I’ve never been to a networking event before. I never had to rely on networking for previous roles, and in fact, I didn’t see myself being successful with it anyway. I’m on the more introverted side, so I was skeptical that I would make a good impression with people I’d just met.
But the job market is different now. Working so closely with our SWE grads at my current job, I’m keenly aware of how essential networking has become. When jobs are this competitive, the only hope most of us have is to get in front of someone who will hire or refer us. So this afternoon, I took a few calming breaths and then joined my first networking event.
This virtual event was hosted through the Baus Ladies Network. The goal was speed networking—in just 30 minutes, we’d have a chance to meet other women in tech and make connections. Typically, the host explained, everyone would have about 4 minutes to answer these questions:
What is your name, location, and occupation?
What do you love about your career?
What do you love to do in your free time?
How can we help you?
How can you help the community?
Then, they’d open breakout rooms to make further connections.
Today was a little different, though. The crew was just 3 people: myself, the host, and one other attendee. This wasn’t what I expected, but I was actually relieved. The super small group made me feel more comfortable easing into networking.
After we each answered our questions, rather than moving into breakout rooms, we spent time chatting and getting to know each other. The other attendee was a woman who’d recently moved to the US from Paris and, like me, is job searching. It was enlightening to hear about her background and perspective as someone new to the US job market. She’d come here with a desire to be paid what she was worth, and to find a job that would allow her to buy a home and travel. What she found, though, was a tougher tech market than we’ve seen in years.
I found myself doing what I do with my clients now: I reassured her. It takes so much bravery to make the move from another country to find opportunities, and I want to see her be successful. I told her that, while things are tough now, they’re easier than they were a year ago. I see more of our grads getting interviews and job offers this year. And more importantly, she’s already doing the right thing by seeking out community and building a network.
I think I was reassuring myself, too. I know I’m very privileged to say this, but my current job search (a little over a month) is the longest I’ve ever had. It’s been disheartening to put in the time to research a company, piece together a thoughtful and tailored application, and then…never hear back. Thinking about it for too long sends my anxiety into overdrive.
But I’m doing the right things, too. I’m holding out hope that it will pay off…ideally sooner rather than later 🤞 And in the meantime, you’ll find me attending more networking events and making connections.
Want to learn more about me? Know of any opportunities that sound like a fit? Let’s talk. You can reach me at brittleestill@gmail.com.