Career Dugout

Topic: Building a Career in Tech: The Power of People, Networking, and Community

Guest: Liv Brandt

Guest Title: Business Development for Axiom Path

Membership Director (Lake Norman IT Professionals - Nonprofit group)

Certifications: Leadership Studies Certificate

Technical skills matter - but careers are built through people, relationships, and community. In this session, Liv will share real-world insights from working alongside hiring managers, recruiters, and technology leaders to show how networking and community involvement can accelerate career growth in tech.

Rather than focusing solely on resumes or certifications, this talk highlights how authentic connections, curiosity, and showing up in the right spaces can open doors, create opportunity, and provide long-term support throughout a career.

This session will explore:

• Why relationships and community are often the biggest differentiators in tech careers

• How to network authentically (even if you’re introverted or early in your career)

• The role of professional communities, meetups, and mentorship in career growth

• How to build trust, visibility, and credibility over time

• Practical ways to engage with tech communities and turn connections into opportunity

Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to build meaningful relationships, leverage community resources, and approach their careers with confidence - knowing they don’t have to navigate the tech industry alone.