Networking for Career Growth in California: Where to Find Top Opportunities

Most articles about networking for career growth tell you things like “build your brand” or “leverage social media.” But they rarely give useful information about how to meet the right people or start meaningful conversations that lead to real job opportunities, such as:

• Where to find networking opportunities in California
• How to strike up a conversation and what to say
• How to keep relationships alive so they eventually turn into job leads

Developing these networking skills and relationship-building habits can make a big difference between feeling stuck in your job search or career development and getting real opportunities through referrals.

While you can absolutely do these things on your own, many people find it easier when they have guidance, real conversations to practice with, and a community to learn alongside.

That’s where Climb Hire comes in.

Climb Hire is a nonprofit organization that helps low-income adults in California launch tech careers from scratch. We do this by teaching the necessary technical skills and supporting you to build a professional network.

As a result, over 80% of our graduates find jobs within a year of finishing a program, thanks to the training and support we provide—and 77% of Climbers say the community is one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

In this post, we introduce you to Climb Hire’s programs and show how they combine technical training with real networking to help you launch a meaningful and lucrative tech career quickly. We’ll also show some other places to find networking opportunities and share some tips to make the most of them.

Learn more about Climb Hire’s training programs in IT Support and Paid Search Marketing to gain access to our professional network and launch a tech career quickly.

Where to find networking opportunities in California

If you’re looking to build a local network to grow your career, look for spaces where people in your specific field already gather. Luckily, California offers plenty of places to meet professionals who can share advice and connect you with job leads.

Here’s how to find career resources and opportunities that fit the field you want to enter:

• Enroll in a training program that includes strong networking support. If you’re new to an industry, one of the most effective ways to start networking is through a job training program that includes strong networking support. Typically, these programs do more than just teach technical skills. They connect you directly with mentors, instructors, alumni, and working professionals in the field.
  • For example, Climb Hire’s tech training programs give students built-in access to a professional community, helping you enter a field with valuable connections instead of starting from scratch. You can find out more about our programs below.

• Seek out field-specific meetups and industry groups. Platforms like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn Events often let you search by industry. Most groups host casual meetups, online discussions, workshops, or panel events. This helps you meet people in your local area who already work in the exact roles you’re exploring.
• Explore California professional associations. Many industries have local chapters that host networking nights, panel discussions, beginner-friendly webinars, and in-person mixers. Examples include HDI (for IT support), AMA (for marketing), Tech Ladies, and Latinas in Tech. Some offer free or low-cost entry to events through local chapters across California. This helps you access established communities tied directly to your field.
• Attend community college career fairs and employer events. California community colleges sometimes host things like employer info sessions and career fairs. Many events are open to all job seekers, not just students. These settings make it easier to meet recruiters and working professionals—and can naturally lead to informational interviews that help you make a real connection and give people a reason to remember you.
• Join online groups connected to your target career. Spaces like LinkedIn groups, Facebook communities, local Nextdoor career groups, and Reddit communities often have large memberships focused on different industries. These spaces make it easy to ask questions and introduce yourself. This helps you start networking digitally to start building relationships in a low-pressure environment.
• Use state or local workforce and career centers for industry-tailored workshops. California’s workforce centers, such as the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) network, offer hiring events, job fairs, and hands-on workshops. These programs help you connect with employers who are actively hiring. You can also explore different California job training programs that offer career-focused support across the state.
• Follow companies in your field and attend their open events. Some companies announce virtual Q&As and beginner-focused workshops on their LinkedIn pages, social media accounts, and newsletters. These events connect you with people in the field, creating natural opportunities to talk and learn.

Just remember, if you plan to engage with companies through social media, make sure your profile looks professional.

Climb Hire: Access to a built-in professional network as you train for a tech career

Climb Hire is a nonprofit organization that helps working adults launch tech careers, with professional networking as a core component of our training programs.

Alongside learning the technical skills needed for roles in IT support or digital marketing, you’ll join a supportive network of classmates, alumni, mentors, and industry professionals. Plus, our free courses include structured soft skills practice and real opportunities to connect with people already working in the field.

It’s no surprise that 77% of Climbers rate this community as one of the most important parts of the program.

Instead of spending months trying to build a network on your own, with Climb Hire, you join one that actively supports your progress. This is a big reason why more than 80% of our graduates land jobs within 12 months, in stable, well-paid roles with long-term growth potential.

Networking and support that helps you build lasting career connections

Climb Hire’s training programs weave people skills and professional communication development directly into your training. Our expert instructors teach you how to introduce yourself and communicate your strengths without feeling awkward. These skills matter because they’re often what turn first conversations into interviews and job opportunities.

On top of that, you join a professional tech network as soon as you enroll. Instead of trying to build industry relationships on your own, you gain access to our instructors, mentors, alumni, hiring partners, and other working professionals we’re connected to. These relationships are often how Climbers get their first interview, referral, or full-time role so quickly.

Inside the program, this support includes:

• Guidance on shaping your story and elevator pitch, giving you a clear, confident way to explain who you are and what you bring to a role.
• One-on-one support from a career coach who helps with networking conversations from introductions to follow-up.
• Interview preparation that helps you communicate effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Direct access to our robust professional community—which includes industry professionals and employer partners—creates meaningful connections that easily lead to real opportunities.
• Full use of our Alumni Network Portal, which includes a curated job board, networking events, and application tools that help you land your first role.
• Lifetime access to the Climb Hire alumni community, giving you a growing network long after you finish the program.
• One year of LinkedIn Premium, giving you tools to connect directly with hiring managers and reach out to professionals in your field.

This combination of communication support and a ready-made professional network removes the hardest part of networking: getting started. Instead of trying to break into a field alone, you’re surrounded by people who want to see you succeed—and who often become the bridge to your first well-paid job in tech.

Here’s what Climb Hire alum Genevieve Atiefu had to say about her experience: “Through the program I became more confident in public speaking, learned how to grow my network, how to job search, and the key to acing an interview. With everything I learned, I was fortunate enough to land a new role as a Marketing Coordinator for Praxis Labs. I am so thankful for the lifelong connections I made with my fellow Climbers and everything I learned on this journey.”

2 programs that combine technical training with real networking

Climb Hire offers two training tracks—IT Support and Paid Search Marketing—each focused on the technical and workplace skills required for real entry-level roles.

You’ll also build communication skills, such as networking conversations and explaining your strengths clearly, while forming connections with peers and industry professionals.

IT Support (6 months)

This program prepares you for entry-level IT roles and the CompTIA A+ certification, a widely recognized credential for technical support positions. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot hardware and software issues, work with operating systems, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of IT support specialists.

Paid Search Marketing (4 months)

This digital marketing program teaches you how to run and optimize digital ad campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads. You’ll learn to analyze performance, manage budgets, and work with the tools marketers use daily. By the end, you’ll earn three industry certifications—Google Ads Search, Meta Digital Marketing Associate, and HubSpot Inbound Optimization—to help you stand out to employers.

Both programs include:

• Live, instructor-led classes taught over Zoom, so you can ask questions in real time and learn alongside classmates in a supportive environment.
• Hands-on training with the tools you’ll actually use, giving you the practical skills needed for entry-level roles.
• Small learning pods that create community, accountability, and built-in peer networking throughout the program.
• Completely free programs, with all certification fees covered as well.

These experiences give you more than technical knowledge—they provide job readiness training that helps you feel confident talking to employers, collaborating with peers, and stepping into a new career.

Alumni Tanairy Alfaro Salazar credits Climb Hire’s soft skills and career networking support for helping her land her first tech role:

“I had no idea how to build a resume or LinkedIn profile or prepare for interviews before Climb Hire. They gave me the tools and confidence to apply for jobs, and just one week after finishing the cohort, I received an offer as a project coordinator at APTIM.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Break Through. Rise Up. (@climbhire)

3 more top options in California to find and build a professional network

1. Tech Ladies

Tech Ladies is a global community and hiring platform dedicated to helping women build and sustain long-term careers in technology.

It began in 2015 as a small coffee meetup and has since grown into one of the largest women-in-tech communities worldwide, with more than 150,000 members across the US, Canada, and Europe.

Tech Ladies combines a private member network with events, career resources, and a job board focused on inclusive employers. Members can access workshops, talks, and conferences—both locally and virtually—covering topics such as leadership, salary negotiation, and navigating workplace challenges.

The organisation also partners with companies through its Talent Network, connecting employers to vetted women in technical and adjacent roles. As such, it’s not just a networking opportunity, but a place to find real, high-paying work.

Find out more here.

2. Latinas in Tech

Latinas in Tech is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, connecting, and advancing Latina professionals in the technology industry.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, it was created to address the underrepresentation of Latinas in tech and to help close opportunity gaps across the sector. Today, the organization supports more than 20,000 members across the United States and Latin America, with California chapters in LA, Sacramento, and San Diego.

Latinas in Tech focuses on professional development, leadership advancement, and inclusive recruitment through mentorship programs, career fairs, and partnerships with major technology companies.

Its annual Latinas in Tech Summit and local chapter events provide high-impact platforms for networking, learning, and visibility.

Find out more here.

3. San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is the city’s local organization of businesses. It helps to promote economic growth and advocate for businesses, while providing a space for entrepreneurs and businesspeople to meet.

As such, if you’re looking for networking opportunities in the Bay Area, it can be a really useful resource. The Chamber of Commerce often hosts local networking events, including social mixers and discussions, where you can network with a wide array of businesses.

If San Francisco doesn’t work for you, though, you’ll find similar institutions in different cities—including in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

How to network effectively and build relationships that can advance your career

If Climb Hire or another of these options isn’t the right fit for you, you can absolutely build a strong professional network on your own.

While it can be a little nerve-wracking to show up to professional events and talk about your work, you won’t be the only one who feels this way. All it takes is a little intention, consistency, and a willingness to start conversations.

One of the key challenges for people starting to build their network is breaking the ice and beginning (and continuing) a productive conversation. In the rest of this post, we share some ideas about how to do just that.

1. Start networking conversations with clarity and confidence

Reaching out to a stranger can feel uncomfortable, whether starting a conversation in person or sending that first message online. That’s completely normal. Here’s how you can make that first step a little more manageable.

Start with a straightforward introduction. When you’re talking to someone you’ve never met, clarity helps. You don’t need to over-explain—just share who you are and why you’re reaching out. You can say something like, “Hi, I’m ____. I’m exploring a transition into ____, and I’m trying to connect with people in the industry to learn from those already doing the work.” Then you can move on to ask a couple more specific questions.

You don’t need to sound formal or overly polished. A natural tone works better when you’re talking to someone you don’t know yet, because it shows who you are genuinely and helps the interaction feel more natural, not forced.

Not every stranger will respond, and not every conversation will flow perfectly. That’s just part of networking. What matters is showing curiosity and being respectful of their time and expertise.

2. Follow up in a way that feels natural

A thoughtful follow-up can be what turns a quick interaction into a real connection. The goal is simply to keep the conversation going. There are several ways to go about this:

• Send a short thank-you message. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Keep it brief and specific: “Thanks again for taking a moment to share your experience about ____. I really appreciated hearing your perspective.” This acknowledges their time and opens the door for future conversations.
• Reference something they said. This shows you were listening and helps create a natural bridge to reconnect: “You mentioned that beginners often start in ____ roles—I’ve been looking into those options.” It doesn’t ask anything of them, while still creating engagement.
• Share a small update if you used one of their suggestions or took a step forward in your job search. Updates show progress and make the connection feel more meaningful.
• Ask a follow-up question that’s simple and low-pressure: “If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask you one quick follow-up question about ____.” The phrasing gives the other person space to decline if they don’t have time, which people appreciate.

If they don’t respond immediately (or at all), don’t take it personally. Many professionals are busy, and timing can play a role in whether someone replies. This is also why it’s helpful to reach out to more than one person. Not everyone will get back to you, but a few will—and those ongoing conversations are what allow your network to grow over time.

3. Stay connected so relationships can turn into job opportunities

Job opportunities that come through networking don’t usually happen after one conversation. They come from staying in touch over time. You don’t need constant communication or long messages either. Small, intentional messages work well.

• Share occasional updates on your progress. This doesn’t mean messaging every week. But when you take a meaningful step—like completing a certification, attending an event, or applying advice they gave you—letting them know can keep the relationship active.
• Engage with their public posts rather than direct messages. If you’re connected on LinkedIn or social media, an easy way to stay visible is by liking and commenting on their posts when something genuinely stands out to you. This keeps you on their radar without requiring one-on-one communication. This type of light engagement can easily be enough to maintain the relationship over time.
• Occasionally share relevant articles or resources. If you come across something directly related to their work or a topic you discussed, sending it with a brief note can be a thoughtful touch: “This article reminded me of our conversation about ____. Thought you might find it interesting.” Do this sparingly so it feels meaningful, not forced.

These small interactions can eventually lead to real opportunities. When someone remembers you and sees that you’re making progress, they’re more likely to think of you when their company is hiring or when they come across an opening.

Build the network, skills, and confidence to advance your career with Climb Hire

Networking is one of the most effective ways to grow your career—especially when you have clear guidance and a community that supports your success. Climb Hire gives you both, along with the technical training needed to transition into the tech industry and land an entry-level IT support or digital marketing role.

Our free training programs help you:

• Build communication and people skills that give you the confidence to network and interview with ease.
• Join a built-in community of alumni, mentors, and industry professionals who open doors to real job opportunities.
• Receive one-on-one support from a Career Development Advisor throughout your job search, plus lifetime connections with our alumni community of tech professionals.
• Gain the skills in IT support or paid search marketing needed to launch a career in tech.

Thanks to all Climb Hire offers, more than 80% of our graduates land jobs within a year of completing their cohort.

If you’re ready to connect with a real professional network and step into a meaningful tech career, apply now to Climb Hire’s programs in IT Support or Paid Search Marketing.