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

Chile's tech scene is seriously heating up and there's no better time to get skilled in coding, cybersecurity, or data analytics. With major tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon setting up shop here, plus rad homegrown unicorns like Cornershop and NotCo making waves globally, the opportunities are endless.

But don't just take my word for it - the Chilean government just boosted its digitalization budget by 64% and has dope initiatives like Start-Up Chile to support the growing startup ecosystem.

With over 300 fintech startups alone, there's clearly a high demand for tech talent. In fact, studies show educational improvements haven't kept up with technology, leading to a crazy skills gap.

By upskilling now in areas like programming, cloud computing, or cybersecurity (which is projected to be a $439 million market by 2028 according to Alcor BPO), you'll have a serious edge in landing a sweet gig at an innovative company.

Never underestimate the power of learning something new. Check out these tips from Nucamp to kickstart your journey into Chile's booming tech world.

Switching from a non-tech gig to a tech job in Chile might seem like a big deal, but you'd be surprised how many of your current skills are a perfect match.

Sure, coding and tech know-how are important, but companies are also looking for problem-solvers, team players, and clear communicators.

• Leadership Skills: Being a boss at managing projects, hitting deadlines, and leading teams? That's pure gold for roles like Project Manager or Team Lead in the tech world.
• People Skills: If you're a pro at understanding what people need and finding solutions, you've got a solid foundation for gigs in user experience (UX) design or tech support.
• Data Genius: Love diving into data, spotting patterns, and making sense of it all? Data science, business intelligence, and data engineering could be your calling.
• Word Wizard: Being able to explain complex topics in a clear, engaging way is key for technical writing, documentation, and training roles.

The tech scene in Chile is constantly evolving, so being adaptable and always learning is clutch.

Online courses, bootcamps, or certifications can help fill in the gaps. With rising tech stars like Cornershop and Expensify calling Chile home, companies are hungry for diverse talent with transferable skills.

If you're ready to make the switch, now's the time to shine.

Here in Chile, constantly leveling up your skills is crucial if you want to make that leap from a regular job to a sweet tech gig. With companies hungry for tech talents, mastering in-demand tech skills like full-stack development, software engineering, and cybersecurity can be your golden ticket.

That's where coding bootcamps and online courses come in clutch – they teach you the latest tech wizardry to stay ahead of the pack.

Some of the top-rated coding bootcamps in Santiago for 2024 are 4Geeks Academy, MindHub, and Coderhouse.

These intense programs are all about hands-on learning, so you'll be coding like a pro in no time. If you prefer a more flexible approach, online platforms like edX, Coursera, and Udemy offer a ton of self-paced tech courses tailored for Chilean learners, covering everything from data science to UX design.

In Chile's tech scene, having a dope portfolio is key to landing that sweet gig. It's all about showcasing your skills and proving you got what it takes. First up, figure out what role you're gunning for, and curate projects that flaunt those relevant skills.

If you're a web dev, build a personal website to flex your coding muscles. For data analysts, include projects that show off your data viz and modeling skills.

Don't just slap your work up there, though.

Give the deets on each project, like the challenges you faced, the tech you used, and the killer outcomes you achieved. And don't sleep on those transferable skills from your non-tech background – those count too! The pros in Chile are all about portfolios.

According to this HiringClub survey, 92% of Chilean tech companies prioritize portfolios when hiring.

Jennifer Johnson from Startup Chile says, "A portfolio is a window into a candidate's capabilities. It shows off their problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to deliver quality work."

Check out these examples of Chilean tech portfolios that are killing it:

• Juan Pérez, Web Developer: juanperez.dev - Features six responsive web apps and a technical blog, proving he's a React, Node.js, and MongoDB boss.
• María González, Data Analyst: mariagonzalez.github.io - Showcases data viz dashboards, machine learning models, and SQL projects, flexing her Python, R, and Tableau skills.
• Pedro Rodríguez, UX Designer: pedrorodriguez.design - Highlights user research studies, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs across various industries.

Keep that portfolio fresh with new projects and accomplishments, and you'll be a step ahead in Chile's fast-paced tech game.

Networking is the real deal if you want to make it big in Chile's tech scene. It's all about connecting with the right people and getting your name out there.

According to the peeps at Asociación Chileana de Empresas de Tecnología de Información (ACTI), around 70% of devs in Chile credit their success to networking like a boss.

And this country is packed with opportunities to make those vital connections.

First up, you gotta hit those local tech events and meetups. They're like a playground for techies to mingle and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

For instance, mark your calendars for the Santiago Tech Summit 2024 happening in May – it's where all the big shots and innovators from Latin America come to party.

Or check out the Women in Tech Meetup, supporting diversity and empowering the ladies in Chile's tech workforce. Oh, and don't miss Startup Grind Chile – it's like a fireside chat with the founders and investors who made it big.

But the networking game doesn't stop there.

Online communities and forums are where it's at for making virtual connections. A few go-to spots are GitHub Chile (over 10,000 devs collaborating on open-source projects), Chile Tecnológico (a massive Facebook group with 50,000+ members discussing all things tech), and Chile Tech Jobs on LinkedIn (your one-stop shop for job opportunities and connecting with recruiters).

As Elizabeth Gonzalez from ChileTech says, "Networking isn't just about meeting new people – it's about building meaningful connections that can propel your career forward."

The tech scene in Chile is on fire right now, and there's no better time to get a job in tech.

With the industry expected to grow by over $3.9 billion from 2022 to 2027, companies are scrambling to hire skilled professionals. Big names like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have offices here, so the opportunities are endless.

To stand out in the job hunt, you'll need to bring your A-game.

Polish up that portfolio and showcase your best projects to prove your coding chops. Don't forget to highlight skills like problem-solving and adaptability – those are major selling points for employers.

And networking is key, so start hitting up local meetups and online communities to make connections.

When it comes to interviews, be ready to tackle coding challenges and technical questions.

Brush up on popular languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, as well as data analysis tools like SQL and Tableau.

Cloud computing skills are also in high demand, so familiarize yourself with AWS and Azure. Prove you can think on your feet and come up with creative solutions.

While the job market is competitive, salaries for tech roles are pretty sweet.

Entry-level developers can make around $25,000 to $45,000 per year, while senior devs can earn up to $91,000. And if you're multilingual with solid English skills, that's a major plus that could boost your paycheck even higher.

• Stay updated: You'll need to stay on top of the latest trends and constantly upskill to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
• Utilize resources: With the right resources and determination, you can make it happen.
• As Mary Hernandez puts it,

  "Chile's tech industry is booming, and it's a goldmine for those willing to work hard and adapt."

• Consider coding bootcamps: Coding bootcamps with job guarantees might be your ticket to success.