How can you build your professional network in computer hardware?

If you are interested in computer hardware, you might want to build your professional network in this field. Networking can help you learn from others, find opportunities, and advance your career. But how can you network effectively in computer hardware, especially if you are new to the industry or work remotely? Here are some tips to help you connect with other computer hardware enthusiasts and professionals.

1 Join online communities

One of the easiest ways to network in computer hardware is to join online communities where you can interact with people who share your passion. You can find forums, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, social media groups, and online events related to computer hardware topics. For example, you can join the HardwareZone forum, the Hardware Geeks podcast, the Hardware Revolution newsletter, the Computer Hardware Enthusiasts Facebook group, or the HardwareCon online conference. These platforms allow you to ask questions, share your insights, learn from experts, and discover new trends and resources.

Add your perspective

Abdulkarim Allahyafi

Hardware Maintenance Engineer at SETRACO Nigeria Limited
Report contribution
By engaging in events, such as Practical works, virtual networking sessions, professional conferences, and industry meetups will help get you started.

Like

2 Attend local events and meetups

Another way to network in computer hardware is to attend local events and meetups where you can meet people face-to-face. You can look for events and meetups that are relevant to your interests, such as hardware hackathons, workshops, seminars, trade shows, or exhibitions. For example, you can attend the Hackster Hardware Weekend, the Hardware Startup Workshop, the Hardware Summit, the Consumer Electronics Show, or the Maker Faire. These events and meetups give you a chance to showcase your skills, learn new techniques, exchange ideas, and build relationships.

Add your perspective

Austin Englehart

IT Support Specialist | (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity | Security +
Report contribution
Trade shows are a great example to use if you want to see what is new and upcoming with companies that have hardware that you are interested in or that your company uses. These trade shows are also great for building connections and establishing networks with those in different sectors. Look out for different shows in your area and see if you can’t get the new scoop on emerging hardware that can better equip your company!

Like

3 Reach out to mentors and peers

A third way to network in computer hardware is to reach out to mentors and peers who can offer you guidance, feedback, and support. You can look for mentors and peers who have experience, knowledge, or skills that you admire or want to learn. For example, you can reach out to a hardware engineer, a hardware entrepreneur, a hardware blogger, or a hardware instructor. You can contact them via email, social media, or phone and ask them for advice, recommendations, or referrals. You can also offer your help, appreciation, or collaboration.

Add your perspective

4 Create and share your portfolio

A fourth way to network in computer hardware is to create and share your portfolio of your hardware projects, achievements, and goals. You can use a website, a blog, a video channel, or a social media account to showcase your portfolio. For example, you can use WordPress, Medium, YouTube, or Twitter to display your portfolio. You can include photos, videos, descriptions, testimonials, or links to your hardware projects. You can also share your challenges, solutions, learnings, or aspirations. Your portfolio can help you demonstrate your value, attract attention, and start conversations.

Add your perspective

5 Follow up and stay in touch

A fifth way to network in computer hardware is to follow up and stay in touch with the people you meet or contact online or offline. You can use email, social media, phone, or chat to follow up and stay in touch. For example, you can use Gmail, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or Telegram to communicate with your network. You can send thank-you notes, feedback requests, updates, invitations, or recommendations. You can also comment, like, share, or subscribe to their content. Following up and staying in touch can help you maintain and strengthen your network.

Add your perspective

6 Keep learning and improving

A sixth way to network in computer hardware is to keep learning and improving your skills, knowledge, and abilities in this field. You can use books, courses, podcasts, newsletters, or blogs to keep learning and improving. For example, you can use Amazon, Udemy, Hardware Geeks, Hardware Revolution, or Hardware Hacks to keep learning and improving. You can also challenge yourself, experiment, and try new things. Keeping learning and improving can help you stay relevant, confident, and curious in computer hardware.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Leland (Len) Humphries

Skilled at handling client expectations and behaviors. Proven ability/skills in handling and deescalating volatile and/or potentially volatile persons or situations. Proven verbal and written communication skills.
Report contribution
I believe it is important to not only stay current with hardware, but also keep an eye on what's upcoming in hardware and software. Also, don't forget that while end users always know what they want, they rarely know what they actually need. Don't assume, do a deep dive with everyone who will involved. You will be surprised. You will find the end process will be much more efficient and much more effective.

Like

How can you build your professional network in computer hardware?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join online communities

2 Attend local events and meetups

3 Reach out to mentors and peers

4 Create and share your portfolio

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Keep learning and improving

7 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Hardware

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Computer Hardware

More relevant reading

How can you build your professional network in computer hardware?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join online communities

2 Attend local events and meetups

3 Reach out to mentors and peers

4 Create and share your portfolio

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Keep learning and improving

7 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Hardware

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills