Let’s face it—many automation professionals would rather stay focused on their technical work than network. I get it. Some of the most brilliant automation minds I know would much rather be solving tricky PLC issues than mingling at a networking event. And honestly, that’s completely fine. You’re not alone.
But here’s something I’ve noticed recently: many of the most successful automation professionals I work with aren’t necessarily those who excel at schmoozing at events—they’re simply really good at what they do, and they’ve found ways to connect with like-minded professionals over shared challenges and interests.
Here’s the interesting part: a lot of our best placements don’t come from job boards. They come from personal connections. Our SGP Connect events have really taken off. Last quarter, for example, we brought together automation professionals and employers, and it was all about letting technical expertise take center stage. We’ve had some great success because we bring in senior experts who share their career experiences. That’s where the magic happens.
Networking is Evolving
The old-fashioned networking events are becoming less important in the automation world. Instead, I’m seeing more and more valuable connections being made in places where the focus is on technical expertise, not socializing:
- Technical forums and problem-solving platforms
- ISA (International Society of Automation) virtual sessions
- Focused LinkedIn groups for automation
- Webinars, workshops, and training sessions where you can share real-world experiences
Networking That Works for Technical Minds
Take one of the engineers I know. He’s not big on socializing, but he’s fantastic when it comes to troubleshooting. He’d post detailed solutions on Control.com, helping others with problems he had already solved. One day, a technical director saw his work and reached out. A few weeks later, this engineer was leading a project to modernize their control system. No handshakes required—just good, solid technical expertise.
How to Network on Your Own Terms
You don’t have to be a social butterfly to make great connections. If you’re more comfortable letting your work speak for itself, here’s how you can do it:
For Professionals:
- Share your insights and solutions in detailed posts.
- Join technical communities where you can talk about real-world problems.
- Participate in online discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Connect with people who are working on similar projects or have similar challenges.
For Employers:
- Create spaces where people can share technical knowledge.
- Organize problem-solving sessions for professionals to collaborate.
- Build relationships through project-based discussions, not just interviews.
- Engage with potential hires through their work, not just their resumes.
The Digital Approach
There’s an automation specialist I know who didn’t attend a single networking event to build his career. Instead, he started a blog to share his experiences solving PLC programming challenges. Over time, he built a strong network. One connection eventually led him to a role as a lead automation engineer.
Success Through Expertise
Here’s another example. I worked with a process control engineer who wasn’t into networking either. Instead, they focused on writing LinkedIn articles about FDA compliance in automation. When a big pharma company needed someone who knew both automation and compliance inside out, they were the perfect fit.
Finding What Works for You
Sure, face-to-face interaction can still be valuable, but it doesn’t have to be all about small talk. One of our clients hosts quarterly technical workshops where automation professionals solve real problems together. No forced socializing—just meaningful connections over shared challenges.
Moving Forward
If you’re working in automation, remember: you don’t have to change who you are to network effectively. Focus on what you’re good at—sharing your technical knowledge—and the right opportunities will come from there.
If you’re looking to connect with like-minded automation professionals or need help finding the best talent for your team, let’s have a conversation. We can build strong relationships based on expertise, not small talk.
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