There’s a new era of networking in tech, and it’s not all polished LinkedIn posts, Zoom mixers, or networking events. Today’s episode of Off The VPN discusses the modern rules of tech networking with special guest
Meghan Halton, Senior Engineering Manager at
Kibeam Learning. From the awkward icebreakers to the pressure of LinkedIn profile management, Meghan, Jasmine, and Allison break down what’s really worth the hype—and what’s not worth the time.
Whether you’re figuring out how to maximize online and offline events, building genuine connections, or debating what to share on LinkedIn, today’s episode gives us a fresh perspective. So, if you’re wondering what the absolute essentials are, this one’s for you!
Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Slide into our DMs at
jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it
Off The VPN.
Highlights:- LinkedIn: Essential Tool or Necessary Evil? Meghan and the hosts share their love-hate relationship with LinkedIn, from the professional wins to the social media burnout.
- Virtual Networking: Connection or Just Convenience? The pros and cons of remote-only networking events, plus tips on creating real connections online.
- Mastering the Art of Conference Mingling: Whether it’s a happy hour or a speed networking game, Jasmine, Allison, and Meghan discuss the secrets to turning conference mixers into genuine networking wins.
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Today’s topic: navigating tech networking with Meghan
(03:12) The LinkedIn debate: love it or leave it?
(09:24) Virtual networking events: connection vs. convenience
(15:46) In-person conferences: making real connections in tech
(21:13) Mixer moments: how to handle conference happy hours
(27:48) Imposter syndrome at conferences: advice for newcomers
(32:22) Networking games: icebreakers or cringe-worthy activities?
(37:09) Maintaining professional connections: pro-tips from Meghan
What is Off the VPN?
Is bringing up your software engineering salary a dating red flag? How do you strike a balance between career ambition and incendiary burnout? Is it ever okay to hold your code hostage in escrow? Navigating a career in tech raises a lot of tricky questions that aren’t exactly appropriate for the daily stand-up. So let’s take this off the VPN.
In this new podcast from Jellyfish, work besties Jasmine and Allison scour the internet to find the real questions engineers and developers are whispering over drinks and posting about anonymously. Together, they’ll tackle the most troubling of inquiries with authenticity, humor, and absolutely no holding back.