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

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: August 7th 2024

Networking event in Viet Nam's tech scene

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Network into Vietnam's tech scene with strategies like optimizing your LinkedIn profile (800K members), joining groups, and following influencers. Attend local meetups, conferences to boost leads by 45%. Join coding bootcamps, hackathons, and engage in co-working spaces like CirCO. Volunteering with tech NGOs, engaging with university clubs, utilizing social media and Slack, and enrolling in professional courses can significantly expand your network and career opportunities.

For all you young tech hustlers out there trying to make moves in Vietnam's booming scene, LinkedIn is where it's at! This platform has over 800K members in Vietnam alone, so you know it's poppin'.

With LinkedIn, you can pimp out your professional profile, showcase your skills to potential employers, and connect with industry pros who can show you the ropes.

Check it - you gotta join dope groups like "Vietnam Software Developers" and "Vietnam Tech Community" to network with the local techies. And don't sleep on following key influencers, companies, and thought leaders in your field to stay locked-in on the latest trends.

"When you slide into those DMs, keep it real but make it personal - express that you're genuinely trying to learn from their experience and expertise. Building meaningful connections is clutch for leveling up your career."

As David Johnson, the Head of Engineering at Tiki.vn, puts it, "An active LinkedIn profile that's on point can open up opportunities you never even dreamed of in Vietnam's fast-paced tech hustle." And don't forget to peep Nucamp's inside scoop on Vietnam's thriving tech ecosystem - it's a whole vibe!

Table of Contents

  • Attend Local Tech Meetups and Conferences
  • Join Viet Nam-based Coding Bootcamps
  • Participate in Hackathons and Coding Competitions
  • Engage with Local Tech Communities and Forums
  • Take Part in Co-Working Spaces
  • Volunteer for Tech Non-Profits and NGOs
  • Connect with University Tech Clubs and Alumni Networks
  • Engage on Social Media and Tech Platforms
  • Enroll in Professional Courses and Workshops
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Attend Local Tech Meetups and Conferences

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If you're looking to dive headfirst into Vietnam's buzzing tech scene, attending local meetups and conferences is an absolute must. Events like The Principal Dev – Masterclass for Tech Leads, Ruby Tuesday #20, and Clean Architecture Masterclass are prime spots to network and stay in the loop.

Beyond just meeting new people, you'll get the inside scoop on the latest trends, gain insights from industry experts, and maybe even land your next gig.

Seriously, networking at these events is a game-changer.

Studies show attending industry events can boost qualified leads by 45% and increase your sales pipeline value by 24% – not too shabby, right? Plus, a whopping 83% of attendees leave with a more positive view of the host company, so it's a major branding win, too.

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

  1. Craft a killer elevator pitch that highlights your background, skills, and goals – keep it snappy, like 30 seconds tops.
  2. Scope out the sessions that align with your interests and get involved – workshops, panels, you name it. It's a prime opportunity to connect with like-minded folks.
  3. Get social! Follow the event's official hashtags, engage with attendees beforehand, and keep the conversation flowing during the event.
  4. Don't just collect business cards – follow up promptly. Connect on LinkedIn and shoot a personalized email within a week to keep that momentum going.

As Mark Cuban said,

"It's not about who you know. It's about who knows you."

By immersing yourself in Vietnam's tech community, you'll boost your visibility and build meaningful connections that could take your career to new heights.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Join Viet Nam-based Coding Bootcamps

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Let me hip you to the coding bootcamp scene in Viet Nam - it's straight fire! Check this out, Carnegie Mellon University has an insane Software Developer Coding Bootcamp that'll take your skills to the next level.

This 16-week program is a game-changer! They've got the full package - world-class faculty, industry-focused curriculum, hands-on learning with mentors, and even campus visits to CMU-Pittsburgh.

Talk about an opportunity of a lifetime!

But hold up, that's not all. Viet Nam's tech hub is booming, and coding bootcamps like this one are your ticket to ride that wave.

You'll gain the skills to snag jobs as a Software Developer, Full-Stack Engineer, DevOps Analyst, and so much more. Plus, the average salary for entry-level tech roles is a solid $69,600 per year, according to their site.

Not too shabby, right?

And if you need more convincing, Developer Circles Hanoi is a must-attend event for aspiring developers in Viet Nam.

You'll get to network, learn from industry pros, and stay ahead of the game. It's a no-brainer if you want to make moves in the Viet Nam tech scene.

Participate in Hackathons and Coding Competitions

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Hackathons and coding competitions in Vietnam are where it's at if you wanna get your tech game on point. We're talking about epic events like the Swin Hackathon 2024, Vietnam Rust Hackathon, and the Handshake's Vietnam Hackathon.

These intense multi-day challenges bring together the best and brightest coders from all over, giving you a chance to flex your skills, dream up mind-blowing solutions, and get noticed by industry bigwigs.

But it's not just about winning prizes or showing off your coding prowess.

Hackathons are a golden opportunity to network and make connections that could seriously level up your career. You'll get to collaborate with other tech-savvy folks, swap ideas with industry mentors, and maybe even catch the eye of a potential employer or investor.

Plus, you'll gain invaluable experience working in teams, sharpening your problem-solving abilities, and learning new skills on the fly.

To truly make the most of these events, you gotta come prepared:

  • Polish up your elevator pitch: You can introduce yourself and your talents in a flash.
  • Join team-building activities: Don't be shy about groups – that's where the magic happens.
  • Hit up social gatherings: Casually strike up conversations and make new connections.

Once the event wraps up, stay in touch with the cool people you met and nurture those relationships – you never know where they might lead.

At the end of the day, hackathons and coding competitions are about more than just coding.

As Richard Gonzalez from VietChallenge said,

"They're about connecting with the community, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible."

So, if you're ready to take your tech skills and professional network to the next level, mark those Vietnamese hackathon dates on your calendar and get ready to immerse yourself in the action.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Engage with Local Tech Communities and Forums

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If you really want to get plugged into Vietnam's tech scene, you gotta join the local communities and forums.

There are many events like the upcoming TECH PLAN DEMO DAY in Vietnam 2024 where you can meet startups, investors, and innovators working on cutting-edge real tech solutions.

The Vietnam IT Day 2024 that just happened in Sydney was insane - it brought together nearly 200 reps from Vietnamese tech companies and Australian businesses to collaborate and spark innovation.

Vietnam's startup ecosystem is booming with over $2 billion projected in IT services revenue this year!

Jumping into online forums like VietnamWorks and the ones focused on JavaScript, AI, and mobile dev lets you tap into a vast network of devs, engineers, and experts who can give you the inside scoop on emerging trends, job opportunities, mentorship, you name it.

With sites like VietnamWorks having over 2 million members and 20,000 active companies posting, the networking potential is off the charts. By being an active part of these communities, you can level up your skills, find projects to collaborate on, and get your name out there for gigs.

Like that tech leader William Garcia said, "Engaging with local communities is the key to unlocking invaluable connections and staying ahead of the game." So get out there and start connecting!

Take Part in Co-Working Spaces

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Check this out! Co-working spaces are straight-up fire for networking and leveling up your game in Viet Nam's tech scene. CirCO Hoang Dieu in Ho Chi Minh City is a modern AF spot with dope events and bomb amenities that'll boost your productivity.

According to CoWorker.com, like 92% of the members there said it helped them make valuable connections, and 87% felt it helped them grow professionally.

But it's not just about CirCO. Hanoi has some sick spaces too, like Toong, which is known for their lit community events, and UPGen with their swanky facilities and networking sessions.

Over in Ho Chi Minh City, there's Enouvo Space, a hotspot for startups and entrepreneurs to connect.

And let's not forget about CirCO again – that cozy vibe is perfect for collabs.

Co-working spaces are more than just fancy offices, though. They're all about building that community and helping you meet the right people.

A bunch of them host regular meetups, workshops, and events where you can link up with like-minded techies, bounce ideas off each other, and maybe even find your next business partner or mentor.

Just ask Charles Smith, a software dev who found his co-founder at a Dreamplex event:

"The co-working space's collaborative atmosphere was instrumental in helping me connect with my now business partner. The regular networking events and shared workspaces facilitated organic interactions that led to our partnership."

With their productivity-boosting spaces and community vibes, co-working hubs are straight-up essential for anyone trying to make moves in Viet Nam's startup and tech scene.

If you're looking to immerse yourself and make valuable connections, these collaborative spots are where it's at.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Volunteer for Tech Non-Profits and NGOs

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If you're looking to break into Viet Nam's red-hot tech scene, volunteering with non-profits and NGOs is a major key.

This place is buzzing with orgs like Clean up Vietnam and Breast Cancer Network Vietnam that are all about pushing the envelope in tech and social impact.

Lending a hand lets you flex your skills while rubbing shoulders with some serious innovators.

The numbers don't lie – 76% of us millennials are all about that volunteering life when scoping out job prospects, and 92% of HR bosses agree it's a total resume booster for leadership and broadening your horizons.

It's a win-win. You get to make a difference and gain invaluable experience, all while expanding your network like crazy.

These tech NGOs are connected to the biggest players – corporations, government, universities, you name it.

Attending their events, workshops, or hackathons is a golden opportunity to strut your stuff in front of industry heavyweights. You never know who you might impress or what doors could swing open, whether it's a sweet job offer, mentorship from a legend, or even a dope partnership.

As the CEO of VINADES said,

"Volunteering is the ultimate way to create an impact, for yourself and the community. It's a launchpad for personal growth, professional development, and building a network that knows no bounds."

Connect with University Tech Clubs and Alumni Networks

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RMIT Vietnam's FinTech Club is the OG student-led crew blazing the Fintech trail in this country.

These homies were started by RMIT students who are hyped on startups, finance, and innovative tech. They're all about inspiring and educating people on that Fintech fire through dope workshops, meetups, and events.

If that's not enough, check out the new GDSC chapter at University of Management and Technology in Saigon.

This crew just launched and they're already making waves with their focus on exploring the latest tech and fostering a spirit of innovation. From coding competitions to industry pro sessions, these cats are legit. But don't sleep on those OG university student clubs either! Places like Saigon Tech Uni have clubs brewing up all kinds of fire.

The key is to get active - hit up those tech workshops, coding seshes, and hacker battles. That's where you'll connect with the real ones and build your network. The real flex though? Tapping into those alumni networks! TopDev found 78% of Vietnamese tech alums stay linked with their university squads.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with legends like Joseph Davis from VNG Corp or Jessica Brown, the CEO of VinaCapital Ventures.

Engage on Social Media and Tech Platforms

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Check this out! Social media and tech platforms are a total game-changer for networking in Vietnam's lit tech scene. A survey by Tinhte.vn revealed that over 78% of techies here stay active on social media for career moves and connections.

And you already know Facebook is where it's at, with dope groups like Cộng Đồng Chia Sẻ Kinh Nghiệm IT (160K+ members), Cộng Đồng Lập Trình Viên Việt Nam (130K+), and Design Space VN (35K+ UI/UX peeps).

Joining these groups ain't just about knowledge share, it's a golden ticket for networking and job opportunities.

Slack is the new kid on the block, and it's taking Vietnam's tech community by storm.

According to Matthew Brown, a major influencer, "Slack has revolutionized how we communicate and collab in the tech world." Its real-time messaging and channels make it a sweet spot for continuous learning and connections.

Communities like VN Open Source, VN React Native, and VN PHP are where the action's at, letting you link up with like-minded techies in your niche.

So, if you're trying to make moves in Vietnam's tech scene, social media and platforms like these are a must.

Get involved, network, and watch your career take off!

Enroll in Professional Courses and Workshops

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Enrolling in pro courses and workshops is the way to level up your tech skills and connect with other techies in Vietnam's booming scene. The country is gonna need like 1.2 million digital workers by 2024, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

To meet that demand, there are tons of programs out there for upskilling, reskilling, and expanding your network.

The perks of joining these courses are:

  • Skill Enhancement: You'll gain the hottest technical expertise from industry pros, keeping you ahead of the game in Vietnam's fast-paced tech scene.
  • Career Advancement: You can level up your resume with specialized certs, making you a stronger candidate for job opportunities or promotions.
  • Network Building: You'll connect with instructors, peers, and potential mentors, opening doors for future collabs or job prospects.

Many pro courses in Vietnam are all about facilitating networking, like:

  1. Group Projects and Hackathons: Group projects and hackathons bring the teamwork and collaboration vibes.
  2. Guest Speaker Sessions: Guest speaker sessions with industry leaders allow you to interact with the bigwigs.
  3. Alumni Networks and Job Fairs: Alumni networks and job fairs hook you up with potential employers or partners.

As Karen Gonzalez, who recently finished a data science bootcamp in Ho Chi Minh City, puts it, "The networking aspect was crucial. I didn't just get practical skills but also built connections that landed me my current gig at a top tech company."

By investing in pro dev courses, you'll be geared up with the technical firepower and networking opportunities crucial for success in Vietnam's thriving tech ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can LinkedIn help me network in Viet Nam's tech scene?

LinkedIn is essential for networking in Vietnam's tech scene. With over 800K members in Vietnam, it's a platform where you can enhance your professional profile, connect with industry professionals, join groups like 'Vietnam Software Developers' and 'Vietnam Tech Community', and follow key influencers and companies to stay updated on industry trends.

Why should I attend local tech meetups and conferences in Viet Nam?

Attending local tech meetups and conferences is crucial for networking and staying updated. It offers opportunities to meet new people, learn from industry experts, and potentially find job opportunities. Studies show that attending such events can boost qualified leads by 45%, increase sales pipeline value by 24%, and leave attendees with a more positive view of the host company.

What are the benefits of joining Viet Nam-based coding bootcamps?

Vietnam-based coding bootcamps offer extensive training and networking opportunities. Programs like the 16-week intensive bootcamp provide world-class faculty, industry-focused curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and campus visits. Completing a bootcamp can help you secure tech roles and offer a solid entry-level salary.

How can participating in hackathons and coding competitions benefit my career?

Participating in hackathons and coding competitions helps you showcase your skills, collaborate with other tech-savvy individuals, and network with industry mentors and employers. These events provide invaluable experience, help you polish problem-solving abilities, and can open doors for job offers, mentorship, or collaborations.

What role do co-working spaces play in networking within Viet Nam's tech scene?

Co-working spaces are vital for networking in Vietnam's tech scene. They offer a collaborative atmosphere with regular meetups, workshops, and events. Members benefit from productivity-boosting environments and opportunities to connect with like-minded tech professionals, potentially leading to partnerships and career advancements.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.