Building a Supportive Network: Tips For Women in Tech

Sometimes, being a woman working in the tech industry can feel isolating. The lack of community and mentorship represents a significant challenge and can sometimes hinder career progression, as well as overall well-being. An essential element for success is building a strong support network. 

As part of our on-going series on women-led innovation in tech, we're offering practical advice for women on building a network, finding mentors, and creating a supportive community for women in the tech industry. Let's dive in!

Why a Strong Network is Essential For Women in Tech

Having a robust professional network offers numerous benefits, especially for women in tech facing unique challenges due to gender bias and underrepresentation. These benefits include:

• Mentorship and Guidance - Mentors with experience can provide invaluable advice, advocacy, and support.
• Career Opportunities - Having a network opens up doors to job opportunities, promotions, and collaborations.
• Knowledge Sharing - Learning from others' experiences often helps with navigating challenges and hone new skills.
• Emotional Support - A community to share stories with can help fight off feelings of isolation and build confidence.
• Increased Visibility - A strong network helps raise your profile within the industry.
• Advocacy and Allyship - Building connections with both women and men who support gender equality creates a more inclusive environment. 

Strategies For Building a Network in Tech

It takes some determination to build a network, but with intentional effort and a proactive approach, the benefits make the effort worthwhile. Here are some proven strategies:

Attend Industry Events (Virtual and In-Person)

Conferences, workshops, and meetups are fantastic opportunities to connect with professionals. EventBuilder, for instance, specializes in facilitating these connections through virtual events.

Tip: Don't just collect business cards! Engage in meaningful conversations and follow up after the event. 

Leverage Online Platforms

LinkedIn and specialized online communities are valuable resources for networking.

• LinkedIn - Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and connect with people whose work you respect.
• Online Communities - Platforms like Slack, Discord, or Reddit offer dedicated spaces for women to share, ask questions, and communicate with each other.
• Online Directories - Many organizations, such as We Are Tech Women , have sections on their websites dedicated to connecting women with supportive technology networks.

Seek Out Mentorship Opportunities

Finding a tech industry mentor can be transformative! Look for mentors within your company, through professional organizations, or online platforms.

• Formal Mentorship Programs - Many organizations offer structured mentorship programs.
• Informal Mentorship - Try reaching out to professionals whose careers you admire and ask for guidance.
• Reverse Mentoring - Offer your skills and knowledge to mentor someone else, even if you're early in your career. 

Build Authentic Relationships

Networking is about building genuine connections, not simply collecting contacts. Focus on relationships built on mutual respect and shared interests.

Tip: Offer help and support where you can, and be genuinely interested in other people's work and experiences. 

Be Proactive and Follow Up

Actively seek out opportunities! Fortune favors the brave, so don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Follow up in a timely manner and keep the conversation going.

Join Women-Specific Groups

There a several organizations dedicated to creating support networks for women in tech, including:

• AnitaB.org
• Women in Tech  
• National Center For Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)

Creating a Supportive Community For Women in Tech

While individual networking is important, cultivating a sense of community is equally important for overcoming a feeling of isolation in tech. Here are ways you can contribute to building a community that fosters connection, mentorship, and growth:

• Start or Join a Local Chapter - Look into national women in tech organizations and whether or not they have local chapters that offer meetups, workshops, and events that bring people together.
• Organize Virtual Meetings - Don't see an event that fits your needs? Create one with EventBuilder! We make it simple to host virtual meetups, webinars, or speaker series that center the experiences of women in tech.
• Create Online Forums - Create a Slack workspace, LinkedIn group, Subreddit, or Discord server to keep the conversation going. These spaces make it easy to connect, share, and encourage - wherever you are.
• Be an Ally - Big gestures aren't necessary to have a big impact. Advocating for women, amplifying their voices, and making room at the table (and at the mic) are everyday ways to offer support.
• Share Your Story - Your journey matters. Whether you're overcoming a challenge, celebrating a win, or simply navigating life as a woman in tech - sharing your experience can inspire someone else to keep going.

How AI Can Facilitate Networking and Mentorship

Networking can feel daunting, and finding the right mentor isn't always simple. Enter: AI. It can be a game changer for helping you with logistics of building real connections.

• AI-Powered Networking Platforms - Some networking platforms deploy AI to pair people based on shared interests, skills, and career goals.
  • Sample Prompt: "Connect me with women in tech who work in cybersecurity and are based in [city/state.]"
• Personalized Event Recommendations - Looking for someone with a specific background or leadership style? AI tools can help you narrow down your options.
  • Sample Prompt: "Find potential mentors who specialize in [technology] and have proven leadership experience."
• Thoughtful Outreach - With a Human Touch - AI can help you draft initial messages, but it's important to take the time to personalize them before hitting send. AI is the draft generator - YOU are the human and it needs your touch.
  • Sample Prompt: Write a LinkedIn message to [person's name], referencing their article on [topic] and asking to connect." 
• Quick Summaries for Better Prep - If you're heading into a conversation, AI can summarize articles, bios, or profiles so you're not caught off-guard.
  • Sample Prompt: Summarize this LinkedIn Profile in three bullet points: [paste profile text.]"
• Meeting Scheduling - AI tools like calendar assistants can take the back-and-forth out of finding time to meet. 
  • Sample Prompt: "Schedule a 30-minute meeting with [mentor's name] next week based on our availability."

How EventBuilder Supports Networking and Community Building

• Virtual Events - Host webinars, workshops, and conferences tailored for women in tech to cultivate connection, learning, and visibility.
• Interactive Features - Break the ice with Q&As, live polls, and breakout rooms that encourage meaningful conversations.
• Built-in Networking - Create dedicated networking sessions and virtual meeting spaces to help attendees connect with peers, mentors, and collaborators.
• Searchable Event Pages - Make it simple for people to discover and attend Women in Tech-focused events through optimized, searchable event listing pages.

Finding Your Niche Online: Communities and Resources

Slack

• Ladies Get Paid - Tech-focused channels: application required.
• Tech Ladies - Large community with job board and Slack channels.
• Women in Tech Chat - Wide-ranging channels covering various tech fields.

Discord

• Women in Tech (General) - Search for "Women in Tech" servers.
• Game Development and Cybersecurity Communities

Reddit

• r/womenintech - General subreddit for women in tech.
• r/girlsgonewired - Tech-focused subreddit for women.
• r/LadiesofScience  - A broader STEM community with plenty of tech discussion. 

The Power of Connection

Building a network and finding mentors in the tech industry are both crucial for women in tech to thrive. While overcoming the isolation many women experience requires effort, it's worth it in order to reap the rewards, such as career advancement, personal growth, and well-being. EventBuilder is committed to providing tools and resources to help women in tech connect, build community, and support each other. By working together, we'll create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry for everyone.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our software and world-class event management services, attend our events , or connect with us to see how EventBuilder can help you make meaningful connections and grow your communities!