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

Springfield is quickly becoming a tech hotspot, with a booming industry that just keeps growing! Key players driving this rise include major companies like Jack Henry & Associates (banking software), O'Reilly Auto Parts (managing robust IT systems), and McKesson (software solutions).

But it's not just the big names - the city's startup scene is thriving too, with innovative firms like Vroom Solar (portable solar tech) and APC Solar (renewable energy) shaking things up.

A recent report revealed Missouri's tech industry contributed a massive $38 billion to the state's economy in 2022, with average tech worker earnings nearly double the overall rate! With Springfield seeing 65.9% IT job growth over the past decade, connecting with this vibrant community is essential for seizing career opportunities.

Check out meetup groups like Springfield Tech Council, networking events by TechSpring Springfield, or hands-on workshops with 417 Developer Guild to get plugged into the scene.

Being part of the Springfield Tech Council is a total game-changer for techies looking to level up their networks and get access to some seriously rad resources.

It's like the ultimate squad for tech peeps in Springfield, bringing together startups, big dogs, and indie pros all under one roof.

First thing's first, members get an exclusive pass to a ton of networking events that'll have you making connections left and right:

• Kick it with industry leaders: Monthly Meetups will have you engaging with industry leaders and your fellow techies for expert-led talks and interactive sessions that'll blow your mind.
• Unwind at casual hangouts: Chill Mixers let you unwind in a relaxed setting specifically designed for making valuable connections.
• Level up your skills: Pro Dev Workshops help you stay ahead by offering cutting-edge seminars and hands-on training that'll make you a coding ninja.

But that's not all.

The Springfield Tech Council has got your back with a stacked lineup of resources to help you crush it:

Resource	What's the Deal?
Job Board	Get first dibs on exclusive job postings from the dopest tech companies in the area.
Mentorship Program	Tap into the wisdom of experienced pros for guidance, career advice, and insider industry knowledge.
Tech Showcase	Show off your products and services to a captive audience at the Council's annual tech expo extravaganza.

As David Brown, the Council's fearless leader, puts it,

"Our mission is to build a killer tech ecosystem by bringing peeps together, helping them level up, and sparking some serious innovation."

By rolling with this tight-knit crew, you'll unlock next-level opportunities to take your career to new heights and shape the future of tech in Springfield.

Don't sleep on it.

The eFactory is the ultimate tech hangout in Springfield, MO! This place is straight-up fire for anyone trying to level up their skills or start their own biz.

They've got a dope lineup of events that'll help you network with other tech-savvy peeps and get that hustle going.

First off, they host these workshops covering all kinds of tech topics - coding bootcamps, web dev crash courses, data analytics, cybersecurity, you name it.

It's the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience, pick up new skills, and learn from pro mentors who've been there and done that.

But that's not all! The eFactory also brings in big-name speakers for seminars and panel discussions on the latest industry trends, entrepreneurial strategies, and cutting-edge tech.

These events are a goldmine for gaining insider knowledge, making connections, and getting inspired to take your game to the next level.

And if you're an ambitious entrepreneur with a killer idea, their startup competitions are where it's at! Previous winners like Matthew Miller have scored major seed funding and mentorship opportunities by pitching their innovative concepts to investors and industry experts.

It's a chance to show off your hustle and potentially take your biz to new heights.

Whether you're a coding newbie, a seasoned tech pro, or an entrepreneur with big dreams, The eFactory is the place to be.

This spot has got everything you need to level up your tech game and build that network. Seriously, it's a total game-changer!

Springfield Creatives is the place to be if you're into tech and want to connect with like-minded people in the area. They're Southwest Missouri's largest group of commercial creatives, and they've been hosting some seriously cool events for years.

We're talking over 900 members, 15 sponsors, and 100+ events and counting since 2011.

Their whole mission is to provide a community network for tech professionals, designers, developers, and all kinds of creative folks.

They make sure everyone feels included and motivated to push their careers further in Springfield. You can expect to meet people from all walks of life – designers, illustrators, filmmakers, copywriters, photographers, audio technicians, you name it.

But it's not just about networking.

Springfield Creatives hosts some awesome monthly meetups where you can learn from industry experts, attend panel discussions, and connect with other techies. They also organize hackathons, pitch nights for startups, and community projects like Tech for Good, where you can use your skills to help out local non-profits.

If you're serious about getting involved in the tech scene, becoming a member is the way to go.

With over 1,200 professionals from all kinds of disciplines, you'll have access to exclusive networking opportunities, discounts on events, and the chance to work on some really cool projects.

Plus, you'll be part of a community that's all about pushing the boundaries of innovation and supporting each other's growth.

If you're a tech hustler in Springfield looking for that extra push, the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) is where it's at.

These guys are all about helping startups crush it and create dope jobs for the homies. They've got a stacked lineup of programs tailored to tech startups, like:

• Mentoring Programs: OzSBI hooks you up with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry legends who'll guide you through the grind - from product dev and market validation to raising funds and scaling that operation like a boss.
• Tech Networking Events: As a member, you'll tap into a rad community of innovators at OzSBI's networking events, workshops, and seminars. It's a prime opportunity to make connections and share knowledge, and maybe even link up for a collab.
• Partnerships with Tech Companies: OzSBI has tight relationships with Springfield's top tech companies, giving members exclusive access to industry insights, potential investment opportunities, and talent pipelines to build that dream team.

Peep the success story of OzSBI alumni startup Buddy App, a cutting-edge fitness platform that secured $2.5 million in seed funding after leveraging OzSBI's resources.

As Buddy App co-founder Christopher Davis puts it, "The mentorship and networking opportunities provided by OzSBI were instrumental in our company's growth and ability to attract investor interest."

If you're serious about making moves in Springfield's tech scene, joining the Ozarks Small Business Incubator is a no-brainer.

This place is a central hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, and it's a must-join for anyone trying to level up their startup game.

Springfield's tech scene is on fire, and the meetup groups here are where the real magic happens! Forget boring lectures, these groups are all about hands-on learning, networking, and having a blast while you level up your skills.

The Springfield Devs is like a one-stop shop for everything coding - from mind-blowing tech talks to adrenaline-pumping hackathons where you team up with other code ninjas to build insane projects.

And you can rub shoulders with the tech community's finest at their chill social events at local breweries.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg! If you're all about that mobile app life, Springfield Mobile Development Meetup is where you'll find your tribe.

These folks live and breathe Swift, React Native, and all the coolest frameworks for building killer apps. And let's not forget the Springfield Women In Technology crew, who are smashing barriers and empowering the next generation of tech superstars.

Their events are a total vibe, with workshops, mentorship opportunities, and a community that's got your back, no matter what.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, Springfield's meetup scene has something for everyone.

So join the party and watch your skills (and your network) skyrocket!

In this day and age, having a killer LinkedIn profile is like having a superpower for networking and landing sweet gigs in Springfield's tech scene.

According to the squad at the Springfield Regional Economic Partnership, like 80% of local tech bros and gals are all over LinkedIn, kickin' it professional style.

So, if you wanna level up your LinkedIn game, here's what you gotta do:

• Craft a headline that pops: Don't just slap your job title there. Get creative with relevant keywords that show off your skills and expertise. Something like "Software Whiz | Full-Stack Wizard | JavaScript Junkie" - you get the idea.
• Make your summary sizzle: Use this space to tell your professional story, brag about your achievements, and let peeps know what you're all about. Make it so compelling that local tech hotshots and hiring managers can't resist connecting with you.
• Show off your skills: Don't be shy! Flaunt those technical skills, certs, and areas of expertise. Then, get your connections to endorse you - social proof, baby!
• Engage with local content: Follow and interact with posts from Springfield's tech companies, organizations, and influencers. Stay in the loop about the latest happenings and events.

Now, to really get your network poppin' in Springfield's tech scene, try these tactics:

1. Join the right groups: Get active in groups like "Springfield Developers Network" and "OzSBI Startups". Engage in discussions, and let your presence be known.
2. Attend LinkedIn Live events: Tune in to virtual events hosted by local organizations like The eFactory or Springfield Creatives. Learn from the pros and make new connections.
3. Share valuable content: Establish yourself as a thought leader by sharing industry articles, blog posts, or your own insights that resonate with Springfield's tech crowd.

With these tactics in your arsenal, you'll be well on your way to expanding your professional network, staying up-to-date with local tech happenings, and maybe even landing your next dream gig within Springfield's thriving tech ecosystem.

Hackathons are like these epic coding parties where tech geeks team up and go for 24-48 hours, building mind-blowing prototypes and solutions. It's all about collaborating, innovating, and solving real-world problems in a crazy short timeframe.

Springfield's tech scene is bustling with hackathons that bring together coders, designers, and anyone interested in tech.

One event is the Hack4Good, where participants use their skills to help non-profits level up through tech.

It's a 48-hour coding marathon to create apps and tools that make a real impact. Last year, teams built an app for Good Dads, a local org supporting fathers in need.

Then there's the STC Squared - Springfield Tech Conference, an annual one-day conference packed with industry speakers and vendors.

It's the perfect spot to network, gain knowledge, and stay ahead of the tech curve. Plus, you get to check out the latest innovations and maybe even score some sweet swag.

Hackathons are a fantastic way to grow your skills, connect with fellow techies, and potentially land a job opportunity.

According to HackerEarth, 70% of recruiters see hackathons as the ideal way to spot top talent. So, if you're looking to level up your coding game, make new connections, and maybe even kickstart your career, Springfield's hackathon scene is where it's at.

Let me give you the lowdown on how volunteering in the tech scene around Springfield can level up your game.

It's not just about giving back to the community (though that's dope too), but also about making connections that could help you land your dream gig. Just check this out – the peeps at CertMag say volunteering your tech skills can be a total game-changer for your career.

• Tech Foundry: One spot you gotta check out is Tech Foundry, a nonprofit that trains folks in coding and IT. They're always looking for tech gurus to volunteer as instructors, teaching everything from Python to SQL. Not only will you get to share your knowledge, but you'll also meet a ton of people who could hook you up with job leads or become part of your network.
• 417 Developer Guild: Another solid opportunity is the 417 Developer Guild. These guys host community-led workshops where you can brush up on your skills while meeting other devs in the area. Plus, you might even find a mentor or someone to collaborate on a dope side project.
• Events and Meetups: And let's not forget about the events like TechSpring Springfield's networking meetups or the annual Springfield Developers' Summit. Volunteering at these shindigs is a surefire way to connect with industry heavyweights, potential employers, and fellow tech enthusiasts. It's like a cheat code for expanding your network and staying in the loop about job openings or new projects.

At the end of the day, volunteering in the tech scene isn't just about giving back – it's about investing in your future self. So why not kill two birds with one stone? Do some good while also opening doors for your career. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Missouri State University is the place to be for anyone trying to get into the tech scene in Springfield. They've got a ton of dope workshops lined up for 2024 to help you level up your skills and meet cool people.

Check out their event calendar - it's packed with specialized sessions on cybersecurity, web dev, data analytics, and more.

You'll be learning from industry pros and networking with others who are just as passionate about tech as you are.

But it's not just about the workshops.

MSU hosts a bunch of sick networking events all year round. The "Innovation Expo" is the big one - students, professors, and tech leaders come together to show off their latest projects and collaborate.

There are also smaller meetups like the Data Science one or the Women in Tech Summit if you want to connect with others in your niche.

If you're looking to expand your knowledge, MSU has forums and lecture series on point.

The "Tech Talks" bring in industry experts to drop knowledge on emerging trends and game-changing technologies.

And the Entrepreneurship Speaker Series lets you hear from seasoned entrepreneurs about their journeys - super valuable if you want to start your own tech venture.

Be sure to keep an eye out for events like the Cybersecurity Symposium in September 2023 or the AI and Machine Learning Bootcamp in January 2024.

Getting involved in MSU's tech community is crucial if you want to grow professionally, gain new knowledge, and build your network.

As that legend Grace Hopper said,

"The most dangerous phrase in the language is, 'We've always done it this way.'"

Embrace the innovative spirit at MSU and make connections that could take your tech career to the next level.

Don't sleep on it - check out Nucamp's coding bootcamp too if you really want to skill up.