I would say this is exactly how I was able to pivot out of web and database development into VR development[0]. I spent a lot of time going out to meetups when I first started getting into VR. Meeting people, talking to people. Eventually, I started showing people the stuff I was building. That led to getting asked to do talks at the meetups about the stuff I was building. That led to more contacts. I ended up making friends with folks who would
one day make the connections that got me my current job.
Incidentally, when folks at my current employer started talking about hiring someone for my role, they kept running into people who knew me and had a high opinion of me.
Networking works in many directions. But it only works if you don't go into it looking for it to work. I think the big key was that I wasn't out to gladhand with folks. I was just out to make friends over a shared passion. It gives an authenticity to your speech that people can see.
[0] Which now has a big web and database component, all in service to the VR app that I'm building.
Incidentally, when folks at my current employer started talking about hiring someone for my role, they kept running into people who knew me and had a high opinion of me.
Networking works in many directions. But it only works if you don't go into it looking for it to work. I think the big key was that I wasn't out to gladhand with folks. I was just out to make friends over a shared passion. It gives an authenticity to your speech that people can see.
[0] Which now has a big web and database component, all in service to the VR app that I'm building.