check for a perlmongers group next to you

And if there isn't one, start one.

Once you've found a group, offer to do a talk or two. There are lots of good reasons to do a talk even though you still consider yourself beginner level ...

• preparing to speak about a topic will help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic ("learn through teaching")
• people will ask questions that allow you to expand your knowledge even further
• there is always demand for beginner-level talks at PM groups (there's always someone who knows less than you)
• improving your speaking skills is an excellent goal in itself

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