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What is the best group to network with for IT in virgina?

I'm a college senior looking for in-person groups to network or start projects with. I moved to Virginia not long ago and am not sure where to start.

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Emma’s Answer

Finding the best IT networking group in Virginia can depend on your specific interests and goals within the IT field. Consider exploring options like the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), which is one of the largest technology councils in the nation and hosts various events, forums, and networking opportunities. The Washington DC Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) is also active in Virginia and offers opportunities to connect with IT professionals. Additionally, you may want to check out local Meetup groups, university IT clubs or organizations, and industry-specific events in your area to find the most relevant and beneficial networking opportunities that align with your career aspirations and interests.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Aja !

Your enthusiasm and proactive plans are certainly impressive. I would be happy to advise on the best ways to find in-person IT groups.

First, I would like to mention that there is a website called Meet Up on which you can see about groups in your area. If there are none, than you can create a group for people in Newport News. You can access the website from a link I provided below.

The next suggestion that I have is to create flyers about a group you want to create. Leave the flyers in nearby colleges and have interested people contact you. Also distribute or display the flyers at various computer service stores in your area. There are no IT clubs or groups in your area so you would be very original in starting one. Once you get the group together, you and the members can formulate the structure of the group among yourselves.

Another avenue to take is to contact the Newport News Chamber of Commerce in Hampton, VA. Their number is (757) 262- 2000. Or better yet go there in person at 21 Enterprise Parkway, Hampton, and explain that you are seeking IT organizations, clubs or networking groups. Someone there may know of a group that doesn't advertise.

This is a good thing you are embarking on because you not only will benefit from the networking and projects you can do, but you're taking the initiative, not losing time and it will be amazing to work on projects right after graduation. I agree huge benefits will come from in person groups.

Best wishes on this most exciting and what seems to be a fun adventure, too !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

MeetUp.com MEET UP TO JOIN OR CREATE GROUPS IN YOUR AREA
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Michel’s Answer

Hi Aja, I'd recommend joining Women In Tech. They probably don't have a local chapter (although they might), but it's a great online organization to join for networking opportunities. Also, I'm not sure if you've considered security but I would recommend joining ISSA (Information Systems Security Association). I joined when I was working with systems (I had no security experience). I ended up getting a role on the board which ended up landing me a job in Cyber Security. Security is booming and the industry wants women. I would consider capitalizing on that and exploring some new facets of IT.

Michel recommends the following next steps:

Check out https://witi.com/
Check out https://www.issa.org/
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