphis tech scene, you gotta check out the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Memphis.

These ladies are all about lifting up women in STEM and giving them the tools they need to slay. In 2024, SWE Memphis has some seriously cool stuff planned to help you level up your career game:

• Mentorship Program: Get matched with a mentor who's been there, done that. They'll be your guide, dropping knowledge bombs and showing you the ropes.
• STEM Outreach: Help inspire the next generation of girl bosses by teaching coding camps and workshops for local schools. Pay it forward, ya know?
• Professional Development Workshops: Level up your skills with workshops on the latest tech trends like blockchain, AI/ML, public speaking, and leadership. Knowledge is power.

By getting involved with SWE Memphis, you'll gain mad skills and connect with some seriously ambitious ladies.

Here's a sneak peek at the events they've got lined up for 2024:

Event	Date	Description
Women in Tech Summit	March 18, 2024	A full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking with other boss babes.
Blockchain Bootcamp	June 10-12, 2024	A three-day intensive crash course on blockchain tech and how to use it like a pro.
SWE Memphis Annual Gala	October 25, 2024	A fancy night to celebrate the achievements of women in STEM and make some killer connections.

As Melinda Gates said, "We need a workforce that's diverse, inclusive, and represents the customers it serves." By getting involved with SWE Memphis, you'll be part of the solution and gain invaluable insights, support, and inspiration from a squad of driven, passionate women in tech.

Alright, let's talk about HackMemphis, the epic annual hackathon that brings the Memphis tech scene together.

This 24-hour coding marathon is where the city's developers, designers, and techies converge to network, collaborate, and crank out some seriously innovative projects.

It's a prime chance to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional circle.

But HackMemphis isn't just about coding all night (though that's a huge part of it).

It's a hub for learning, with workshops and talks led by industry pros diving into the latest tech trends. You can level up your skills and gain insights that'll make you stand out in the job market.

Plus, teaming up on projects allows you to build dope solutions while bonding with potential future colleagues or collaborators.

The connections you forge at HackMemphis could be game-changers.

According to Major League Hacking, a whopping 79% of hackathon attendees landed new career prospects, and 84% made valuable networking contacts.

With a diverse crowd of talent, from seasoned vets to up-and-comers, you're bound to meet people who can elevate your journey in tech.

To maximize your HackMemphis experience, come prepared with an on-point elevator pitch highlighting your skills and interests.

Attend those workshops and presentations to stay ahead of the curve. During breaks, work the room and swap contact info with fellow participants. And don't ghost everyone after the event – follow up and nurture those new connections.

As David Williams, co-founder of HackMemphis, puts it, "Hackathons are a unique opportunity to meet incredible people, learn new skills, and build something amazing in a short amount of time."

If you wanna make moves in the Memphis tech scene, you gotta get your LinkedIn game on point. With over 830 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking and finding sweet opportunities right here in the 901.

Forget those lame generic profiles – it's time to get creative and let your personality shine through!

First things first, optimize that profile like a boss.

Slap on a killer headshot, craft a summary that screams "hire me," and showcase your mad skills with a detailed work history. Next up, join local groups like "Memphis Technology Professionals" and get active – share your insights, engage in discussions, and connect with fellow tech enthusiasts.

But don't sleep on those alumni networks either! If you went to a local university or coding bootcamp like Nucamp, tap into those connections – they could be your ticket to scoring a dope job or meeting industry bigwigs.

And while you're at it, check out local social media groups like "Memphis Technology Meetup" on Meetup.com and "Memphis Code Crew" on Facebook. Stay in the loop on upcoming events, share your knowledge, and make some new friends who share your passion for all things tech.

But don't just stop at LinkedIn and social media – take it to the next level by starting a blog or contributing to tech publications.

Show off your expertise and become a thought leader in the Memphis tech community. And don't forget to attend those virtual or in-person events – it's all about putting yourself out there and making connections! Remember, your network is your lifeline in this fast-paced tech world, so make sure you're building a strong online presence and seizing every opportunity to grow it.

Collaboration is key in the tech world, and Tech901 gets it. As a non-profit providing affordable IT career training in Memphis, they offer a wide range of courses like IT Hardware, Web Programming, and Data Analytics to help people level up their skills.

But Tech901 isn't just about learning - it's a community that encourages networking and sharing knowledge.

Their coworking space is open 24/7, creating an awesome environment for meeting new people, getting inspired, and maybe even launching your own startup.

And if you want to give back while gaining real-world experience, check out their volunteer opportunities. You could mentor students, help organize cool tech events, or contribute to open-source projects.

Upcoming classes are listed on their site, so you can easily get involved.

Tech901 understands that the true power of technology lies in collaboration.

By connecting passionate individuals, fostering knowledge exchange, and providing practical training, they're shaping the future of Memphis' tech scene. As Steve Jobs said,

"Innovation has nothing to do with money. It's about the people you have, how you lead, and how much you get it."

And Tech901 gets it.

Wanna get plugged into the tech scene in Memphis? One of the best ways is by joining local tech user groups. These crews are all about bringing together peeps who share the same interests and ambitions.

One group you should definitely check out is the Memphis Python User Group.

With like, over 500 active members, this Python crew is where it's at.

Their monthly meetups are the perfect opportunity to level up your Python game while connecting with some seriously cool people. According to a recent survey, a whopping 82% of members landed new job opportunities through the group's networking events.

Talk about a win-win situation!

Here are some tips to make the most out of these user groups:

1. Be Proactive: Don't be a wallflower at the meetups. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and get involved in the discussions. It's a great way to get noticed and show off your skills.
2. Share Your Expertise: Feeling confident about a particular topic? Volunteer to give a presentation! Not only will it solidify your knowledge, but it'll also make you look like a total boss.
3. Engage Socially: Attend the social events and hackathons. These chill vibes are perfect for making connections and maybe even finding a new coding buddy.
4. Contribute Online: Contribute to the group's online forums or repositories. It shows you're committed and could lead to some pretty sweet mentorship opportunities or even job offers.

As John Gonzalez, a long-time member of Memphis Python User Group, put it:

"Being part of a tech user group isn't just about learning; it's about building a support system and expanding your professional network. The connections you make here can open doors you never imagined."

So, if you're looking to level up your career and become part of the Memphis tech community, joining user groups like Memphis Python User Group is definitely the way to go.

It's a chance to grow your skills, make some dope connections, and maybe even land your dream job. Check out these job hunting strategies from Nucamp for more tips!