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

The tech scene in Chicago is absolutely popping right now, making it the perfect time to switch to a tech career in the city.

Recent studies show that Chicago's tech job market is set to add over 2,000 new roles this year, bouncing back hard from previous slumps. Major companies like Reverb, McDonald's, and Getty Images are all ramping up their tech hiring, offering solid pay and benefits.

The Chicago Tech Effect report found that local tech workers earn a median wage of $42 an hour – that's 1.5 times higher than the overall job market! Even entry-level roles are paying pretty well if you've got the right skills and training under your belt.

What's driving all this growth? Well, Chicago is rapidly becoming a global tech hub, thanks to its deep talent pool from top universities, diverse workforce, central location, and relatively low cost of living compared to places like San Francisco or New York.

Industries like fintech, healthtech, and software are all booming here, creating fresh opportunities for transitioning into coding, cybersecurity, data science, and other in-demand tech roles.

With success stories like Cameo engineer Barbara Martinez proving you can make a lucrative switch, now is definitely the time to skill up and join Chicago's thriving tech community.

Switching careers from something non-techy to Chicago's buzzing tech scene might seem like a huge leap, but the skills you already have could be your golden ticket.

A recent study found that 92% of employers value soft skills just as much as technical know-how when hiring.

We're talking abilities like communicating effectively, thinking critically to solve problems, adapting to changes, and being a team player. These are major assets in tech roles like project management, business analysis, and customer success.

Just think – if you rocked customer service before, you'd probably kill it in a customer success role at a Chicago tech company.

Tech literacy is also becoming super important across different industries.

According to a survey, 70% of middle-skill jobs in the Chicago area require digital skills like using spreadsheets, databases, and project management tools.

Having that base could give you a serious advantage when applying for tech gigs in the city.

Tons of people in Chicago have already made the leap from non-tech backgrounds to awesome tech careers by playing up their transferable skills.

A former teacher named Robert Thomas said, "The problem-solving and leadership abilities I developed in the classroom have been invaluable in my role as a product specialist." With the right mindset and some strategic positioning, making that career pivot is totally possible.

Alright, so you wanna switch things up and get into the tech game in Chicago? No sweat, there are tons of dope options to level up your skills right here in the city.

Check it out - Per Scholas is hooking people up with tuition-free tech training in everything from IT support to cybersecurity.

They've got the hookup with some major companies, so you know you'll be learning the real deal.

But that's not all. If you're looking to dive deep into coding, places like Actualize and Code Platoon are where it's at.

These intensive bootcamps will have you slinging code like a pro in no time. Plus, they've got solid job support to help you land that first gig.

Don't sleep on the big-name schools either.

Places like UIC, DePaul, and Northwestern are killing it with their tech programs. And you won't believe this - some even partner up with companies for specialized training.

How clutch is that?

Speaking of companies, the tech giants like Google and Microsoft have reskilling initiatives that are practically giving away free knowledge.

I'm talking Google Career Certs in data analytics, project management, you name it. And Microsoft's got that Software & Systems Academy where you can learn .NET development for zilch.

At the end of the day, it's all about putting in that work and being hungry to learn.

Chicago's tech scene is popping off, so there's no better time to make that career switch. Just stay dedicated, and you'll be coding circles around the competition in no time.

Chicago's tech scene is thriving! Major players like Google, Grubhub, and Motorola Solutions are expanding their footprint, while startups like SpotHero, ActiveCampaign, and Tempus are raising millions in funding.

With over 4,000 startups and $2.5 billion invested last year alone, it's a prime spot to launch your tech career.

But you gotta network smart to break in.

Start by hitting up local meetups and events like Chi Hack Night to connect with devs, entrepreneurs, and industry veterans.

Networking is crucial these days, so don't sleep on building relationships.

Join groups on Meetup and LinkedIn to stay in the loop on upcoming tech talks, hackathons, and socials. The more faces you put yourself in front of, the better your chances of landing that dream gig.

Another smart move? Tap into the city's incubators and accelerators like 1871, MATTER, and TechNexus.

These hubs are goldmines for mentorship, resources, and making connections with founders and investors. With Chicago's diverse industries like fintech, healthtech, and logistics booming, there are endless opportunities to explore.

Just put yourself out there, show some hustle, and you'll be well on your way to cracking the code on Chicago's tech scene.

Applying for tech gigs in Chi-Town ain't no joke. But with some slick moves, you can stand out from the crowd. First things first, your resume needs to be on point.

Check out these 6 Resume Tips from a Tech Recruiter - list those juicy skills and projects at the top, and make it pop with your personality.

Don't just list what your team did, show off your contributions with some killer metrics.

Now for the job hunt, you gotta tap into the right resources.

Built In Chicago is a goldmine for dope tech openings, from hot startups to major players like Grubhub and Uptake.

And don't sleep on networking! Get your face out there at events like those listed on ChicagoTechEvents.com. You never know who you might meet that could hook you up with your dream job.

When it's interview time, be ready to show off your skills and passion.

They'll probably hit you with questions like "What coding languages are you rocking?" or "How do you tackle team projects?". Check out Nucamp's guide on landing a tech job in 2024 for the inside scoop.

Highlight your eagerness to learn, any side hustles you've got going, and come prepared with questions that show you've done your homework on their tech stack.

With the right prep, you'll be unstoppable!