Top 10 Effective Job Hunting Strategies for New Orleans Tech Professionals
Last Updated: August 14th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Discover top job hunting strategies for New Orleans tech professionals by leveraging local meetups like NOLA Entrepreneur Week, networking through the Chamber of Commerce, joining tech-focused Slack groups, and exploring opportunities at firms like DXC Technology. Enhance skills at events by showcasing abilities, gaining insights, and building your personal brand. Stay proactive and visible within the professional community to excel in your career goals.
As a 20-something tech pro grinding it out in the Big Easy, you can't sleep on the importance of networking your way into NOLA's tech scene.
These local meetups are where the real action happens - connecting with the movers and shakers, showcasing your skills, and getting the inside scoop on open gigs.
I mean, a number of local tech orgs have popped up for this exact reason - to give us young guns a place to link up, level up, and land those dream jobs.
- Networking opportunities: Meetups like NOLA Entrepreneur Week, NOLA.rb for Ruby devs, and the Python User Group provide a fantastic platform for connecting with other tech professionals. They are instrumental in building relationships and expanding your network.
- Showcase your skills: Attending these events allows you to present your technical abilities and engage with others who share your passion. Building a strong personal brand is essential for advancing your career.
- Gain insights: By participating in discussions and asking questions, you can demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm, making you stand out during Q&A sessions.
We're talking meetups like NOLA Entrepreneur Week (which attracts over 25K entrepreneurs annually), NOLA.rb for the Ruby devs, and the Python User Group for all you Py-thons out there.
And don't even get me started on the value of building that standout tech portfolio - these meetups are the perfect place to get that extra edge.
Prep that elevator pitch highlighting your skills and career goals.
Roll up early, introduce yourself to the organizers and speakers - that's how you get noticed. And when it's Q&A time, hit 'em with those insightful questions to really flex that brain muscle.
Before you know it, you'll be landing that first remote tech gig from the comfort of the 504, all thanks to your meetup networking game.
Table of Contents
- Connect with Louisiana Tech Park
- Explore Opportunities at DXC Technology
- Attend Webinars Offered by NOLA Code
- Engage with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
- Join the New Orleans Tech Community on Slack
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Connect with Louisiana Tech Park
(Up)Nexus Louisiana Tech Park is the spot where start-up dreams come to life in this state. It's a breeding ground for fresh tech talent and innovative ideas.
This place gets you plugged into a vibrant community that's all about supporting one another, leveling up skills, and watching businesses flourish.
As a member of Nexus, you gain access to a treasure trove of resources designed to propel your growth.
You'll receive personalized coaching from certified growth experts who know the ropes, along with cutting-edge cloud-based visual tools to streamline your workflow.
Plus, you're tapped into a network of potential investors, always handy when you're trying to turn that passion project into a full-fledged reality.
Nexus rolls out the red carpet with 24/7 access to sleek workspaces and amenities fit for a tech mogul in the making.
From coding bootcamps and hackathons to entrepreneurship workshops and pitch competitions, their event calendar is stacked with opportunities to expand your professional network and stay ahead of the curve.
Explore Opportunities at DXC Technology
(Up)If you're looking to score a sweet tech gig in the Big Easy, DXC Technology is definitely worth checking out. This massive IT company has a huge presence in New Orleans and offers a ton of different career paths, whether you're into app dev, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or digital transformation.
Showcase your tech skills on platforms like New Orleans DevJobs and you might just catch their eye.
When you're putting together your resume for DXC, make sure to highlight your coding skills in languages like Java, Python, and .NET, as well as your experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
They're all about agile methodologies, project management, and client-facing roles too, so don't forget to mention any experience you have in those areas. Building a killer portfolio can really set you apart from the competition.
One former DXC employee says, "Make sure your resume is tailored to the specific role you're applying for, and be ready to explain how your skills and experience match up with what they're looking for during the interviews." Measurable achievements, like successful projects or process improvements, can really give you an edge.
If you do land a gig at DXC, they've got plenty of opportunities for you to level up your career through training programs, mentorship, and cross-team collaborations.
The key skills they're looking for are solid communication, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to keep learning and growing as the tech world keeps evolving.
Attend Webinars Offered by NOLA Code
(Up)Did you know APPA has some events coming up for those looking to level up their facilities management game? They're offering both in-person and virtual Leadership Academy sessions, where you can learn to be at running the show.
Imagine being able to handle any curveball thrown your way when it comes to managing buildings and operations.
APPA is also hosting regional conferences, so you can connect with other savvy folks in your area.
It's like a networking party, but instead of boring small talk, you'll be trading insights on the latest trends and best practices. Plus, they have this Supervisor's Toolkit series, where you can pick up skills for leading a team and keeping everything running smoothly.
APPA isn't just about boring lectures.
They've got resources to help you showcase your tech talent and land that dream remote job right from the Big Easy.
We're talking strategies for building a killer portfolio, networking like a pro, and nailing those job applications. It's like having your own personal career coach, but without the hefty price tag.
So, whether you're looking to up your facilities management game or break into the tech scene, APPA's got your back with the inside scoop on getting ahead in your field.
This is the kind of opportunity you don't want to sleep on.
Engage with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
(Up)The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is where it's at if you're looking to get your foot in the door in the tech world. These guys are the real deal when it comes to building your network and finding job opportunities.
Their events are the perfect spot to meet industry leaders, hiring managers, and other professionals in your field. It's like a one-stop shop for making those game-changing connections.
72% of members have scored new contacts through the chamber's events.
That's insane! And they've got a crazy lineup of tech-focused happenings, from workshops and panel discussions to startup pitch competitions and hackathons. It's like a buffet of opportunities for techies like us.
- Member access to a curated job board from top companies.
- Career services that include resume help and coaching sessions.
"The Chamber is all about connecting businesses, creating opportunities, and boosting the local economy,"
says William Taylor, the Chamber's President.
"By tapping into our network and resources, tech professionals can truly take their careers to the next level in New Orleans."
And who doesn't want that, right?
Join the New Orleans Tech Community on Slack
(Up)Check this out - joining the right Slack communities is clutch for expanding your network and landing that dream tech gig in the Big Easy.
The real deal Slack groups to plug into are:
- NOLA Devs Slack Group - Got questions? Seeking advice? Jump on line here to visit this virtual community space for tech professionals and enthusiasts.
- Online Geniuses - This digital marketing and SEO crew is seriously next level, with over 7,000 members and tons of channels to level up your skills.
- Gophers - If Go programming is your thing, this 9,000-member strong Slack is an absolute must-join to connect with other Go devs and stay in the loop.
To make the most of these Slack squads for your job hunt, here's the game plan:
- Introduce Yourself - Let everyone know what you're all about. Stay active by joining convos, sharing your work, and helping others out - it'll make you way more visible to potential employers.
- Network Like a Boss - Connect with pros in your field, attend virtual events, and maybe even line up some informational interviews.
- Build Real Connections - Avoid spamming job boards or hitting people up without an intro. Focus on genuine connections within the community, and watch those job opps start rolling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are some key networking opportunities for tech professionals in New Orleans?
Key networking opportunities in New Orleans include meetups like NOLA Entrepreneur Week, NOLA.rb for Ruby developers, and the Python User Group. These events are excellent for connecting with other tech professionals and expanding your network.
How can tech professionals benefit from joining the New Orleans Tech Community on Slack?
Joining the New Orleans Tech Community on Slack offers benefits such as connecting with tech enthusiasts, participating in discussions, and attending virtual events. Groups like NOLA Devs, Online Geniuses, and Gophers enable professionals to enhance their skills and visibility to potential employers.
What resources does the Louisiana Tech Park offer?
Louisiana Tech Park provides access to a vibrant community, personalized coaching, cloud-based visual tools, and a network of potential investors. They also offer 24/7 access to workspaces and a roster of events like coding bootcamps and hackathons.
How important is tailoring your resume for job applications at DXC Technology?
Tailoring your resume for DXC Technology is crucial. Highlight coding skills in Java, Python, and .NET, as well as experience with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Showcasing your abilities in agile methodologies and client-facing roles can set you apart from the competition.
How can the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce support tech professionals?
The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce supports tech professionals by providing access to networking events, a curated job board, and career services like resume help and coaching. Their events are a prime spot to meet industry leaders and potentially gain new contacts.
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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.