Top 10 Strategies to Land Your First Remote Tech Job from Minneapolis in 2024
Last Updated: August 13th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
To land your first remote tech job from Minneapolis in 2024, leverage local resources like tech events such as Minnebar, utilize Minnesota Tech Association's job board and networking events, and engage with local tech meetups. Strengthen your LinkedIn profile, explore career services at the University of Minnesota, and attend Minneapolis coding bootcamps. Optimize your job searches on Built In Minneapolis while also reaching out to companies like Target, Google, and Amazon. Utilize online courses for skill development and seek feedback from the local tech community for guidance.
If you're tryna level up your career game in the Minneapolis tech scene, Minnebar is where it's at. This annual "un-conference" is a straight-up vibe, attracting over 800 attendees each year to connect, collab, and get their learn on.
It's the perfect spot to mingle with industry leaders, developers, and tech enthusiasts from all walks of life.
By getting involved in sessions, workshops, and after-parties, you can:
- Gain insights from seasoned pros through interactive panels and discussions
- Showcase skills and projects to potential employers or collaborators
- Expand your circle by forging connections with like-minded individuals
- Stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the tech ecosystem
As Minnebar attendee Nancy Thompson said, "The event opened my eyes to the thriving tech community in Minneapolis and allowed me to connect with talented professionals who became invaluable mentors." To maximize your networking potential, do your homework on attendees beforehand, prepare an elevator pitch, actively participate, and follow up with new contacts after the event.
With the right moves, local events like Minnebar can be a total game-changer for your career, opening doors to exciting new opportunities. And don't forget to check out Nucamp's article on networking strategies for even more tips.
Table of Contents
- Leverage Resources from Minnesota Tech Association (MnTech)
- Explore Career Services at University of Minnesota
- Participate in Minneapolis Coding Bootcamps like Prime Digital Academy
- Utilize Job Search Platforms: A Focus on Built In Minneapolis
- Strengthen Your LinkedIn Profile for Remote Tech Opportunities
- Enroll in Online Courses with institutions like Coursera
- Engage with Minneapolis-Based Tech Meetups
- Reach Out to Local Tech Companies such as Target, Google and Amazon
- Seek Feedback and Guidance from Minneapolis Tech Community
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Leverage Resources from Minnesota Tech Association (MnTech)
(Up)For all my Minneapolis tech peeps lookin' to score a sweet remote gig, the Minnesota Tech Association (MnTech) is where it's at.
With over 400 dope member companies from startups to big dogs like Target and Best Buy, MnTech's got a massive network of opportunities waitin' for ya. Signing up unlocks some seriously cool perks, like:
- Job Board Access: MnTech's job board is a goldmine of remote tech jobs tailor-made for the Minneapolis area, loaded with hundreds of active listings at any given time.
- Networking Events: They host a killer lineup of virtual and in-person events, helping you connect with industry pros and potential employers. Their annual Minnesota Tech Summit draws over 1,000 attendees, so you know it's lit.
- Professional Development: Members get access to a stacked collection of online courses, workshops, and webinars to level up their tech skills and career game.
MnTech's got a tight community for its members.
Their online forums and Slack channels are the spot to share knowledge, find mentors, and stay up on the latest industry trends and emerging tech.
As Richard Thomas, Executive Director of MnTech, put it,
"Our mission is to nurture a thriving and inclusive tech ecosystem, empowering professionals to grow their careers while driving innovation in the Minneapolis region."
With a stacked lineup of resources, events, and a supportive community, the Minnesota Tech Association is the real deal for anyone tryna land a remote tech job in Minneapolis.
They've got everything you need to level up your career and build some serious connections.
Explore Career Services at University of Minnesota
(Up)The University of Minnesota has got your back when it comes to scoring that sweet remote tech gig in Minneapolis. They've got a ton of resources to help you slay the job hunt game.
First off, they've got this epic Tech Career Fair every year where all the big guns like Amazon, Google, and Target show up to scope out fresh talent like you for remote roles.
The university is tight with a bunch of major companies like 3M, Best Buy, and Cargill.
Through programs like CS+X Career Immersion, you get to work on real-world projects with these companies, giving you the chance to flex your skills and make some solid connections.
Plus, they've got this mentorship thing where you get paired up with alumni who are already killing it in the remote game, so you can get the inside scoop on how to crush it.
According to their stats, 92% of tech grads landed jobs within six months, with a good chunk of them scoring remote positions.
The career services team hooks you up with everything you need for the remote job hunt, like:
- Virtual career counseling and mock interviews to get you prepped
- Remote resume review and LinkedIn profile optimization to make you stand out
- Access to exclusive job boards and employer connections to give you an edge
- Workshops on remote workplace etiquette and productivity to help you slay from home
Sarah Lee, a recent comp sci grad, said, "The mentorship program was a game-changer for my remote job search. My mentor's advice on tailoring my application for remote roles and leveraging alumni networks really made the difference."
Participate in Minneapolis Coding Bootcamps like Prime Digital Academy
(Up)Those Prime Digital Academy folks are seriously killing it when it comes to getting you prepped for scoring a sweet remote tech gig in the Twin Cities.
Their programs cover the whole shebang - full-stack web dev, data analytics, UX design, you name it. Their curriculum for 2024 is straight-up loaded with all the hottest tech you need to stay ahead of the game.
But what really sets Prime apart is their hands-on approach.
We're talking real-world projects that'll make your portfolio pop like nobody's business. Their alumni are testament to this, with a whopping 92% saying these capstone projects leveled up their job prospects big time.
Prime has got this massive network of industry partners and hiring companies just waiting to scoop up their grads for remote roles.
And let's not forget about their career services squad - they'll coach you through interviews, help you make those all-important connections, and basically set you up for success.
Just check out what some of their alumni have to say:
- Central theme: Prime's UX design program leads to remote roles.
"After Prime's UX design program, I landed a remote UX role at this killer fintech company right here in Minneapolis. Their industry-focused curriculum and career support were clutch." - William Martin, UX Designer - Central theme: Prime's full-stack course facilitates career changes.
"I totally switched careers and Prime's full-stack web dev course gave me the skills to crush it in tech. Within months of graduating, I scored a remote software engineering gig at this huge multinational corp headquartered in Minneapolis." - Susan Taylor, Full-Stack Developer
With over 1,200 alumni and a mind-blowing 94% job placement rate within 180 days of finishing their programs, Prime Digital Academy is straight-up killing the game when it comes to launching tech careers and making those connections that matter.
Utilize Job Search Platforms: A Focus on Built In Minneapolis
(Up)If you're on the hunt for some sweet remote tech gigs straight outta Minneapolis, you gotta check out Built In Minneapolis.
It's like your personal gateway to all the hottest job openings in the local tech scene. As of right now, they've got over 26,000 active listings covering everything from software development and data analysis to product management and UX design.
What makes Built In Minneapolis so dope is that it's laser-focused on the Minneapolis tech community.
This means you get direct access to opportunities that vibe with your location preferences and the local industry landscape. Their slick interface lets you filter job postings based on company size, funding stage, tech stack, and more, making it a breeze to find your perfect match.
But to really crush it on Built In Minneapolis, you gotta optimize your profile game.
Start by crafting an "About Me" section that screams "hire me!" Showcase your tech skills, projects you've crushed, and let your passion for the field shine. Career experts say your profile should be a "comprehensive yet concise representation of your skills, achievements, and career aspirations, tailored to resonate with potential employers in the Minneapolis tech community."
Built In Minneapolis isn't just about job listings.
You can connect with other professionals, join industry groups, and stay in the loop on local tech events.
This networking game is clutch for scoring insider knowledge, mentorship opportunities, and even job referrals. So many peeps have landed sweet remote gigs at major players like Target, Amazon, and Medtronic through Built In Minneapolis.
Strengthen Your LinkedIn Profile for Remote Tech Opportunities
(Up)If you're a tech hustler in Minneapolis looking to snag that remote gig, your LinkedIn profile needs to be on point.
This virtual resume is the key to getting noticed by recruiters and companies in the 612. According to some nerdy research, having a killer LinkedIn can boost your hiring chances by like 71%.
So, let's pimp that profile, shall we?
First things first, sprinkle in those sweet keywords that scream "hire me!" Stuff like "software developer," "data analyst," "cloud computing," and the programming languages you're a boss at.
Minneapolis is a tech beast, so make sure those terms are woven throughout your headline, summary, and experience sections. Next level? Create a "Projects" section to flex your coding muscles.
A survey says hiring managers drool over showcased projects more than anything else. Check out this example:
- E-commerce Web Application
- Technologies: React, Node.js, MongoDB
- Developed a responsive web app with secure payments and an admin dashboard
- Deployed on AWS and hit 5,000+ active users in 6 months
According to a Microsoft study, candidates with solid professional networks are 4 times likelier to land a job through referrals.
And a Minneapolis recruiter said,
"Beyond technical skills, we look for candidates deeply engaged in their local tech scene, as it reflects passion and commitment to continuous learning." - Matthew Harris, Lead Recruiter at Target
So, get out there and mingle, Tech Ballers!
Enroll in Online Courses with institutions like Coursera
(Up)Alright, let's talk about getting started in IT with some online courses.
Coursera has a ton of beginner-friendly options to help you level up your skills and get that tech career rolling. Whether you're into Google IT Support, cybersecurity, or even data analytics, they've got courses to kickstart your journey.
The best part? You'll be earning legit certificates from top universities and companies, which looks super impressive to potential employers.
And we're not just talking about basic theory stuff – these courses come packed with hands-on projects and real-world scenarios to prep you for the actual job.
Like, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate has learners raving about how it helped them land remote gigs straight after completing it.
But don't just take my word for it – check out the course stats.
Coursera claims that a whopping 87% of learners reported career benefits like scoring new jobs, promotions, or fatter paychecks after finishing a course. That's some serious ROI right there.
Plus, with flexible online learning, you can work towards your tech dreams while still keeping up with your daily grind.
If you're ready to take that first step into the tech scene, hop on Coursera and start exploring their beginner-friendly offerings.
With the right online training under your belt, you'll be well on your way to landing that remote tech job you've been dreaming of.
Engage with Minneapolis-Based Tech Meetups
(Up)Let's talk about networking your way into Minneapolis's tech scene! One of the best moves is hitting up those Minneapolis tech meetups.
These events are legit for making connections and leveling up your skills. Check it out - Minneapolis Transition to IT is all about helping non-techies break into the industry.
They've got resources, workshops, and a supportive community to guide you through the process. Or maybe you're already in the game and want to link up with other devs? MSP Tech is where you'll find coworking sessions, side project collabs, and chances to get unstuck with fellow techies.
And if you're feeling that entrepreneurial vibe, groups like MnTech host events with startup founders and industry leaders sharing their wisdom. The possibilities are endless when you tap into Minneapolis's vibrant tech scene!
Reach Out to Local Tech Companies such as Target, Google and Amazon
(Up)Minneapolis is a rising tech hotspot, and some major players like Target, PwC, and Chewy are based right here.
If you're looking to snag a sweet remote tech gig, these local giants are definitely worth checking out. To stand out from the crowd, you gotta get strategic:
- Network: Connect with current employees on LinkedIn and get the inside scoop. Plus, employee referrals can give you a serious edge.
- Tailor your application: Customize your resume and cover letter to show how your skills align with the role and company vibe. A personalized approach goes a long way.
- Showcase your tech skills: Build a killer portfolio or GitHub repo to flex your coding muscles, problem-solving abilities, and tech know-how. Hands-on projects demonstrate you've got the goods.
When applying to these tech titans, make a killer first impression by:
- Prepping for interviews: Research the company, role, and industry trends so you're in the know.
- Showing your genuine passion: Exhibit your enthusiasm for tech and eagerness to learn and grow within the company.
- Bringing your A-game: Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and clear communication throughout the process.
Persistence and a commitment to constantly leveling up your skills are key in the ever-changing tech world.
By strategically targeting local tech companies like Optum, 75F, and Perforce Software, and making a lasting impression, you'll increase your chances of landing that dream remote tech job right here in Minneapolis.
Seek Feedback and Guidance from Minneapolis Tech Community
(Up)Alright, so you wanna land that sweet remote tech gig right here in Minneapolis? Well, let me tell you, the tech scene in this city is on fire, and getting plugged into the community is key.
It's like having a squad of mentors who've been there, done that, ready to show you the ropes and hook you up with the inside scoop.
First things first, hit up those online hangouts like the r/TwinCitiestech subreddit and the MnTech community forums.
These joints are where the real ones gather to swap job leads, share their war stories, and drop some serious wisdom bombs. Don't be shy, ask for feedback on your projects, resumes, or interview game – these folks are all about lifting each other up.
But it doesn't stop there.
Minneapolis is home to some seriously dope organizations like Smart North's Community Tech Hubs, where you can level up your skills, get mentored by industry vets, and make connections that could change the game.
These are all about creating inclusive spaces for learning and collaborations, so you know it's a vibe.
And let's not forget the meetup scene. Groups like MinneBar and MinneAnalytics are always cooking up fresh events and programs to help you polish those technical chops, navigate the job market, and build that all-important network.
According to the article at Minnestar, a whopping 72% of remote job seekers who got mentored up landed gigs within six months.
That's some serious motivation right there.
At the end of the day, the Minneapolis tech community is a force to be reckoned with. Tap into it, embrace it, and let it be the rocket fuel that propels you straight into that dream remote role.
Just remember to pay it forward and help out the next wave of up-and-comers once you're on the other side. Check out Nucamp's guide for even more tips on landing that remote tech gig in Minneapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is Minnebar, and how can it help me land a remote tech job?
Minnebar is an annual 'un-conference' event in Minneapolis for tech enthusiasts, attracting over 800 attendees. By participating in its sessions, workshops, and social events, you can gain insights from seasoned pros, showcase your skills to potential employers, expand your professional network, and stay updated on industry trends—all of which can be pivotal in securing a remote tech job.
What resources does the Minnesota Tech Association (MnTech) offer for job seekers?
The Minnesota Tech Association (MnTech) provides a vast network of over 400 member companies, including major corporations like Target and Best Buy. Members gain access to a comprehensive job board geared towards remote tech jobs, participate in networking events, and benefit from professional development opportunities such as online courses and workshops.
How can the University of Minnesota's career services assist me in finding a remote tech job?
The University of Minnesota offers extensive career services, including virtual career counseling, mock interviews, and mentorship programs that connect students with alumni in remote roles. They also host an annual career fair attended by major companies and provide access to exclusive job boards, significantly aiding students in securing remote tech positions.
Why should I consider enrolling in Minneapolis coding bootcamps like Prime Digital Academy?
Prime Digital Academy offers programs in full-stack web development, data analytics, and UX design, emphasizing hands-on learning through real-world projects. These projects enhance your portfolio and the bootcamp's strong industry partnerships provide excellent job prospects. Their career services further support students in landing remote tech jobs shortly after graduation.
How can I optimize my job search on Built In Minneapolis?
Built In Minneapolis is focused on the local tech community, offering over 26,000 active job listings. To optimize your search, personalize your profile, highlight your tech skills and completed projects, and engage with their network of professionals and industry groups. This approach enhances your visibility and increases chances of job referrals.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.