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

Switching to a tech career in Billings, Montana is the move right now.

This place is blowing up with sweet job opportunities, and the cost of living won't break the bank. The numbers don't lie - tech employment in Billings is projected to skyrocket by 4.9% between 2019 and 2029, way higher than the national average.

Major players like Oracle, First Interstate Bank, and RightNow Technologies have put down roots here, creating a serious demand for skilled techies.

But it's not just about the jobs; Billings itself is a total vibe.

The economy is thriving, and you can actually afford to live comfortably here. Montana ranked among the top 20 states for tech jobs in 2022, thanks to its business-friendly policies and progressive mindset.

Local gems like Code Billings (a coding academy) and Montana State University Billings' Computer Science program are prepping aspiring techies to seamlessly pivot careers.

One Billings resident nailed it on a community forum:

"After years in retail, I took the leap into tech through an online bootcamp. Within six months, I landed a job as a web developer at a local startup. The support system for career changers in Billings is incredible."

Switching careers can be a hassle, but identifying your transferable skills and understanding what gets you fired up is key.

In Billings, there are loads of resources to help you figure out your current abilities and explore your interests in tech. According to some research, most employers value skills that can be applied across different jobs more than what degree you have.

To spot transferable skills from your non-tech background, start by listing out your current responsibilities and break them down into core competencies.

For example, if you're a boss at project management, troubleshooting, or dealing with customers, those skills are super valuable in tech roles. Don't forget about soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and staying focused – those are useful everywhere.

It's also crucial to understand your interests when considering a tech career.

Ask yourself:

• Does solving puzzles or working through complex challenges excite you?
• Are you fascinated by emerging technologies and their potential impact?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative or independent work environment?

In Billings, places like Workforce Development and Montana Regional Career Center offer assessments and counseling to help align your skills and interests with potential tech roles.

You can also check out events focused on using transferable skills to break into tech.

Billings has a vibrant tech community to support your career transition too.

The Montana Inventors Network hosts meetups and workshops, while BillingsWorks provides training tailored to the local workforce needs. As career experts say, "Leveraging local resources can be a game-changer when transitioning into a new field."

If you're tryna switch to a tech gig in Billings, there's a bunch of dope options out there. One sick path is coding bootcamps, which cram all the programming skills you need in a tight timeframe.

Nucamp and Montana Code School are legit bootcamps in Billings, hooking you up with full-stack web dev training and more.

According to their sites, their grads are straight-up landing tech jobs left and right.

If you're more of a traditional learner, universities like Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College offer dope degree programs and courses in computer science and related fields.

Or, you can get your online game on with massive open online courses (MOOCs) from platforms like edX and Coursera, offering self-paced coding classes from top schools.

CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Project Management Professional (PMP) certs are solid ways to validate your tech skills in Billings.

CompTIA alone has certified over 2 million pros worldwide, flexing their IT expertise. Bottom line, there's no shortage of pathways to score a sweet tech role in Billings if you're willing to put in the work.

Switching careers to the tech world in Billings? Here's a key move for making that happen: build a killer portfolio.

Employers want proof you've got the skills, and a portfolio shows off your work.

If you're coming from a non-tech background, this is your chance to flex those coding muscles and land that dream job.

Start by loading up your portfolio with projects that showcase your abilities – we're talking websites, apps, data visualizations, the whole shebang.

Don't stress if you're just starting out; coding meetups like BillingsCodeWorks let you team up with others and build some solid stuff for your portfolio. Local orgs like Billings Literacy and MTComputers are also great for getting hands-on experience through volunteer gigs.

The key is curating a portfolio that tells your story as a motivated learner ready to crush it in tech. Mix in complex projects that highlight your problem-solving abilities, but feel free to include smaller works-in-progress too. Just add a note explaining they're still being developed. The goal? Showcasing your unique journey and proving you've got the passion (and skills) to thrive. With a standout portfolio, you'll be grabbing employers' attention and landing interviews in no time.

Checking out the tech scene in Billings ain't no joke, but with the right moves, you can make some serious connections and score that dream gig. One of the hottest ways to link up with industry peeps is by hitting up local tech meetups and events like the Business Networking 1 Day Workshop going down on June 13th, 2024.

These shindigs are the perfect spot to network, learn some new tricks, and maybe even snag a few free snacks.

When it comes to the job hunt, don't sleep on sites like Eventbrite for sick tech events and career fairs in the area.

And if you're feeling extra ambitious, check out the Scaling Montana 2024 Speaker Series Launch on March 27th for some serious insider knowledge from industry bigwigs.

Just remember, networking is a two-way street, so come correct with your A-game and be ready to share your own insights too.

Speaking of job hunting, don't be afraid to get creative with your search tactics:

• Check out local events: Sites like Nucamp's guide to effective job hunting strategies for Billings tech pros have some solid tips for standing out from the crowd.
• Explore remote options: And if you're feeling extra entrepreneurial, check out Nucamp's strategies for landing your first remote tech gig from Billings. Freelancing and building your own client base can be a game-changer, especially in a smaller city like Billings.