A Guide to Professional Networking
Learn what professional networking involves and how to build genuine connections in any sector, including fast-moving spaces like tech, cyber, and project management. Simple, practical advice for career-changers and career-starters.
If the thought of networking makes you cringe or a little nervous, you’re not alone. I speak to people every week who imagine awkward small talk, forced LinkedIn messages, or feel like they have to sell themselves.
And if that doesn’t sound like you, it’s easy to assume networking just isn’t your thing. In reality, professional networking is much simpler. It’s talking to people who do similar work, sharing experiences, asking questions, and gradually building familiarity.
In fast-moving areas like tech, IT, cyber security, and project management, those conversations really matter. Roles change quickly, teams grow, and opportunities often surface through people before job boards.
When you’re starting a new job, changing direction, or finding your feet in a new industry, having a few trusted connections can be a huge source of confidence, knowledge, and support.
I’ve put this guide together to show you practical, low pressure ways to build connections within your industry.
Written by
Sophi Barnes is an experienced Careers Services Consultant with a strong background in career coaching and deep expertise in the tech and project management job markets. She's passionate about supporting people through career transitions and into roles where they can thrive.
What's on this page?
Jump to:
- What Is Networking?
- What Is Professional Networking in the Tech World?
- How to Start Networking: The Basics
- How to Start Networking When You’re New or Changing Careers
- Online vs Offline Networking: What Actually Works Best?
- How to Build Real Relationships
- Why It’s Important to Network in Fast-Moving Sectors Like Tech and Project Management
- Final Thoughts
- Professional Networking FAQs
What Is Professional Networking?
Professional networking is about building and maintaining work-related relationships over time.
That might sound formal, but in real life it’s usually just conversations. A quick chat after an event, a comment on a LinkedIn post, or a catch-up with someone whose career path interests you.
The real value shows up over the long term. You learn how roles actually work, you become more visible in your field, and your confidence grows without you really noticing. In fast-moving tech and project management environments, staying connected helps you keep pace with change and spot opportunities before they pass you by.
As my Learning People colleague Chelsey puts it...
Professional networking DOESN'T have to mean being a social butterfly...
I often describe networking as staying connected to people you can learn from and, in turn, be useful to. What networking isn’t is pushing your CV at everyone you meet or pretending to be more confident than you feel.
It’s also not reserved for loud extroverts who love walking into busy rooms. Some of the strongest networks we see are built slowly, one interaction at a time.
Fact: Nearly 4 in 10 UK Workers Found Their Job Through Networking
Research shows that 39% of UK workers found their current role through people they already knew, rather than through job boards or recruitment ads.
This highlights how personal connections, referrals, and informal conversations continue to play a major role in real hiring outcomes, even in competitive sectors like tech and project management.
Why Networking Helps You Find Jobs (Even When No One’s Hiring)
People forget that many roles are discussed long before they’re advertised. Teams talk, plans shift, and hiring needs come up internally. This is often called the “hidden job market”, but it’s not as mysterious as it sounds. It just means opportunities shared through conversations, recommendations, and trusted contacts rather than job boards.
When someone already knows your name, your interests, or what you’re working towards, you’re more likely to hear about roles early. Referrals also carry weight because they reduce risk for employers.
That said, networking doesn’t replace applying for jobs. It supports it.
A strong application still matters. The difference is that networking can help you understand roles better, tailor your approach, and sometimes get your CV looked at instead of lost in a pile.
How to Start Networking: The Basics
Let's move on to networking 101: where should you start?
1. Choose the right platforms
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LinkedIn – The main hub for professional connections. Follow companies, join industry groups, and connect with people in roles you’re interested in.
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Slack communities – Many tech and project management communities run Slack channels for knowledge sharing, project tips, and informal networking.
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Twitter/X or Threads – Useful for following thought leaders, joining discussions, and learning about trends.
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Professional forums – Sites like Reddit (r/tech, r/projectmanagement), Stack Overflow, or specialized PM forums can be helpful for niche topics.
2. Look for events and meetups
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Local meetups – Check Meetup.com or Eventbrite for tech, IT, and project management events in your area.
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Industry conferences – Even virtual ones can be great for learning and connecting.
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Workshops or bootcamps – Courses and certifications often have communities of learners you can meet during or after sessions.
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Webinars and online panels – Many include networking breakout rooms or discussion forums.
3. Start small and low-pressure
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Don’t feel you need to attend huge conferences or reach out to senior leaders immediately.
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Begin with peers, alumni from your course, or people in roles just a step ahead.
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Focus on learning and curiosity first, not asking for jobs.
4. Track and follow up
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Keep a simple log of the people you meet, the conversations you have, and any useful resources shared.
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Send a friendly follow-up message to thank them or continue the discussion — this keeps connections alive without pressure.
5. Make it a habit
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Networking isn’t a one-off task. Spend a few minutes each week engaging online, attending events, or joining discussions.
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Over time, these small steps compound into meaningful connections and opportunities.
Remember: Networking is about building relationships, not just adding names to a contact list. Start with curiosity, stay consistent, and focus on shared learning — the opportunities will follow naturally.
Advice on How to Start Networking When You’re New or Changing Careers
If you're embarking on a career change, networking can feel like trying to skip ahead before you’re “ready”. I usually suggest starting smaller than you think.
1. Connect with people one step ahead of you
Start with people who have recently moved into junior roles or completed their first projects. They understand the learning curve and can offer practical, relevant insight into breaking into tech or project management.
2. Ask learning-focused questions, not job questions
Instead of asking about vacancies, ask what skills mattered most early on, what they’d do differently, or what helped them transition into the role. This builds understanding and confidence without pressure.
3. Use shared experiences to start conversations
Common ground such as courses, certifications, tools, or career paths makes networking more natural. Shared context helps conversations feel relevant and easier to begin.
4. Engage online before reaching out directly
Commenting on posts or interacting with content on platforms like LinkedIn helps build familiarity. When you do reach out, your message feels more natural and less intrusive.
5. Keep networking small, consistent, and long-term
Short messages and brief conversations are enough. Focus on steady, low-pressure interactions and treat networking as an ongoing habit, not a one-off job search task.
Fact: A Large Share of Jobs Never Appear on Job Boards
Experts estimate that between 50% and 80% of job opportunities are filled through the “hidden job market”, meaning roles are shared internally or through professional networks before they’re ever advertised publicly.
For career changers, this explains why networking can uncover opportunities that applications alone never reach.
Online vs Offline Networking: What Actually Works Best?
In truth, neither online nor offline networking is “better”. They just work differently, and most people benefit from a mix of both.
- Online spaces like LinkedIn, Slack communities, and forums are great for low-pressure visibility. You can join conversations, follow people in roles you’re curious about, and engage at your own pace. This often suits early career changers or anyone building confidence.
- In-person networking works best when you want deeper connections. Meetups, industry events, and workshops create space for longer conversations and shared experiences. You don’t need to work the room either. One or two genuine chats is more than enough.
We often see the strongest results when networking sits alongside structured learning and ongoing career support, rather than being treated as a separate task you have to force.
How to Build Real Relationships
Good networking doesn’t end after one conversation. It grows through small, consistent follow-ups.
That might be:
- a quick message to say thanks
- sharing an article they’d find useful
- checking in after you’ve acted on their advice.
These touchpoints keep the connection feeling natural and show you value the relationship beyond what it can offer you.
Feeling uncomfortable at first doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Confidence builds through repetition.
The more you practise these small interactions, the easier they feel.
Over time, those one-off conversations turn into trusted connections that support long-term career growth, especially in fast-changing tech and project environments.
Why It’s Important to Network in Fast-Moving Sectors Like Tech and Project Management
In fast-moving industries, connections are just as valuable as skills. As a career specialist working in the tech and project management spaces, I know how rapidly these sectors evolve — new tools, frameworks, and best practices emerge constantly. Networking helps you stay ahead and adapt without having to figure everything out on your own.
Here are some pieces of advice I find myself often sharing with the people I support into jobs:
1. Stay up to date with industry trends
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Learn about new tools, methodologies, and frameworks before they become standard practice
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Gain insights into emerging risks, challenges, and opportunities from peers actively working in the field
2. Accelerate your learning curve
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Conversations with more experienced professionals help you avoid common mistakes
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You can discover shortcuts, recommended resources, and real-world examples that aren’t in textbooks or courses
3. Open doors to opportunities
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Many roles, projects, or collaborations are shared through networks before they’re advertised publicly
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Building genuine relationships increases the likelihood of being recommended for new roles, projects, or initiatives
4. Gain support and guidance during transitions
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Career changers, project managers, or tech specialists moving into new roles benefit from advice on adjusting to workplace culture, tools, and processes
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Mentors and peers can provide encouragement, perspective, and practical tips
5. Build a reputation as engaged and informed
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Being active in communities, attending events, or sharing insights positions you as someone invested in learning and contributing
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This visibility can lead to collaborations, speaking opportunities, or invitations to industry projects
Bottom line: In fast-moving sectors, networking isn’t optional — it’s a way to keep learning, stay relevant, and create opportunities. The stronger your network, the better equipped you’ll be to thrive, even as the industry changes around you.
Final Thoughts
I’ll leave you with this thought. Networking isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it improves through use. An initial conversation, a thoughtful question, a follow-up message. That’s how it starts.
We’ve seen time and again that people who take low-pressure steps build momentum without realising it.
If you’re unsure where to begin or want a second opinion, speaking with one of our career experts can really help give you clarity, direction, and reassurance about your next move.
