1. Online shopping

5.IT organizations

"It's not what you know, it's who you know."

Techies ignore this adage at their peril. Even in the skills-crazed world of database administrators and PHP programmers, networking matters, no doubt about it. One surefire way to connect with others -- and advance your career -- is by joining technology organizations.

Here's our list of top technology groups. Some emphasize continuing education, while others focus on industry issues. All of them can help you meet and develop professional relationships with others in your field, which is an essential part of achieving your career goals.