Connecting online with subject matter experts and colleagues has become a popular way to expand your professional network. In fact, statistics show that 40 percent of people network more online than in-person. However, when it comes to professional networking, connecting is only the beginning. The real challenge is guiding new “digital” connections with colleagues and tech hiring managers toward meaningful follow-up conversations and real professional relationships. Fortunately, there are ways to make this happen. Here are four methods for transforming online connections into meaningful professional relationships. Connect On Purpose, For a Purpose Don’t cold-connect randomly. Review the person’s profile and figure out why you want to connect before you reach out to someone online, advised Bill McCormick, founder and owner of Digi-Sales, a professional training and coaching firm. Look at their recent activity, their connections, the groups they belong to, their code samples, projects an

Not every tech professional wants to become a manager. However, as you advance in your career, chances are good you’ll end up managing a team at some point. If you’re going to succeed in any kind of management role, you need a core set of skills, such as empathy and communication, in order to help your team produce its best work. With all that in mind, let’s break down how any tech professional can thrive in a management role. While becoming a manager might seem like an intimidating prospect, it doesn’t have to be—in fact, it can become something you enjoy, provided you’re prepared. Challenges and Benefits of Transitioning to Management If you’ve never considered a management role before, here are some key things that you’ll need to master: Shifting Focus: You'll move from focusing on individual tasks to guiding and motivating a team. This requires a broader perspective and an ability to delegate effectively. People Management: You'll be responsible for fostering a positive and product

If you’re currently on the job hunt, you’ve no doubt stumbled onto a job posting that excites you. There’s just one little problem: the job’s experience and skill requirements might seem a little out of your reach, especially if you’re a relatively new tech professional. Should you still apply? Given the demand for tech talent (and the historically low tech unemployment rate), you might have a shot at a job that initially seems like it’s out of your reach—provided you can convince a recruiter and/or hiring manager that you not only have at least some of the skills necessary for the position, but also an aptitude for growth. More than one company has hired someone relatively inexperienced based on their potential. Before you dismiss any position, there are several compelling reasons to aim high: Faster Growth: Stepping into a challenging role can accelerate your learning curve. You'll be pushed to develop new skills and gain valuable experience that might take years in a more familiar p