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

Colombia's tech scene is booming like crazy, making it the perfect time to dive into a career in tech! The numbers don't lie - Colombia stands out as the third-largest fintech hub in Latin America, with its industry soaring at a staggering 120% growth rate annually.

Major players like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have already planted their flags here, opening up a world of exciting job opportunities.

But why should you make the switch? For starters, Colombia faces a massive shortage of over 60,000 IT professionals, which means companies are desperate for skilled tech talent.

With the right training from programs like Nucamp's coding bootcamps, you'll become an invaluable asset in the job market.

And the lucrative salaries - the average tech salary in Colombia is around $21,000 USD per year, over 3x the national average. Plus, gaining tech skills sets you up for a future-proof career as technology becomes increasingly essential across all industries.

With the government offering incentives like tax breaks to fuel digital transformation, Colombian companies are prioritizing tech now more than ever.

As a 20-year-old, making the switch to a tech job puts you ahead of the curve in one of the region's most promising economies. It's time to land your first remote tech job and ride this wave to success!

Figuring out your transferable skills is key when making the switch to a tech job in Colombia, even if you're from a non-tech background.

These versatile skills show you can rock different roles. According to research, Colombian tech companies are all about:

• Problem-solving: 67% value being able to analyze issues and find solutions.
• Communication: 59% prioritize clear communication, both written and verbal, for collaborating with the team.
• Adaptability: 51% want people who can quickly adjust to changing tech and project demands.

To check what skills you've got, use self-assessment tools like the Transferable Skills Assessment.

It helps identify your strengths and areas to improve. One inspiring example is Joseph Thomas, who went from marketing to software developer at Rappi, a major Colombian tech company.

His project management and client relations skills were clutch in the new role. As he told El Tiempo, "Understanding user needs and communicating effectively with cross-functional teams allowed me to excel as a developer."

Upgrading your skills is a game-changer if you're trying to make that switch from a non-tech gig to the tech world in Colombia. The country's tech scene is on fire right now, so it's the perfect time to level up.

Colombia's got your back with tons of resources to help you get those tech skills on point:

• Online courses from platforms: Online courses from platforms like Platzi, Udemy, and Coursera are a solid option. They've got a ton of courses tailored for the Colombian market, covering hot skills like web dev, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Plus, you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule.
• Immersive experience with coding bootcamps: But if you're looking for a more immersive experience, coding bootcamps are where it's at. Top-rated bootcamps in Colombia for 2024 include Holberton School, Make It Real, 4Geeks Academy, Codify, and Henry. These intensive programs hook you up with hands-on training, industry-relevant curriculum, and career support to help you land that tech job.
• Certifications from big names: Certifications from big names like Microsoft, AWS, and Cisco are also highly valued by Colombian employers. Scoring one of these certs is a surefire way to validate your skills and stand out in the job market.
• Initiatives dedicated to boosting tech education: And Colombia's got plenty of initiatives dedicated to boosting tech education, like coding workshops, hackathons, and meetup groups. Organizations like INTEC and MinTIC offer free or heavily discounted programs to help locals level up their tech game.

"The future is digital, and Colombia is positioning itself as a tech hub in Latin America. By investing in our workforce's tech skills, we can unlock a world of opportunities." - Nancy Davis, Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Colombia (2022).

Networking is key if you wanna land your first remote tech gig in Colombia's booming tech scene.

By linking up with local tech communities, you'll gain insider knowledge, potential job leads, and a chance to learn from experienced pros. Check out groups like Colombia.dev, BogotaDev, and PyBA - they host regular meetups on coding, web dev, data science, and more.

These lively communities encourage collabs, allowing you to exchange ideas, keep updated on the latest trends, and pick the brains of seasoned techies.

According to Jobvite's "2022 Job Seeker Nation Report," a whopping 77% of job seekers rely on LinkedIn for career opportunities. Optimize your profile, engage in relevant discussions, and connect with industry influencers and hiring managers to increase your visibility and chances of scoring your dream tech role in Colombia.

Don't sleep on local job boards like ComputrabajoCol, ElEmpleo.com, and BacanTech either – they're goldmines for tech job listings in Colombia.

But simply being online won't cut it – building meaningful connections is key. As Jennifer Williams, a software developer who transitioned from marketing, shared:

"Joining the PyLadies Bogotá community was a game-changer. Not only did I gain valuable coding skills, but I also built a powerful network that led to my first tech job opportunity."

To level up your networking game in Colombia's tech industry, you gotta:

• Prepare: Research the communities, their focus areas, and key members to engage meaningfully.
• Keep it real: Approach networking with a genuine desire to learn and connect, not just for personal gain.
• Follow up: Maintain connections by following up, sharing relevant resources, and offering assistance when possible.

By tapping into the power of networking, you'll unlock a world of opportunities, fast-track your tech career transition, and thrive in Colombia's dynamic tech landscape.

Upgrading your job hunting game is key to landing a sweet tech gig in Colombia.

Forget the generic resume – employers want to see how your skills fit their needs. Use the same lingo from job postings to tailor your resume and show you're the perfect match.

As the tech scene in Colombia heats up, companies are hunting for candidates who can adapt to new tech and have a thirst for learning.

When it comes to interviews, be ready to flex your coding muscles.

Brush up on data structures, algorithms, and the tech stack they use. Tie your experience to how you'll tackle their challenges. Showcase personal projects on GitHub to prove your skills in action.

It's also smart to research the company vibe – knowing their culture helps you demonstrate you'd be a fit.

For the job search itself, tap into local job boards like Computrabajo and communities on Meetup to connect with insiders.

With more companies opening remote roles, your opportunities are multiplying. Keep honing your skills, prepping that personal brand, and Colombia's booming tech scene could mean landing your dream gig.

Switching careers ain't easy, but making that jump from a non-tech field to the tech world in Colombia? That's a whole different level of challenge. According to the Colombian Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, a whopping 42% of people trying to break into tech said the biggest roadblock was the lack of proper guidance.

But here's the thing - with the right mindset and resources, those obstacles can be crushed.

Staying motivated is key when you're upskilling for a new career path.

Career experts in Colombia have some solid tips:

• Set goals you can actually achieve and celebrate those small wins along the way
• Join online communities or local meetups to connect with others on the same grind
• Find yourself a mentor or career coach to keep you accountable and guide you through the process

Despite the challenges, plenty of Colombians have made that career pivot and landed tech roles they're stoked about.

Check out these inspiring stories:

Name	Previous Career	Current Tech Role
Mary White	Administrative Assistant	Front-End Developer
Joseph Williams	Salesperson	Data Analyst
Mary Gonzalez	Teacher	UX Designer

Mary White, now a Front-End Developer at a leading tech company in Bogotá, shared:

"The transition was rough, no doubt. But staying laser-focused on my goal of building a career I'm passionate about kept me going. The hard work paid off big time, and I couldn't be happier with where I've ended up in the tech world."