The Journey of TwoHundredK Community: From a Small WeChat Group to a Thriving Tech Community

In 2017, fresh from my graduation at the University of Ottawa with a Master’s degree, I found myself in a challenging spot—I couldn’t find a job. I started working for a young entrepreneur who promised to pay me after building his website. However, he only paid me half and frequently called me multiple times a day, leaving me frustrated and underappreciated. This experience made me realize the importance of being surrounded by supportive people.

Out of this necessity for support, I started a WeChat group with just my classmates and friends. Over time, more friends and acquaintances joined the group, transforming it into a vibrant community. We discussed everything from technical questions to interview tips. I was thrilled to see my friends becoming friends with each other, building a network of hundreds of engineers in Ottawa.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while everything else was shutting down, our WeChat group remained active. We shared wishes, information, and job opportunities, strengthening our connections. Witnessing my small efforts helping so many people connect and make a difference in their careers encouraged me to take the next step.

Today, the TwoHundredK Community has evolved into a more robust and functional platform compared to the original WeChat group:

1. Platform Independent: While we will continue running the WeChat group, we have expanded to include a LinkedIn page. Follow us on LinkedIn here to stay updated.

2. Enhanced Forum: Our forum allows users to start discussions, easily track new comments, and react to others’ posts, fostering a more interactive and engaging community.

3. Additional Features: The TwoHundredK website offers various features that make it a valuable resource for our members. Here are a few points on why the website is useful:

• Resource Repository: Access a wealth of resources, articles, and guides tailored for engineers at different stages of their careers.

• Mentorship Program: Connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.

• Job Board: Find job opportunities and referrals shared by community members.

• Event Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming events, workshops, and meetups.

What You Can Do to Get Involved:

1. Follow Our LinkedIn Page: Stay updated by following our LinkedIn page here.

2. Share Your LinkedIn Profile: Invite other members to connect by sharing your LinkedIn profile in the Career Development forum.

3. Subscribe to Our Mailer: Stay informed about upcoming events, opportunities, and community updates by subscribing to our newsletter.

4. Provide Feedback: As we are in the early stages of our forum, please report any issues or suggestions in the General Discussion channel, and I will follow up.

Exciting Things Ahead:

1. Mentors Onboarding: We are bringing onboard a lineup of exceptional mentors to guide and inspire you.

2. Offline Meetup: Get ready for our first offline meetup, where you can network and build lasting relationships within the community.

3. Weekly Online Feedback Collection Meeting: Join us for our weekly online feedback collection meetings to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are building a supportive, connected, and thriving community for engineers.

Warm regards,

Tiancheng C.

Founder, TwoHundredK Community