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

If you're like me and want to plug into Wichita's crazy tech scene, you gotta check out the events at MakeICT. This makerspace is where it's at, with all sorts of dope workshops and meetups for techies like us.

Just take a look at their upcoming schedule for August 2024:

• Router Deep Dive on August 24th - get your woodworking game strong with routers.
• Laser Cutting Basics on September 3rd and 22nd - learn to cut stuff with lasers, how sick is that?
• Inkscape Spooky Houses on October 15th - design spooky vector art just in time for Halloween.
• Extra Class Amateur Radio License Course in October - upgrade your radio skills.

Hitting up MakeICT events is the move if you want to grow your network and meet other techies who could be mentors or even future coworkers.

Just ask my buddy Patricia Taylor, she's always there and says "the community at MakeICT is super welcoming and has helped her level up her career." Seriously, get yourself to MakeICT and start building those connections.

devICT is where it's at if you're looking to level up your tech game in Wichita! These meetups are the real deal, bringin' together a crew of code slingers who are always down to share their knowledge and connect with fellow dev heads.

Check out their upcoming events, they're straight fire! Game Dev Workshop on September 7th is gonna be lit, where you can learn the ropes of game development using Unity and other dope engines.

And if you're more of an early bird, hit up Code & Coffee on September 12th, grab a cup of joe and kick start your day with some coding shenanigans.

But devICT isn't just about learning, it's also a prime spot to mingle with the movers and shakers of Wichita's tech scene.

You never know who you might run into at these shindigs, could be your next mentor, potential employer, or maybe even a co-founder for your startup dreams.

The vibe is chill, everyone's down to earth, and you're bound to make some solid connections while geeking out over the latest coding trends and tech innovations.

So if you're tryna stay ahead of the game and become a coding champion, devICT is where you need to be.

Their meetups are the perfect blend of knowledge-dropping and networking, all in a laid-back atmosphere that'll make you feel right at home. Once you experience the devICT magic, you'll be hooked and never miss another event.

Ladies, let's chat about Women Who Code - it's the place to be if you're a girl in tech! These ladies have been hustling since 2011, empowering diverse women to crush it in their tech careers.

And the stats don't lie - over 360,000 members worldwide across 145 countries. Talk about girl power!

But it gets better - just last week, they dropped some heartbreaking news.

After over a decade of creating that sisterly bond in tech, Women Who Code is shutting down in April 2024.

It's a total bummer. They've hosted a crazy amount of events - 20,000+ free workshops, conferences like CONNECT and WE RISE, even hackathons! Sadly, all their upcoming events are cancelled too.

The Wichita chapter is keeping that vibe alive! Wichita Women for Good is where it's at now.

These Queens come together every quarter to network, donate to local nonprofits, and lift each other up. With 163 members raising almost $40K so far, they're making major moves for the community.

The bottom line? Tech is tough, but having a crew of badass women in your corner makes all the difference.

Whether it's Women Who Code or Wichita Women for Good, surround yourself with people who celebrate your hustle. That's how you level up and conquer the tech world!

In our digital age, virtual networking has become an invaluable tool, and LinkedIn groups offer a dynamic platform to connect with like-minded professionals in Wichita's thriving tech scene.

One standout group is Wichita Area Tech Pros, boasting over 2,500 members as of August 2024. By joining this vibrant community, you gain access to a wealth of opportunities to engage in discussions, share insights, and forge meaningful connections.

A recent survey by the Wichita Tech Council revealed that 68% of tech professionals in the region credit their career growth to networking through platforms like LinkedIn.

Wichita Area Tech Pros facilitates this by hosting regular virtual events and engaging in discussions on cutting-edge technologies, industry trends, and career development.

Here are some key benefits of leveraging this group:

• Stay updated on the latest job openings and career opportunities shared by group members.
• Gain insights from seasoned professionals through Q&A sessions and expert-led webinars.
• Showcase your expertise by contributing to discussions and sharing valuable content.
• Expand your network by connecting with fellow members and potential mentors.

To maximize your networking efforts on LinkedIn, consider these best practices:

1. Optimize your profile with relevant keywords, a professional headshot, and a compelling summary.
2. Engage actively by commenting on posts, sharing industry insights, and interacting with connections.
3. Leverage the group's messaging feature to initiate one-on-one conversations and seek advice.
4. Attend virtual events hosted by the group to network in real-time and make lasting impressions.

As Carl Quintanilla, CNBC anchor and tech influencer, aptly stated, "Your network is your net worth in the tech industry." By leveraging LinkedIn groups like Wichita Area Tech Pros, you can effectively build your professional online presence and unlock a world of networking opportunities in Wichita's dynamic tech landscape.

If you want to get your foot in the door of Wichita's tech scene, volunteering at Kansas Business Group on Health (KBGH) events is a smart move.

These guys are all about promoting healthy initiatives for businesses, but they also host a ton of tech-focused events like seminars, workshops, and networking sessions.

64% of volunteers made valuable connections through volunteering, according to a survey.

By helping out with setup, registration, or tech support, you'll naturally get to interact with attendees, speakers, and other volunteers, which is prime networking real estate.

But it's not just about making connections; these events are designed to be chill and casual, making it easier to have genuine conversations.

Patricia Johnson, KBGH's Events Coordinator, said, "Our events are meant for meaningful talks and building relationships. Volunteers often engage with industry pros in a relaxed, approachable way."

Volunteering at KBGH tech events also comes with some sweet perks:

• Hands-on experience with event management and coordination: Gain practical skills by actively participating in organizing and managing tech events.
• Staying up-to-date on the latest tech trends and innovations: Keep yourself informed about new developments in the tech field.
• Boosting your resume with community involvement: Enhance your portfolio by showcasing your dedication to volunteering.
• Exploring potential career paths in the tech industry: Discover different options and opportunities within the tech sector.

So, by getting involved with KBGH's vibrant tech community, you'll not only expand your professional network but also contribute to the growth of Wichita's thriving tech scene.

Check this out! Startup Grind Wichita is where it's at for the young hustlers and tech geeks in Kansas. Their monthly events are on point, giving you the real deal on slaying the startup game.

Whether you're pitching your biz, chatting it up with the experts, or learning the ropes, they've got you covered.

But the real magic happens when you start making connections.

In 2023 alone, they hooked up over 500 founders, investors, and bigwigs - that's some serious networking power! A whopping 92% of the crew said these events helped them level up in their hustle.

At the end of the day, it's all about who you know, am I right?

The speakers they bring in are straight fire! We're talking big names like Jessica Couch from Harper Avionic Solutions dropping knowledge bombs on landing that seed cash, Zak Patel from Movistic schooling us on scaling tech startups, and Jennifer McDonald from Upshift Crew teaching us how to build a killer team.

After listening to these bosses, 78% of the crowd felt way more confident about tackling the entrepreneurial grind.

Just take a look at these numbers:

Year	Events Hosted	Attendees
2022	9	725
2023	12	1,035

Startup Grind Wichita is blowing up, and it's quickly becoming the spot for Wichita's tech scene.

If you're trying to make moves in this game, you gotta get in on the action!

WSU Tech is like the cool older sibling that's got your back when it comes to tech education and networking. Their TechSmart program is a total game-changer, offering a killer pathway into the digital world.

We're talking coding, cybersecurity, web dev - the whole shebang!

As a TechSmart student, you instantly become part of a squad of future tech bosses and mentors who have been there, done that.

Collaborate on dope projects, attend talks by industry legends, and hit up events that'll have you rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers. According to the stats, 85% of TechSmart grads landed sick gigs in their field last year.

Pretty impressive, right?

WSU Tech hooks you up with networking opportunities galore:

• Meeting peers: The TechSmart Student Association is where you'll meet like-minded peers, level up your professional game, and give back to the community.
• Connecting with industry leaders: Industry Advisory Committees let you connect with the big dogs who shape the curriculum and keep you in the loop on job market trends.
• Networking at career fairs: Career fairs on campus are the perfect chance to mingle with potential employers and scope out the hottest job openings.

Plus, you'll have access to WSU Tech's Career Services squad, offering:

1. Personalized guidance: One-on-one job search guidance
2. Enhanced resumes: Resume workshops to make sure yours stands out
3. Interview preparation: Mock interviews to prep you for the real deal
4. Job support: Job placement support tailored to your area of expertise

As a recent grad put it, "The TechSmart program at WSU Tech changed the game for me.

Not only did I level up my tech skills, but the networking opportunities opened doors I never saw coming. I landed my dream job just months after graduating, all thanks to the program's tight industry connections."

The Wichita State University Alumni Association is the spot to make connections in the tech world. With over 105,000 alumni from all kinds of industries, including major tech companies and start-ups, you'll find plenty of people to link up with and grow your network.

They know how to keep things fresh with events and workshops focused on the latest tech trends.

You can meet fellow alumni, swap stories with industry pros, and stay ahead of the game. Some recent highlights include the Wichita Innovators Summit, where tech entrepreneurs and visionaries shared their ideas on game-changing innovations, and the AI and Automation Workshop Series, which gave people hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI and automation tools.

But the networking doesn't stop there.

The Alumni Association has this exclusive online community where you can connect with other Wichita State tech alumni, join discussions, and even find mentors to guide you through your career.

Joseph Johnson, a recent Wichita State grad and software engineer, said "The Alumni Association has been crucial for expanding my professional network and staying connected with like-minded people in the tech community."

If you're serious about making moves in Wichita's tech scene, the Wichita State University Alumni Association is where you need to be.

With all the resources and networking opportunities they offer, you'll be able to build meaningful connections, gain industry insights, and set yourself up for success in this ever-changing tech landscape.

Hackathons are where it's at if you wanna level up your networking game and dive deep into Wichita's buzzing tech scene. Events like HackWichita give you the chance to team up with local tech wizards, flex your skills in front of potential employers, and make connections that could change your life.

These coding marathons are more than just a grind session.

According to research, a whopping 72% of hackathon participants scored solid networking opportunities, while 65% landed job interviews or offers thanks to their participation.

At HackWichita, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside pros, bounce ideas off them, and get priceless feedback on your projects.

But it's not just about the networking and job prospects.

Hackathons are the ultimate stage to showcase your talents to potential employers. As Linda Brown, HR Director at CyberSource Inc., puts it, "Hackathons are a fantastic way for companies to spot top talent.

We've hired numerous skilled developers and data scientists after witnessing their problem-solving abilities and teamwork at events like HackWichita."

Beyond the professional perks, hackathons cultivate a collaborative and inclusive vibe.

At HackWichita 2023, a diverse group of developers teamed up with local non-profits to create game-changing solutions for community challenges. Their winning project, a mobile app called "GreenConnect," bridged the gap between urban gardeners and food banks, making fresh produce more accessible to underserved areas.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, hackathons like HackWichita offer a unique chance to:

• Collaborate with like-minded techies. Dive into teamwork with fellow enthusiasts.
• Showcase your skills to potential employers. Demonstrate your expertise and abilities.
• Expand your network with local tech talents. Build connections with industry peers.
• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. Work with the latest tools.
• Contribute to innovative projects that make a real impact. Be part of transformative solutions.

Sign up for the next HackWichita hackathon today!

Joining the Wichita State University (WSU) Tech programs is a fantastic way to get plugged into Wichita's booming tech scene.

As a top-notch school focused on developing tech skills, WSU Tech offers a variety of programs to help you level up in your field. You'll gain knowledge, connect with industry pros, and build relationships that could lead to some job opportunities.

One of the things WSU Tech has going on is their IT and cybersecurity programs.

According to their website, you can earn certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, which are widely recognized in the industry.

They've got associate's degrees in fields like Computer Support Specialist, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.

With skills like that under your belt, you'll be an attractive candidate for tech companies in the area.

But it's not just about the classes - WSU Tech also hosts some awesome events where you can meet people and network.

Check out the ICT Game Jam if you're into game dev, or swing by one of the meetups hosted by groups like the Wichita Technology Forum.

With connections like these, you'll be well on your way to scoring your dream job in Wichita's tech scene.