How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Colorado Springs

Switching careers from a non-tech background to the booming tech world can seem like a huge mountain to climb, but Colorado Springs is the perfect place to make that transition into an emerging tech hub.

With major companies setting up shop here and the city's tech industry growing at a crazy 20.5% rate since 2010, there are over 16,000 tech jobs waiting to be filled.

This blog is all about guiding locals like you into tapping into Colorado Springs' thriving tech scene by breaking down:

• The hottest tech roles and skills companies are hunting for
• Educational paths to level up your skills, like coding bootcamps and online courses
• Leverage your existing skills from non-tech backgrounds
• Local networking events to connect with industry pros

Living in Colorado Springs gives you a golden opportunity to reinvent your career in this rapidly growing sector.

John Williams, a local who made the leap from retail to software engineering thanks to Nucamp's coding bootcamp, shares, "Making the switch seemed impossible until I discovered their program.

Within months, I had the skills companies were looking for, and with Denver's booming tech scene, I found my dream job." So start mapping out your transition today! Non-techies are in high demand too.

Before you make the switch to a tech career, you gotta do some real soul-searching. Take a good hard look at the skills you've already got and the stuff that gets you fired up.

According to CompTIA, nearly 9 out of 10 tech pros say non-technical skills like problem-solving and communication are essential in the tech world.

So don't sell yourself short!

Start by listing out all the tasks and responsibilities you've handled in your previous gigs. Identify the soft skills you've developed, like problem-solving (you know, analyzing issues and coming up with creative solutions), collaboration (working well with teams and communicating across departments), and project management (organizing tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines).

These transferable skills are super valuable in the tech industry, and they'll give you a serious edge when you're applying for jobs in Colorado Springs.

Then, take a moment to think about what genuinely excites you.

Assessing your interests is key to finding a role that you'll enjoy and stick with.

Ask yourself: What parts of technology get you pumped? Do you love solving puzzles and thinking analytically? Are you passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest trends? Once you know what drives you, you can narrow down the tech roles that align with your strengths and aspirations, setting yourself up for a fulfilling career in Colorado Springs' thriving tech scene.

Colorado Springs is straight-up on fire with tech opportunities! Goodwill's IT training is hooking people up with free certs like A+, Network+, and Security+ to prep for entry-level gigs like Helpdesk Support and PC Technicians.

But that's just the start. ZipRecruiter shows the Springs is hiring like crazy for positions like Systems Administrators, Software Testers, and even UI/UX Developers for the Space Systems Command.

Omni Federal is expanding hard, adding over 500 high-paying roles for ground station engineers, data scientists, and security analysts in fields like DevSecOps and cloud tech.

With an average annual salary of $150K, that's some serious cash! Whether you're a code ninja, cyber warrior, or data wizard, this city's tech scene is absolutely poppin' right now.

Alright, so you're looking to switch careers and get into tech in Colorado Springs? The first step is getting the right education and training.

This city has tons of options to help you level up your skills. You could go for intensive coding bootcamps like Nucamp or Turing School of Software & Design.

These programs are designed to get you job-ready quickly, teaching you the hottest technologies that companies are looking for. According to Course Report, coding bootcamps in Colorado have an average job placement rate of 84.2% within 180 days of graduation, so they're definitely a solid choice for a career switch.

If you prefer a more traditional route, check out Pikes Peak Community College or Colorado Technical University.

They offer associate's and bachelor's degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, and other tech fields. You'll get a well-rounded education, combining theory with hands-on projects.

Or, if you want something more flexible, online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity have tons of self-paced courses and specializations in various tech domains.

Perfect for those with busy schedules.

The tech world is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is key.

By 2025, the World Economic Forum says the skills required for most jobs will have shifted significantly. To stay ahead of the game, you'll need to embrace a growth mindset and keep updating your skills.

Luckily, Colorado Springs has organizations like Code for Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Tech Meetup where you can network, share knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Switching to a tech job from a non-tech background ain't easy, but building a solid network can be your game-changer. Check this out, a study by CompTIA found that a whopping 85% of tech pros landed their current gigs through connections.

That's huge! Colorado Springs is a total hotspot for networking in the tech world.

With startups and big-name companies scattered around the city, there's no shortage of meetups and events to attend.

Groups like the Colorado Springs Developers Network, Tech Friends Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Tech Incubator are always hosting workshops, mixers, and hackathons.

It's the perfect chance to connect with industry vets and newbies alike, stay on top of the latest trends, and showcase your skills.

Online platforms are a total goldmine for networking too.

LinkedIn is a must – optimize your profile, engage in local tech groups, and let those connections roll in.

You can also check out sites like Meetup to find events in the area, or join online communities like Colorado Code Hub and Colorado Springs Tech on Slack.

Leveraging LinkedIn for job hunting is a game-changer for making connections and landing interviews.

Remember, your network is your net worth in this game.

So get out there, connect with people, and watch those doors start opening in the Colorado Springs tech scene. It's time to level up your career!