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

Thank you for the recommendation. I live in Los Angeles and I believe there are few groups here. I do really love Perl and the Philosophy of "there is more than one way to do it" .Although I don't plan on becoming a professional programmer or a Guru. Its more of a hobby/useful skill Internet for me. Are these groups for people like me as well? Thanks

>Are these groups for people like me as well?

Yes!

But I can't tell about the groups in LA... just mail them and ask about their next meeting.

Cheers Rolf