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

Switching careers can be a big move, but for people in Columbia, Missouri, pivoting into tech is an awesome opportunity. The tech industry in Missouri is blowing up, with projections of a 10.7% growth in STEM job openings through 2024 - that's over 25,000 new roles! Columbia, being home to major companies like ABC Laboratories and Shelter Insurance, is right in the middle of this action.

But the need for skilled tech talent isn't just limited to the big names:

• Missouri companies struggle to fill open tech positions. A 2022 survey found that 92% of Missouri companies struggled to fill open tech positions.
• Roles like software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists are in crazy high demand across all kinds of sectors.
• Upskilling to meet this need offers residents some seriously lucrative career prospects and growth potential: the average tech salary in Missouri is $84,590 according to CompTIA.

As John Garcia of LaunchCode, a local tech training nonprofit, puts it: "The tech scene here is on fire, and we've got companies lining up to hire skilled professionals.

For those looking to make a career switch, the timing couldn't be better." With the right training and resources, tapping into Missouri's tech boom is an exciting opportunity for career changers in Columbia.

Look, switching careers ain't easy, but having transferable skills can make it way smoother.

These are talents you've picked up from past gigs that can come in clutch for tech jobs in Columbia. We're talking stuff like problem-solving, communication, being detail-oriented, and adapting to change.

Companies dig these abilities, so spotting the ones you already own is key.

To ID your transferable skills, make a list of what you rocked at in your old roles and what helped you slay.

If you were a customer service queen, chances are you leveled up your communication, listening, and keeping-it-cool-under-pressure abilities – all super useful for tech careers like project management or UX design.

If you've managed teams or projects before, you've flexed those leadership, organization, and problem-solving muscles.

Columbia's got resources to help too.

The University of Missouri's Career Center has tools and counselors to assist you in uncovering your strengths. Local tech meetups like Code.Columbia and ACM-W MU let you network and learn about in-demand skills straight from the pros.

Online platforms like LinkedIn's Skills Assessment and O*NET's Transferable Skills tool can guide you further.

Glassdoor puts it, "The tech world moves quickly, and transferable skills like adaptability and continuous learning are essential to keeping up." By maximizing the talents you already possess and tapping into local support, you can highlight the transferable skills that'll make you shine as you chase that dream tech career in Columbia.

Columbia is the spot if you wanna get your tech game on point! This city has all kinds of sweet options to upgrade your skills and land a dope job in the tech world.

For starters, you got the big dogs like the University of Missouri and Columbia College offering legit degree programs in tech fields.

But who's got time for that multi-year grind, am I right?

That's where coding bootcamps come in clutch. Check out Nucamp - these guys are like a fast-track to gainful employment in tech.

Their bootcamps cover all the buzzwords you need to know: full-stack web dev, data analytics, cybersecurity, you name it. Their grads have scored gigs at major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.

Talk about leveling up!

What really sets Nucamp apart is their flexibility:

• Online or hybrid formats? Got it.
• Part-time or full-time? They got you covered.

It's like they built their program specifically for busy hustlers like us.

One Nucamp alum, Barbara Thomas, from right here in Columbia said the bootcamp gave them the skills and confidence to chase their tech dreams. Can't argue with results, right?

Look, networking is the real deal if you're trying to switch into tech from a non-techy background.

It's not just about making connections, it's about expanding your knowledge and getting insights from industry pros.

In Columbia, you've got plenty of ways to get your network on. Meetup groups like CoMo Tech Connected and ColumbiaPHP host regular events where you can learn and mingle with other techies.

Big companies like Coding Factory and JobMa also organize workshops and hackathons, giving you a chance to meet potential employers and talk shop.

But it's not just about in-person events.

Online networking is just as important.

LinkedIn is a must-have tool for connecting with professionals and staying updated on job openings. Optimize your profile, join relevant groups like "Columbia Tech Community," and engage with companies you're interested in.

You never know when a simple connection could lead to your dream job.

At the end of the day, networking is about building relationships and positioning yourself for success.

As Richard Williams, a seasoned tech recruiter in Columbia, puts it, "Networking is the key to a smooth career transition. It unlocks opportunities and gives you a chance to learn from the best in the biz." So make connections, and show the tech world what you've got!

When it comes to scoring a sick tech gig in Columbia, Missouri, your resume needs to be on point. Like, these resume ninjas know what they're talking about.

They'll make sure your resume stands out and gets noticed by the hiring managers.

But that's not all. You gotta polish that bad boy to perfection.

Highlight any relevant skills or projects you've done, even if they're not directly tech-related. Employers dig that transferable knowledge.

And don't sleep on the coding bootcamps in Columbia.

They're legit and can give you the skills you need to level up your career. Just check out the rep of places like Nucamp Coding Bootcamp – they've got your back.

Once you've got that resume on lock, it's time to start applying.

Research the companies, know their tech stack, and show them you're a perfect fit. And don't forget to hit up the local job centers like Columbia Job Center – they've got all the resources you need to crush the job hunt.