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

Buffalo is blowing up as a tech powerhouse.

The industry is booming with a projected 20% growth by 2024, according to a report by the Brookings Institution. The city's affordability and sweet quality of life are major draws for tech companies and professionals.

Big players like M&T Bank, Odoo, and ACV Auctions have already set up shop, creating a ton of tech job openings.

Plus, top-notch schools like the University at Buffalo are pumping out talented grads ready to crush it in the field. With a $40M federal investment into the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse tech corridor and the region being named a national tech hub, the opportunities are endless.

If you're willing to level up your skills through programs like Nucamp's coding bootcamps, you'll be well on your way to scoring a sweet tech gig in this booming city.

Real talk, people from all kinds of backgrounds can make it in the tech world, especially if you already got transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

These abilities are seriously in demand at tech companies, whether you're coding, managing projects, or just being part of making cool stuff happen. Effective communication is key when you gotta break down complex tech concepts for non-techie folks.

And problem-solving? That's basically your bread and butter when you're debugging code or troubleshooting systems.

Here in Buffalo, there are tons of inspiring stories about regular people transitioning from totally different careers into tech.

One standout is Susan Davis, who went from hospitality to landing a sweet UX designer gig.

She used her customer service chops and eye for detail to create user-friendly digital experiences. As Susan put it,

"My ability to empathize with users and understand their needs was invaluable."

If you're open to learning new skills and got the right mindset, you can make that career switch to tech, no matter where you started.

So, you're looking to get into tech in Buffalo? That's awesome! The city's got some legit options for leveling up your skills.

You can attend in-person or online training sessions through places like Logical Operations and Microsoft. The UB Libraries even offer software training, and don't sleep on LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com) – New Yorkers can access it with a free library card!

But let's talk coding bootcamps.

These intensive programs are a surefire way to gain those in-demand tech skills on the fast track. We're talking full-stack web dev, data science, cybersecurity – the works.

And with starting salaries for roles like software developers and data analysts in Buffalo hitting around $70K+, it's a solid investment.

If you're more of a self-study type, check out the options at Noble Desktop.

They've got online courses covering everything from Python and JavaScript to graphic design and digital marketing. You can even snag certificates in hot fields like data analytics and FinTech.

And for the little ones, places like theCoderSchool offer coding camps and classes to get kids started early.

Networking is the key to unlocking opportunities in the tech world, and Buffalo has a thriving scene to dive into. A recent study by CompTIA found that a whopping 85% of tech pros credited networking for scoring their job.

In the 716, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant community of meetups and events:

• Buffalo Web Developers hosts monthly gatherings to explore web dev frameworks, UI/UX design, and cutting-edge tech.
• BuffaIT brings together IT pros, devs, and tech leaders to share knowledge and collaborate.
• Buffalo Startup Founders is a hub for entrepreneurs, offering pitch nights, workshops, and networking sessions.

But it's not just meetups – Buffalo has a solid lineup of local tech orgs and support groups to help you level up and get connected:

Organization	Description
WNY STEM Hub	Connects educators, professionals, and students to promote STEM education and careers.
WNY Women in Tech	Empowers and supports women in tech through mentorship, networking, and events.
BuffaloCodeCamp	Provides coding education and resources for aspiring devs and tech enthusiasts.

As Susan Hernandez, President of the Buffalo Niagara Software Quality Group, puts it,

"Networking is the lifeblood of the tech community. It opens doors, sparks collaborations, and fosters continuous learning."

By being an active part of Buffalo's tech scene, you can expand your knowledge, build meaningful connections, and unlock new career paths.

Okay, so you're trying to get that tech job in Buffalo, but you need some real-world experience first, right? Well, let me break it down for you.

1. Internships are a solid way to go, and you've got plenty of options like Trane Technologies, Dave & Buster's, and Smucker's offering gigs.
2. Or you could volunteer at places like Ed Tech of WNY and gain skills while giving back.
3. But if you want more flexibility, freelancing is where it's at. Sites like Upwork, Freelancer.com, and Fiverr have tons of tech projects you can take on, from web dev to graphic design. You'll build your portfolio and make some cash at the same time.

Once you've got a solid body of work, you gotta show it off properly.

Companies in Buffalo want to see a killer portfolio, especially for junior roles. Use platforms like Behance, GitHub, and your own website to showcase your best stuff and let those skills shine.

And don't forget to network - hit up local meetups and events to connect with the tech scene and get tips on how to present your portfolio.

Alright, so you wanna switch to a tech job in Buffalo? No worries, covered with some solid tips. First things first, you gotta be on the right job sites, like TechBuffalo.com and ZipRecruiter's Buffalo tech listings.

These places have the inside scoop on all the latest tech gigs in the area.

When it comes to your resume, make that thing shine! List any coding skills or projects you've worked on, even if they're just personal ones.

Employers love to see that you're passionate about tech. And don't forget to highlight how your past experiences, like problem-solving or project management, make you a perfect fit for the role.

Networking is key in Buffalo's tight-knit tech scene.

Check out events hosted by groups like the Buffalo Web Developers or Buffalo AI & Data Science Meetup to connect with people in the industry. You never know who might hook you up with your dream job!

When it comes to interviews, be ready to show off your coding skills and tech knowledge.

Check out the job hunting tips from Nucamp to nail those technical questions.

Remember, Buffalo's tech industry is booming, and companies are looking for fresh talent.

With the right preparation and connections, landing that tech job is totally within reach. Just stay focused, keep learning, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there!