Start Your Web3 Career through Networking Events

I began my Web3 career as a writer at The Mega Maxi by connecting with its current Head of Content at a recent Web3 event. We introduced ourselves to each other, connected online, and this eventually led to my current writing position.

By building relationships in the real world, you can open up opportunities for yourself in the Web3 space.

In this article, we’ll break down what you can do before, during, and after a networking event to help you begin your Web3 career.

Before the Event

Prepare for your Web3 Career

Unless you’re relying solely on luck, you don’t go into battle without studying the enemy. It’s no different when going for Web3 career opportunities.

You can prepare for events in the following ways:

• Create an elevator pitch: events allow you to introduce what value you bring to the table. Prior to an event, make sure you have a clear agenda and a plan on how to communicate this to potential connections.

• Research about attendees: in most events, you’re given an idea on who will be coming. A quick look at the partner and speaker list will reveal names and organizations. Read up on these people. This will enable you to relate with experiences and connect through common friends.

• Draft a list of questions: you can spark conversation by raising well-thought questions and build a connection by listening. Not only do you create relationships, but you learn valuable insights as well.

Through preparation, you’re armed with the right things to say. This will take you far in terms of a Web3 career.   

Get in the Mood

Introverts make up 25% to 40% of the world’s population. There’s a high chance that you, my dear reader, is an introvert.

It can be challenging to bring yourself to an event and converse with absolute strangers. Sometimes, you don’t have friends to bring along either.

While preparation will reduce a lot of the stress from the event, we can’t escape the fact that we’re out of our element. Take time to put yourself in the mood.

As Cruz puts it:

There’s no one perfect way to do this, so you’ll just have to experiment with what works best.

During the Event

In networking events, you should set out to build connections and to learn. These will eventually lead to a Web3 career.

Build Connections

It’s easier to get into a Web3 career if the person hiring for a position knows who you are. People generally want to work with people they trust. 

While Web3 does allow for anonymity, its a human aspect that remains sticky.

Use the following techniques to build connections:

• Add Value: you should be thinking 24/7 on how you can add value. If you’re talking to a founder of an upcoming NFT collection, listen on his or her current needs. You might be able to bridge certain skill gaps. Whether that be as a community manager, NFT artist, or a project volunteer.

• Work the floor: As Bianca Cruz puts it, “Try to leave a good impression on the people you meet. Network effects are real.” You won’t know for sure who will get you the Web3 job, so try to meet as many as possible.

• Get Contact Details: Remember their names, organizations, mobile numbers, and Telegram handles. Realize the efforts of your hardwork when these people remember you after the events.

Learn

Many people approach networking events with the mindset of getting a job. While this a good start, a Web3 career goes further.

Building a personal brand. Establishing a company. Selling NFT artwork.

All these things can be learned by talking or listening to people during Web3 events. Treat these networking sessions as opportunities to learn from professionals and experts in the space. Who knows, you may be inspired to start your own Web3 business.

After the Event

As we’ve discussed in our previous guide, continue the conversation with those you’ve met. Maximize your connections early as the impression you made fades away over time.

Beyond that, continue building skills. Ultimately, the skills that you bring to an organization or person will keep you relevant in your Web3 career.

Here are quick ways to build skills:

• Volunteer – while performing free work does not sit well with everyone, it is a way to get your foot in the door of many Web3 companies. Many NFT projects and event organizers require volunteers that execute activities.

• Study  – take up crash courses from experts, universities, or even YouTube channels. Read articles and newsletters. There are plenty of content creators and thread writers on Twitter that cover ground on how to start a Web3 career.

• Just Do It – in the words of Nike, start by doing. Write articles, create NFT art, conduct Twitter spaces. While you may not be successful at the start, you will learn and your presence will grow. Those whom you’ve met will notice and may get you into a Web 3 job.

If you’re interested in attending the many local Web3 events, check out our guide about the best places to find Web3 jobs.