How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Belgium

Belgium's tech scene is straight-up fire right now, and it's the perfect time to make that switch to a dope tech career! With big dogs like Google, Microsoft, and IBM setting up shop in Brussels, the demand for skilled techies is through the roof.

The Belgian tech industry is expected to keep growing by like 5.3% annually until 2024, creating over 20,000 new jobs – that's insane! Here's why you should seriously consider landing a tech gig in Belgium:

• Competitive pay: The pay is mad decent (average tech salary around €48,000/year).
• Thriving startup scene: There's a lit startup scene (over 1,800 startups in 2022).
• Work-life balance: The work-life balance is on point (average 38-hour work week).
• Focus on emerging technologies: They're all about emerging tech like AI, IoT, and fintech.

Belgium's central location in Europe makes it a prime spot for major international tech firms to set up shop.

As William Miller from Agoria said, "With our multilingual workforce and business-friendly policies, Belgium is positioning itself as a tech powerhouse in the heart of Europe." So if you're looking to level up your career and get in on the action, transitioning to Belgium's booming tech landscape could be the move.

Check out Nucamp's coding bootcamps to get those skills on lock!

Switching careers ain't easy, but when you're looking to make moves into Belgium's tech scene from a non-tech background, you gotta recognize the skills you already got.

The tech world in this country is all about those soft skills - we're talking communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt quickly.

According to the latest data from Himalayas, some of the most in-demand remote skills in Belgium include project management, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

These are talents you can pick up from all sorts of previous gigs, whether it's managing teams in construction or providing top-notch customer service in hospitality.

But don't sleep on the technical know-how either.

Recent surveys by Statista show that Belgian employers are struggling to find talent with skills in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

That's where coding bootcamps like BeCode come in, offering free classes to help you level up those tech skills and stand out in the job market. The key is striking that perfect balance between the soft stuff and the hard skills, because as the folks at Proximus said, emotional intelligence and teamwork are just as crucial as the technical chops for driving innovation.

If you're tryna switch gears and get into the tech game in Belgium, there are all kinds of ways to level up your skills. One sick option is coding bootcamps – these intensive programs will have you coding like a pro in no time.

Check out these dope bootcamps like Global Risk Analysis and Crisis Management, Business Implications of AI, and Legal Technology and Legal Innovation.

They'll teach you the hottest tech like AI, cybersecurity, and data science in just a few months.

But if you're more of a self-starter, online courses could be your jam.

Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX have tons of Belgium-specific tech courses you can take at your own pace. And don't sleep on free resources like freeCodeCamp and The Odin Project – they'll hook you up with a solid coding education without emptying your pockets.

A recent report showed that Belgian companies are struggling to find workers with digital know-how.

So whether you go the bootcamp route, take online courses, or teach yourself, as long as you can show off a sick portfolio and real-world experience, you'll be golden in the job hunt.

If you're looking to switch lanes from a non-tech background to a tech job in Belgium, networking is going to be crucial. This country's tech scene is lit, with a ton of dope events and meetups that'll let you connect with the right people.

Belgium Tech Community in Brussels is a must-join, where you can link up with experts and keep leveling up your skills.

And don't sleep on major conferences like Devoxx Belgium in Antwerp and BruCON in Brussels – these are the spots to mingle with industry bosses, discover the latest trends, and maybe even land a sick job or mentor.

But it ain't just about the big events.

Belgium's tech hubs are teeming with local meetups and networking seshes organized by dope communities like BetaCoders and Women in Tech Belgium. These intimate gatherings are prime for picking the brains of like-minded techies, gaining insider knowledge on specific domains, and building valuable connections.

And if you can't make it IRL, online forums like BelgiumTechForum and communities on Meetup are virtual havens for engaging with Belgian tech pros, seeking advice, and staying in the loop.

When you hit these tech events, remember to come correct with an elevator pitch that sells your background, goals, and value.

Exchange dem digits (business cards, that is) with the people you vibe with, and don't be shy – participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.

And most importantly, follow up with your new connects, express interest in their work, and explore potential collaborations. Building a solid network is key in Belgium's tech world – your network really is your net worth.

By immersing yourself in these vibrant communities, you'll gain invaluable industry knowledge, find mentors, and maybe even land your dream tech gig.

Landing a sweet tech gig in Belgium is all about playing your cards right. First up, you gotta leverage the right resources to unlock those juicy opportunities.

According to the experts at Expatica, a ton of foreigners easily score jobs in Belgium, especially in Brussels with its international business scene and European Union presence.

Their guide covers the deets on the job market, vacancies, salaries, work culture, labor laws, and how to find jobs through sites like BrusselsJobs, which has a dedicated IT section.

To stand out from the crowd, your resume and cover letter need to be on point.

A study by Robert Half revealed that Belgian employers prioritize candidates with strong technical skills when hiring for tech roles. So, make sure to highlight your coding prowess, list the programming languages, software, and databases you're a boss at, and quantify your achievements with metrics and data.

Showcase how you've tackled complex challenges and implemented solutions, and let them know you're always staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends.

Nailing those technical interviews is crucial too.

According to TalentLMS, 72% of Belgian tech pros find them challenging. But don't sweat it! Practice coding challenges and whiteboard problems relevant to the role, brush up on your data structures and algorithms knowledge, and be ready to discuss your technical projects in detail.

Oh, and check out the InterviewBit's Belgium Tech Interview Guide for a head start on common interview questions.

Last but not least, networking is your secret weapon! A whopping 85% of Belgian tech professionals believe it's been a game-changer for their career growth, according to LinkedIn.

Attend local tech events, join online communities like Meetup, and leverage your professional connections to gain insights and discover new opportunities.

And don't forget to explore coding bootcamps like Nucamp's, which can give you the skills and connections you need to land that dream job!