The Road To AFROTECH? Conference 2024 Starts Now — Here's What This Career Expert Thinks Job Seekers Should Be Doing To Prepare Ahead Of Time

Editorial note: Opinions and thoughts are the writer's own and not those of AFROTECH?.

All the recent talk about Black jobs got this career expert thinking about one of the best career development investments money can buy for Black professionals — AFROTECH? Conference.

And no, the Blavity team is not paying me to say this. It truly is not your average conference. In 2023, AFROTECH? Conference had 35,000 city-wide participants, over 160 enterprises, and more than 200 speakers, solidifying it as the largest gathering of Black tech professionals. Keep in mind that it’s also not a cheap ticket. The companies that show up, host events, and sponsor employees and recruiting teams to attend are signaling their willingness to make a substantial investment in Black businesses and Black talent. I’ve been going since the very early days and can attest that it’s a place where connections are made, ideas are sparked, and careers are launched.

I was surprised last year when I saw some post-AFROTECH? Twitter posts saying, “I came, but I didn’t get a job.” For a couple of days, it was a thing. One person admitted they had been “at the conference for [five] days" but had "only went to the Expo Halls once.” Ma'am, you did not go to AFROTECH? Conference. You went to Austin, TX, and saw AFROTECH? things.

If you are seeking a job or career advancement at AFROTECH? Conference, you need to start planning how to maximize your time there now. Keep in mind that AFROTECH? Conference isn’t a job fair. It’s a hub for professional connection and learning. People do get hired there. So, if you want to be one of them, here are my "AFROTECH? Conference Rules and Tools" before you get that pass.

First, you need to come with the right mindset. If you want a job — even if your current job is sending you — be focused and be curious. You have to have a plan for how you’re going to spend your time, but great plans balance structure with spontaneity. You’re going to learn a lot, and it’s going to be a good time. But as that great Prophetess GloRilla has told us, “At the end of the day, the day gotta end.” When AFROTECH? Conference ends, try to remember what a privilege it is to walk around, see young Black brilliance being celebrated and compensated, and find ways to give back — to the AFROTECH? community and other professionals whose managers didn’t approve their travel.

We’ve Talked About The Opportunity That AFROTECH? Conference Is. Here’s What It Is Not

AFROTECH? is not 401(k) Freaknik. It’s not Homecoming. It’s a work trip — full stop — no matter how many rooftop mixers or open-bar cocktail hours you attend. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of fun to be had, and opportunity/job seekers should enjoy the fun, fellowship, excellence, and corporate-sponsored soirees. But keep it professional — two cocktails max.

For every hour you spend partying, spend at least two hours in sessions and on the Expo floor meeting recruiters and leaders from companies that interest you. You're representing your company and future you. You’re in the same room with some of the most influential leaders at some of the most influential companies in the world, and it may be one of the few times that almost all of them look like you. So make it count.

For all my entry-level professionals and job seekers: If your company is paying for you to attend, treat it as a valuable investment. Maximize your experience by attending sessions and networking events and making meaningful connections.

If you're at the beginning of your career or actively seeking a job, AFROTECH? Conference can be a game-changer. Now is the time to update your resume, LinkedIn, and join Talent Infusion.

How To Get Ready For AFROTECH? Conference

• Have your "why:" Clearly define your career goals and what you hope to achieve at AFROTECH? Conference. Knowing your purpose will guide your interactions and help you stay focused.
• Start building your networking plan now and find out who's going: Follow people who are posting about AFROTECH? on LinkedIn and make a list of who you might want to connect with when you get there. You can even introduce yourself to let them know you’ll be there and establish that warm connection.
• Discover companies: Research what companies will be represented and create a wishlist. Be open to opportunities with companies that may not have big brand name recognition — they might be perfect for you.
• Engage your circle: Once you research the companies, see who in your own network will be there. It’s a great chance to re-engage your network.
• Prepare your elevator pitch: Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch. Practice until you can confidently and succinctly explain who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. Share enough to pique interest, but don’t tell someone your life story. End with a commitment to connect later (keep that LinkedIn QR code at the ready!) while keeping the conversation light and engaging.

Networking pro-tip: Remember that building a professional community isn’t just about acquiring new contacts — it's about re-engaging your existing network. For example, you can share updates on your recent wins and developments since you last connected and ask them how they’ve been.

Now You’re Face-To-Face With A Recruiter, What's Next?

You have to highlight your skills in your elevator pitch, especially if your qualifications are non-traditional. Paint a picture of why you could be the perfect fit for their company, from your values to your skillset. It’s also great to give recruiters the opportunity to share what they’re looking for regarding open roles and how they think about building their talent pipeline. Think of recruiters as people you want to build relationships with and not as job vending machines. Recruiters have long careers, a ton of influence, and long memories. It’s never just about getting a job today; you’re building a community of people who are rooting for you to win.

Stay ahead by being proactive. Inform recruiters of your attendance at AFROTECH? Conference through LinkedIn and other channels. Personally invite them to connect, emphasizing your readiness to make meaningful connections and ensuring they recognize you on-site.

However, recruiters aren’t the only ones you need to wow at an event like this. Executives can also be a great parallel path to make a first impression.

During panels, don’t just listen—participate! Ask insightful questions that show you’ve been paying attention and that you understand the broader context. Speakers appreciate thoughtful inquiries, making you stand out in a room full of attendees.

Take advantage of any meet-and-greet sessions because they are prime opportunities to introduce yourself and make a lasting impression.

After meeting someone face-to-face, follow them on LinkedIn and send a personalized connection request. Mention a standout bit of your conversation, no matter how small. For example, “Mr. McCaskill, I really loved our conversation about the genesis of your fascinating newsletter, 'The Black Guy In Marketing.' I’m officially a new subscriber.” This shows that you’re attentive and serious about building a professional relationship. Remember, follow-up matters!

AFROTECH? Conference is more than an event; it's a catalyst for career transformation and professional growth. By building a plan, adopting an "AFROTECH? Attitude" and using your time on the ground at the conference wisely, you can leverage this unique opportunity to advance your career and make lasting connections. Click here to grab your ticket now.

Your LinkedIn Career Coach (and work-life hypeman),

Andrew McCaskill

Writer's note: Any references to GloRilla as a prophetess are solely results of my being a Hip-Hop head and are neither meant to be religious nor political. #YeahGlo