Predicting how networking will evolve isn’t easy, but the past gives us clues for those who pay attention.

Today, we’ll explore some expert predictions on the evolution of professional networking. What’s clear is that emerging networking trends will balance tech innovation with personal connection.

The question is … how exactly will that play out?

Three experts share their predictions ...

CAREERS
💼 Rochester at Work

Workplace Highlights in Rochester, NY

Rochester’s job market added around 4,000 private-sector jobs over the past year, bringing total employment to about 443,700. The biggest gains came from Education & Health Services, Professional & Business Services, and Leisure & Hospitality. Smaller increases were seen in Construction and Trade.
Sectors with slight declines included Manufacturing, Finance, and Information. The unemployment rate is currently 4.0%, showing a stable and healthy labor market.

🔥 Top Job Postings

• Product Development Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers
  💵 $124k - $280k /yr. | 📍 Rochester, NY (Apply)

• Sales Manager - HBT at Paychex  
  💵 $100K/yr - $130K/yr. | 📍 Rochester, NY (Apply)

• LeafFilter - Outside Sales Representative - Rochester at Leaf Home
  💵 $80K/yr - $220K/yr. | 📍 Rochester, NY (Apply)

👀 Top Job Seekers

• Erin Kane, Assistant Store Manager
  👉 Currently seeking employment |📍Rochester, NY (Profile)

• He Yang, Postdoctoral Researcher
  👉 Photonic engineer/ Optical engineer/ Process engineer/ actively seeking for new jobs |📍Rochester, NY (Profile)

• Connor Quinn, Computer Numerical Control Machinist
  👉 Looking for Employment |📍Rochester, NY  (Profile)

• Lidan Noreen, Customer Service Representative
  👉 Actively looking for new opportunities and challenges |📍Rochester, NY  (Profile)

• Avaya Phone System Maintenance and Support needed at Monroe County (Link)

• Mediation Services needed at NYSED (Link)

• The City of Rochester needs ATM at Public Market and International Plaza (Link)

• City Hall "A" Building Low Roof Replacement (Link)

• Hemlock Filtration Plant Filter Rehabilitation Project (Link)

• Rochester organization sought to purchase and creatively improve125 Charlotte Street (Link)

• 2025 RHSFC Funding Application (Link)

• ‘Neighbors helping neighbors:’ Rochester business owner extends helping hand to TSA in time of need (More)

• Women from Buffalo and Rochester receive $30K in scholarships for the national venture summit (Read)

• The Small Business Grant Program – City of Rochester is now open for 2025-26: retail and neighborhood service businesses can apply for up to $5,000 (new businesses ≤12 months) or $8,000 (established 12+ months) for items like advertising, signage, computers, fixtures, and security equipment. (More)

• The Micro Advantage Loan Program via Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation offers loans of $10,000-$50,000 for small businesses needing financing (working capital, equipment, etc), with priority for MWBE and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned firms. (More)

• Applications opened October 2, 2025, for Round 9 of the accelerator competition focused on optics, photonics & imaging. Each selected startup receives an initial investment of $100,000, with the potential to compete for up to $2 million in follow-on funding. Applicants must be incorporated with at least two full-time employees and attend in-person sessions in Rochester. (More)

• Colgate Rochester Crozer Receives $1 Million Lilly Endowment Grant to Reimagine Theological Education (More)

What are the best companies to work for in Rochester, NY?

1. Wegmans Food Markets
2. Bausch + Lomb
3. Carestream Health
4. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
5. LaBella Associates

Thank you for being part of our Greater Rochester business community!