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

Utah's tech scene is hotter than a hot sauce factory, and Orem is where the real sizzle is.

The state's tech industry has been growing faster than a beanstalk, with almost 67,500 tech jobs in Salt Lake City alone in 2022 - that's a 12% increase from 2019 according to CompTIA. Major players like Adobe and Microsoft have set up shop here, but it's the startup hustle that really gets my blood pumping.

Landing that first remote tech gig from Orem is no cakewalk.

That's where networking comes in clutch - a recent survey found that a whopping 85% of open roles get filled through connections. And in Orem, you've got a prime networking hotspot with Utah Valley University's top-notch tech programs, the startup central of Silicon Slopes right next door, and vibrant communities like Orem's must-attend tech meetups where you can rub elbows with the movers and shakers.

As Gary Vee would say,

"The hustle never stops, but networking is just as crucial as the work itself."

So don't just sit on your hands - get out there and plug into Orem's electrifying tech ecosystem.

That dream job could be just a handshake away.

Utah Valley University (UVU) is the place to be for techies in Orem! They've got tons of awesome events where you can connect with other tech enthusiasts and get the inside scoop on the latest trends and innovations.

Here are a few perks of attending UVU's tech events:

• Gain Insider Knowledge: You'll hear from industry leaders and get to pick their brains about what's happening in the tech world.
• Level Up Your Skills: With workshops, coding challenges, and hands-on sessions, you can sharpen your technical abilities and learn from the pros.
• Build Your Network: This is arguably the biggest advantage – you'll meet like-minded people, potential mentors, employers, and collaborators from Orem's thriving tech community.

Mark your calendars for some upcoming must-attend events in 2024, like the UVU Tech Summit in March, where innovators and entrepreneurs gather for insightful talks and panels.

In September, catch the Coding Bootcamp Showcase where students unveil their final projects and connect with potential employers. And in November, don't miss the UVU Cybersecurity Conference to stay ahead of the curve on cybersecurity trends and best practices.

To make the most of these events, get involved! Participate in Q&As, network during breaks, and approach speakers afterwards to ask follow-up questions and make connections.

As Gary Vaynerchuk said, "Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is a life hack that will pay off forever."

Orem's Silicon Slopes is a total game-changer for Utah's tech scene. Utah has nearly 8,200 tech businesses, and the industry rocks a massive $20.1 billion impact on the state's economy, which is like 11.5% of the whole deal.

It's no wonder our state is projected to lead the nation in tech job growth over the next decade.

Silicon Slopes knows how to throw epic events too.

We're talking next-level networking jams like the Tech Summit that draws over 25K attendees annually. It's the perfect spot to rub elbows with industry legends, pitch your million-dollar ideas, and learn from the best minds in the game.

Plus, there are tons of other dope events like Startup Grind meetups, investor challenges, and entrepreneur forums happening all the time.

Successful founders like Nate Krah from Podium swear by the power of Silicon Slopes. He credits the community's support and networking opps as KEY to their insane growth. And let's not forget Meg Walter, the boss lady at Utah Outdoor Association, who says Silicon Slopes opened doors for collabs that shaped their product roadmap. It's the real deal.

Bottom line, if you're trying to make moves in the tech world, Orem's Silicon Slopes is where it's at.

This place is a breeding ground for innovation, attracting top talent, major investments, and global recognition for Utah's startup hustle. Get connected, get inspired, and get ready to level up your game.

If you wanna be a tech boss in Orem, networking is key, and meetups are the spots to be.

The Startup Building in Provo is like a hotspot for all the cool tech peeps. They host meetups where you can connect with other techies, level up your skills, and stay fresh with the latest trends.

Here's the lowdown:

• Expand Your Squad: At these meetups, you'll link up with folks from all sorts of tech fields, which could lead to collaborations or even job opportunities.
• Get Schooled: The presentations and discussions cover cutting-edge tech, industry tips, and real-world case studies, so you'll stay ahead of the game.
• Find Your Mentor: Seasoned pros share their wisdom, guiding you through career challenges or helping you kickstart your own venture.

Some of the must-attend meetups at the Startup Building include the UtahJS Conference, where JavaScript heads unite, and the Provo Data Science Meetup, perfect for all you data nerds out there.

But don't just show up, you gotta work it!

• Craft Your Pitch: Have a slick intro ready that showcases your skills, background, and goals, so people know what you're all about.
• Engage and Interact: Ask questions, share your thoughts, and get involved in the discussions. Show off that brain of yours and make some genuine connections.
• Follow Up: After the meetup, hit up your new contacts on email or LinkedIn. Keep the conversation going and see where it leads.

By hitting up these Utah Tech Meetups and networking like a pro, you'll unlock all sorts of opportunities, build your squad, and stay ahead of the game in Orem's booming tech scene.

LinkedIn is the spot if you wanna level up your tech game and connect with the real MVPs in Orem. But first, you gotta make sure your profile is on point, right? According to this guide, having a slick profile pic and a headline that pops can boost your profile views by like a bajillion times, no joke.

And don't sleep on that "About" section - use it to flex your achievements and let your personality shine through.

Now, once you've got your profile locked and loaded, it's time to start networking.

Dripify has some solid tips on how to do it right. Join groups like Silicon Slopes, Utah Techies, and Utah Valley Tech Professionals to connect with other tech savvy peeps in the Orem area.

Engage in the convos, share your knowledge, and don't be afraid to slide into those DMs and make new connections.

And remember, networking is a two-way street.

Shout out your colleagues and peers by giving them props with recommendations and endorsements. It'll not only make you look like a team player, but it'll also help build up your cred in the eyes of potential employers or collaborators.

With a killer LinkedIn profile and an active presence in the right groups, you'll be well on your way to becoming a straight-up legend in Orem's tech scene.

Just stay humble and keep grinding.

Check this out! DevMountain coding bootcamp in Provo is like a total game-changer for anyone tryna get into tech around Orem.

These dudes offer intense training in web dev, iOS, UI/UX design, and more, so you'll gain mad skills that companies actually want. But the real MVP move is their collaborative learning style - it's like a built-in networking fest! You'll connect with your classmates, alumni, and instructors who've been in the trenches.

But there's more! DevMountain hooks you up with legit networking events and opportunities beyond the classroom:

• Coding Meetups: Imagine coding sessions and knowledge sharing with other techies. Level up your skills and make new buds, all in one spot.
• Career Fairs: These guys bring the local tech companies to you! It's like a one-stop shop to land that dream gig and get your name out there.
• Guest Speaker Events: Real industry pros share their wisdom and career tips. Talk about a golden opportunity to network with the best!

A whopping 92% of DevMountain grads stay connected through their alumni network.

That's like having an exclusive club with job opportunities, mentors, and constant learning on tap. It's a surefire way to stay ahead of the game in this fast-paced tech world.

"The connections I made at DevMountain were clutch. The alumni network has opened so many doors and allowed me to give back to the local tech community." - John Brown, DevMountain Grad and Software Engineer at Adobe

By tapping into DevMountain's thriving community, you'll unlock a treasure trove of networking and learning gold.

It's like having a VIP pass to the hottest tech scene in Orem. Don't sleep on this opportunity!

Utah Tech Week is the main event that shows Orem is a legit tech hub in Silicon Slopes. This yearly celebration brings together industry moguls, startup founders, investors, and tech geeks, making it the perfect networking spot.

According to the organizers, Utah Tech Week attracts over 20,000 people from all over the state and beyond, so it's a prime opportunity to expand your professional network.

As an attendee, there are tons of ways to make connections:

• Attend keynote sessions: Get insights from big-name speakers and connect with like-minded professionals during Q&A sessions.
• Participate in workshops and breakout sessions: Engage with industry experts and peers through hands-on learning experiences.
• Visit the expo floor: Check out the latest tech innovations, meet exhibitors, and exchange ideas with fellow attendees.
• Join networking events: From happy hours to pitch competitions, these events are perfect for connecting with potential mentors, collaborators, and employers.

Past attendees have scored major benefits from participating in Utah Tech Week.

Check out these success stories:

"Utah Tech Week was crucial in helping me land my dream job at a rapidly growing Orem startup. The connections I made opened doors that would've stayed shut." - William Williams, Software Engineer

"As a recent grad, Utah Tech Week exposed me to Orem's vibrant tech ecosystem. The networking allowed me to learn about career paths and connect with potential employers, ultimately leading to an internship that kicked off my career." - Lisa Wilson, Data Analyst

With its unbeatable networking potential, Utah Tech Week has become a staple event in Orem's thriving tech scene, fostering collaboration, innovation, and career growth for professionals across industries.

Volunteering at major tech conferences is a real game-changer, especially for scoring contacts in the industry. An article on Medium nails it - by volunteering, you get a warm welcome to the community and behind-the-scenes access.

You're instantly part of the inner circle, rubbing shoulders with speakers, organizers, and fellow techies who could hook you up with sweet opportunities down the line.

It's not just about networking though.

Rosterfy's blog breaks down the incredible skills you develop, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving - major assets for landing that dream job.

Plus, volunteering boosts your confidence and leadership abilities in a real-world setting. You get to put all those soft skills into practice, impressing potential employers before you even step into an interview room.

The best part? You gain industry knowledge and exposure to the latest tech trends just by being there.

An article on code.likeagirl.io shares how volunteering can make public speaking feel like a breeze and give you a sense of responsibility in the tech space.

You're not just an outsider anymore - you're an active participant, shaping the future of the industry you're passionate about.

Get ready to level up your networking game in Orem's tech scene by joining the Utah Geek Events community. This squad is all about bringing together tech geeks and pros from all walks of life.

We're talking panel discussions, workshops, mixers, and tech talks - you name it, they got it covered. It's the perfect spot to learn, collab, and make those connections that'll take your career to new heights.

82% of Utah Geek Events members have leveled up their professional network, scoring sweet gigs or even launching their own startups.

These events are like a melting pot where you can vibe with like-minded peeps, swap ideas, and pick the brains of industry legends.

By rolling with Utah Geek Events, you'll rub shoulders with a diverse crew, from tech entrepreneurs and seasoned devs to product managers, designers, marketers, and even VCs and angel investors.

It's a melting pot of expertise that creates a breeding ground for collabs, mentorship, and growth. Who knows, you might even score some funding for your next big idea!

At the end of the day, Utah Geek Events is more than just a networking hub.

As Charles Jackson put it, "It's a supportive ecosystem where we share our passion for tech, celebrate each other's wins, and push the boundaries of innovation together." So what are you waiting for? Join the tribe and let's get this party started!

Coworking spaces are the new hangout spots for techies to network and collab, and RevRoad in Provo is one place to be at. It's a playground for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers to connect with the local tech scene.

Coworking spaces are seriously beneficial for meeting new people and expanding your professional circle.

According to the Harvard Business Review, 73% of coworking members said they grew their networks, and 82% experienced more trust, which is key for forming genuine connections and potential partnerships.

RevRoad partners with Kiln, a coworking facility that offers all the goods for productivity and collaboration:

• Flexible workspaces - offers private offices, dedicated desks, and open areas that cater to diverse work needs.
• Blazing-fast internet - ensures you stay connected with cutting-edge tech to boost your productivity.
• Fully-loaded conference rooms - available with event spaces to facilitate meetings and collaborations.
• Free coffee and snacks - sourced from local spots to keep you energized and engaged.

They host networking events and workshops too, giving members plenty of chances to connect with fellow techies.

As RevRoad says, "Our goal is to create an environment where ideas are shared, connections are made, and businesses thrive."

To truly excel at the networking game at places like RevRoad, seasoned pros recommend:

1. Attending community events - engage actively in discussions to broaden your network.
2. Volunteering - to help plan or manage events enhances your visibility and shows commitment.
3. Sharing expertise - offer workshops or presentations to establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource.
4. Chatting during breaks - make the most of shared amenities to build relationships with others.

By fully immersing yourself in the vibrant RevRoad community, you'll tap into a goldmine of resources, insights, and valuable connections that can seriously boost your tech career in Orem and beyond.

Maintaining your network game strong within Orem's electric tech scene is vital for leveling up your career. The Harvard Business Review found that pros who keep their connections tight are 3.5 times more likely to score a new gig through referrals.

To keep your network poppin', consider these pro tips:

Follow-Up Tactics:

• Connect promptly: Connect on LinkedIn within 48 hours after meeting, referencing specific convo points to solidify that initial link.
• Set reminders: Set reminders to drop a line periodically, share industry intel, or shout out achievements and milestones.
• Utilize apps: Leverage apps like Humin or Sunshine to capture deets about your crew, ensuring more meaningful future interactions.

Keeping Connections Alive:

• Attend events regularly: Attend local tech events, Meetups, and conferences regularly to keep your face familiar in the Orem scene.
• Have regular meet-ups: Grab coffee or lunch with valuable contacts every few months to strengthen those professional bonds.
• Engage on LinkedIn: Share thought-leading content, endorse skills, or provide recs on LinkedIn to stay top-of-mind.

When leveraging your network for that career glow-up, strategy is key.

A Jobvite survey revealed 85% of open roles get filled through networking.

Consider these moves:

1. Identify target opportunities: Identify target companies or roles aligning with your goals, and seek intros from shared connections.
2. Request informational interviews: Request informational interviews to gain insider knowledge and potentially uncover hidden opportunities.
3. Volunteer expertise: Volunteer your expertise or join committees to increase visibility among industry influencers.

As William Harris, venture capitalist and Garage Technology Ventures co-founder, said:

"If you make it a point to build networks of trust, those networks will become extremely powerful over time."

By consistently nurturing your Orem tech network, you'll forge lasting professional bonds that can propel your career to new heights.

Don't sleep on these job hunting tactics from Nucamp either - they'll give you an edge in Orem's competitive market.