Techies And Opportunities

Sannidhi
5 min readNov 20, 2020
Multiple white colored closed doors along a corridor with patterned wallpaper.

In your pursuit of career advancement, visibility is paramount — whether it’s landing a new job, showcasing your talents, or securing a salary increase. However, what do you do when opportunities seem scarce? The truth is the world is abundant with chances for those who know where to look. This article uncovers those hidden opportunities. With tailored advice and innovative strategies, it aims to guide you through the possibilities, ensuring you’re equipped to navigate the competitive tech industry effectively to accomplish your desired goals.

Contents

  1. Contribute to Open Source Projects
  2. Develop Apps, Components, Plug-ins etc…
  3. Blogging
  4. Make Videos
  5. Conduct Voluntary Sessions
  6. Pro bono
  7. Get Certified
  8. Engage in Stack Overflow

1. Contribute to Open Source Projects

Infographic illustrating the benefits of contributing to open source projects, including skill enhancement, visibility boost in the tech community, marketability increase, and professional growth opportunities.

Diving into open source projects not only enhances your skill set but also significantly boosts your visibility in the tech community. By actively contributing, you position yourself as a valuable contributor, which can be especially beneficial for fresh graduates aiming to differentiate themselves. For seasoned professionals, such engagement increases your marketability and opens doors to advancements and salary increments. Open source contributions (like Mozilla) offer a credible way to bridge employment gaps, presenting a real-world application of your skills. It’s a win-win: you learn, contribute, and increase your chances of professional growth, all while enriching your portfolio and standing out in the competitive IT industry.

2. Develop Apps, Components, Plug-ins etc…

Embarking on the journey of app, component, or plug-in development not only showcases your ability to innovate but also serves as a tangible demonstration of your technical prowess. For example, say you are creating a mobile app that addresses the needs of your community, designing a gaming app, or developing plug-ins to enhance browser and IDE functionality, each project you undertake is an opportunity to display your skills. This approach is invaluable for freshers’ seeking employment, professionals aiming to bridge employment gaps, or freelancers looking to enrich their portfolios. For the experienced techie, developing reusable solutions for your organization or the wider open-source community underlines your expertise and contribution to advancing technology.

3. Blogging

Person in a white sweater typing on a laptop with a notepad and pen to the side and a glass of water on a minimalist white desk.

Publishing articles or blogging is a timeless strategy for broadcasting your skills and gaining visibility within IT industry. Regardless of your experience level or technical niche, selecting a topic that showcases your knowledge can have a profound impact. For students, this method not only serves as an impressive reference for future interviews but also positively impacts your academic reputation. Employed professionals not actively engaged in projects can utilize article writing to demonstrate ongoing contributions to their field, signaling that they are effectively utilizing their time. For freelancers, this approach is crucial for highlighting expertise, while unemployed techies can show continued engagement with their field, keeping skills sharp during job searches. Here’s comparison of free blog hosting services on Wikipedia.

4. Make Videos

Creating and sharing video content is an incredibly effective way to boost your visibility in the tech community. Whether it’s concise how-to guides, in-depth tutorials on specific technologies, or updates on the Information Technology industry trends, videos can dramatically showcase your expertise and enthusiasm for technology. As a fresher or freelancer, these visual demonstrations can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers or clients. For seasoned professionals, delving into advanced technologies or emerging trends through videos can further establish your authority in the field. Similarly, for those currently job-seeking, producing content keeps you engaged with the latest in tech, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to your professional development.

5. Conduct Voluntary Sessions

Offering your expertise through voluntary sessions is a stellar way to enhance your professional visibility. Whether you’re a student leading workshops in college, an employee sharing insights within your organization, or a freelancer utilizing platforms like linkedin.com and meetup.com for broader outreach, these sessions are invaluable. They not only position you as a knowledgeable leader in your field but also provide a platform for networking and peer endorsements. Encouraging participants to recognize your contributions on professional networks can further amplify your credentials, making your resume and portfolio stand out in the competitive tech landscape.

6. Pro bono

Engaging in pro bono work is an excellent strategy for freshers, freelancers, and those currently unemployed to gain visibility and experience. By offering your skills to small, non-profit organizations or responding to project requests on online platforms and social media groups, you not only contribute to meaningful causes but also enrich your portfolio. This approach allows you to demonstrate your capabilities, fill employment gaps, and connect with potential clients or employers. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that can lead to increased exposure, valuable work experience, and stronger professional networks.

7. Get Certified

Infographic on the importance of tech certifications for career development, showcasing symbols of learning, growth, and professional commitment.

Certifications are a pivotal step for anyone in the tech field, particularly for freshers looking to distinguish themselves. If you’re between jobs, investing time in certifications can significantly bolster your resume. Similarly, for those employees who are momentarily not engaged in active projects, obtaining certifications can be a strategic move, showcasing your commitment to personal growth during evaluations. While the impact of other strategies mentioned may be more immediate, certifications hold their weight by signaling to potential employers your dedication to professional development and mastery in specific areas.

8. Engage in Stack Overflow

Leveraging Stack Overflow can amplify your professional visibility and reputation within the tech community. This platform serves as a dynamic stage for both novices and experts to exchange knowledge, solve problems, and contribute valuable insights. By actively participating — asking insightful questions, providing detailed answers, and engaging in meaningful discussions — you not only build your reputation but also showcase your expertise. Achieving and collecting badges reflects your active involvement and areas of proficiency, making your profile stand out. A well-curated Stack Overflow profile can be a powerful tool to enhance your visibility and establish your credibility in the technology market, making it a good strategy for career development.

Conclusion

Navigating the evolving tech landscape requires visibility and relevance for career growth. This guide has outlined strategic ways to enhance your professional presence, including open source contributions, innovative development, and expertise sharing via blogging, videos, and voluntary work. These strategies showcase your skills, bolster your tech community standing, and influence your career positively, irrespective of your experience level. Embrace these opportunities to continuously learn, share, and enhance your visibility in the competitive tech field.

This story was originally published on sannidhiseo.com.

Image credits: Doors and Laptop.

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