Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Fargo's Tech Scene

Fargo's tech game is on fire, and it's only getting hotter! This city may seem chill on the surface, but there's a whole AgTech revolution brewing thanks to the region's deep farming roots.

We're talking next-level innovations like autonomous farms and cutting-edge crop monitoring tech that'll change how we feed the world.

The National Science Foundation is dropping up to $160 million to support this AgTech insurgence, cementing Fargo as a global leader in the game.

But that's not all - Fargo is also leveling up its coding hustle.

With Nucamp's coding bootcamps churning out fresh talent, you can skill up and land a sweet gig in no time.

Plus, there are tons of meetups and conferences to network your way into the scene.

So if you're ready to level up your career and be part of something huge, Fargo is where it's at. Just don't sleep on this tech renaissance, or you'll be left in the dust!

LinkedIn is where it's at if you wanna get your foot in the door of Fargo's tech scene. You gotta optimize your profile to show off your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

It's like your online resume, but way more powerful. According to the experts, having a professional headshot can get you 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than those without one.

Plus, a complete profile with all the right details is 27 times more likely to pop up in searches.

Once you've got your profile looking sharp, join some local LinkedIn groups to connect with other tech enthusiasts in Fargo.

Check out the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce group with over 3,000 members, or explore groups like North Dakota Tech Professionals and Fargo Entrepreneurs and Startups.

It's time to start reaching out and making connections.

Use LinkedIn's search filters to find people with similar interests or backgrounds. When you send a connection request, make sure to personalize it with a quick intro and explain why you want to connect – maybe you're seeking advice or looking to collaborate.

Once you're connected, engage with their content and start a conversation. Don't be afraid to ask about networking opportunities, mentorship, or professional development events.

With an optimized profile and some strategic outreach, you'll be well on your way to becoming an active member of Fargo's tech community on LinkedIn.

Attending tech meetups and events is the way to go if you wanna dive into Fargo's buzzing tech scene. One of the biggest events around here is StartupBREW, hosted by Emerging Prairie.

It's a weekly shindig where entrepreneurs and aspiring innovators come together to share ideas, get support, and make connections. According to their website, StartupBREW has helped build a thriving community of over 180,000 entrepreneurs across the US since it started in 2012.

But StartupBREW isn't the only game in town.

Fargo's got a diverse lineup of tech-focused meetups to suit different interests and specialties. Check out:

• Full Stack Fargo - A monthly meetup for designers and developers to explore the intersection of design and technology.
• FM Data Science - A gathering for data professionals, including data scientists, analysts, and enthusiasts.
• North Dakota Data Science and Business Analytics Community - A community for software developers to discuss coding practices, emerging technologies, and collaborate on projects.

These meetups are the perfect spots to engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and build connections with like-minded tech folks.

And according to Meetup.com, tech meetups in Fargo have collectively attracted over 5,000 members, showing how hyped the city is about fostering a vibrant tech community.

But meetups aren't the only game in town.

Fargo also hosts annual tech events that offer networking opportunities and a chance to stay on top of industry trends. One example is Coffee + Coding, a monthly morning meetup hosted by Emerging Digital Academy.

It's a chill hangout where you can learn about professional development while connecting with other tech enthusiasts over coffee and donuts.

Networking is key to scoring a job in Fargo's tech scene, and joining professional orgs is where it's at. The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber is always hosting events like their epic Midwest Technology Summit where you can rub shoulders with the area's top tech gurus.

Their website has the information on upcoming events too.

For us young professionals, North Dakota Young Professionals is a must-join.

They've got a whole Technology & Innovation squad that puts together meetups to help you level up your coding skills and stay ahead of the digital curve. Plus, their 200+ members are a solid network of future co-workers and potential business partners.

Apart from the major players, Fargo's niche tech groups are where you can really find your tribe:

• Fargo IT Professionals - This 1,000-strong meetup lets you connect with other IT professionals through online forums and monthly TechTalk events.
• Fargo Developers - A coder's paradise with over 500 members. They host hackathons and workshops to keep you sharp on the latest dev tools.
• Fargo Data Science - Data enthusiasts unite! These folks bring in top experts to share knowledge on data visualization, machine learning, and more.

Joining these groups is a total game-changer.

You'll get access to exclusive job listings, discounted training, not to mention a network of experienced mentors who've been there. Just ask Sarah Johnson, the VP at Myriad Mobile, who says her career leveled up big time thanks to the connections she made in Fargo's tech orgs.

Hackathons and coding bootcamps are a sweet way to dive into Fargo's tech scene! The Grand Challenges Scholars Academy at North Dakota State University hosts dope hackathons where you can show off your skills and network with other coders.

Their next big event is happening in Spring 2024, so mark your calendars! But if you're looking to level up your coding game, check out Nucamp's coding bootcamp.

These guys have an 83% job placement rate within 180 days of graduation, which is insane! Plus, their students can't stop raving about the knowledgeable instructors and engaging curriculum that teaches you the hottest coding skills. Imagine being able to build real-world projects, collaborate with fellow tech enthusiasts, and get mentored by experienced developers.

It's like a cheat code for your career! And their career services team will hook you up with job-hunting strategies to land your dream gig.

Just ask Elizabeth Harris, who scored her front-end developer role within three months of graduating!

Co-working spaces are the place to be for networking in Fargo's tight-knit tech community. The vibrant coworking spaces from Regus let you rub elbows with like-minded professionals in an inspiring environment.

With open workspaces, dedicated desks, and networking events, it's easy to connect and check out the newest spot Railyard Offices that just opened.

You can choose between virtual offices for a professional biz address, or get 24/7 access to a private office starting at $350 per month.

Aside from the dope workspaces, coworking is all about the community vibe.

You can casually meet new people through random encounters, or attend structured events like weekly 1 Million Cups meetups to pitch ideas. The key is getting involved and putting yourself out there, as building connections is crucial for standing out in Fargo's tech scene.

Data shows 76% of coworking members make valuable professional contacts just from chance interactions.

With all the meetups, socials and skill-sharing going on, co-working spaces are a networking goldmine if you proactively engage. As Nancy Anderson from The Prairie Den says, "Contribute insights, ask questions, and you'll easily build meaningful connections."

Fargo's tech scene is buzzing, and startups like Myriad Mobile (now Solutions by Bushel) are leading the charge.

This mobile app company has been successful with their cutting-edge solutions, and getting up close and personal with their startup grind is a must if you want to level up your networking game.

Understand what it's like to be a part of a startup? Try volunteering or interning at one of these local gems.

It's the best way to experience the fast-paced, entrepreneurial vibe firsthand. Plus, you'll make connections that could lead to some job opportunities down the line.

Speaking of job opportunities, check out these startups that are actively hiring in Fargo:

• Solutions by Bushel: The mobile app wizards are always on the hunt for talented software devs, designers, and project managers.
• gener8tor: This startup accelerator has a North Dakota program that could be your ticket to landing a gig with one of their up-and-coming startups.
• Emergent Software: An award-winning software company seeking rockstar developers to join their team.

As Nancy Miller and Ryan Raguse, the co-founders of Solutions by Bushel, can attest, startups are where it's at in Fargo.

By getting involved with these innovative companies, you'll gain invaluable experience, build a network that'll make your peers jealous, and position yourself as a major player in Fargo's tech future.

Fargo's tech scene is thriving, and the key to unlocking its potential lies in connecting with the right people. These tech influencers are like modern-day pioneers, blazing trails and shaping the industry.

By following their moves on social media, you'll stay ahead of the curve and potentially score some sweet opportunities.

First up, we have NDSUfootball, the official account of the North Dakota State Bison football team.

With over 115K followers, they're a force to be reckoned with in the world of college sports. Their social media game is on point, sharing insights and updates that could inspire your own digital strategy.

Next, check out these top tips for building a killer tech portfolio in Fargo.

Understanding the high-demand skills in the area can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out in the job market.

And if you're looking for some must-attend tech events, this list has you covered.

The Cultivate Conference is a game-changer, showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technology and innovation. You don't want to miss out on these opportunities to network and learn from the best.

Contributing to open source projects is a way to dive into Fargo's buzzing tech scene and team up with local coders. By exploring open source initiatives from Fargo, you can get hands-on experience, level up your skills, and make connections.

One major local project is the Microsoft Fargo team's .NET Core, an open-source software toolbox that lets developers build and share custom apps across platforms.

This toolbox aims to make coding more accessible for everyone, from pros to beginners.

To get involved, start by checking out GitHub's Fargo topic, where you'll find a list of repos linked to the city.

Look for projects with active contributors, clear docs, and issues labeled "good first issue" or "help wanted" - these are usually newbie-friendly tasks to ease you into the codebase.

Once you've spotted a project you dig, follow these steps:

1. Create your own copy by forking the repository to your GitHub account.
2. Follow the project's installation guide to set up the dev environment.
3. Create a new branch, make your changes, and commit them to work on an issue.
4. Submit a pull request to the main repo, explaining your changes and addressing any feedback to submit a pull request.

Collaborating on open source projects isn't just about coding - it's also a way to connect with local devs, potentially leading to mentorship, job opportunities, or even partnerships.

Plus, showcasing your contributions on GitHub can seriously boost your online presence and prove your coding chops to potential employers in Fargo's tech industry.

As you engage with the community, don't forget to hit up local tech meetups and events to expand your network even further.

Fargo's tech scene is straight-up buzzing, and North Dakota State University (NDSU) is the epicenter of it all! These guys are pushing the limits with their cutting-edge research and innovative mindset.

Just check out the rad projects coming out of their Center for Advanced Study of Software Engineering (CASSE), like an AI system that sniffs out software vulnerabilities before they become issues and a mind-blowing blockchain study for secure data sharing.

This university is where the future is being built!

But it's not just about the books and labs at NDSU – they've got a packed calendar of tech events that'll blow your mind.

Coming up in 2024, you've got the NDSU Cyber Security Summit in March, where you can get the inside scoop on cybersecurity from industry legends.

Then, there's the NDSU Hackathon in September, a 36-hour coding marathon where you can flex your skills, compete for prizes, and network like a boss. And if AI is your jam, don't miss the NDSU AI Symposium in November – it's a full day dedicated to exploring the mind-blowing advancements in AI and machine learning.

NDSU's Career Center is your gateway to scoring that dream tech gig.

They've got your back with regular networking events like the STEM Career Fair, where you can rub elbows with top companies and maybe even land an internship or full-time role.

Plus, they'll hook you up with personalized career counseling, resume reviews, and mock interviews to make sure you slay the job hunt.

Just ask Susan Garcia, a recent NDSU grad who's now killing it at Microsoft – she swears the Career Center was instrumental in helping her land that sweet gig.