How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Columbia
Last Updated: July 10th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Switching from a non-tech background to a tech job in Columbia, Missouri, is feasible and timely due to high demand. With 25,000 new tech roles in Missouri and an average salary of $84,590, upskilling is crucial. Utilize resources like the University of Missouri’s Career Center, coding bootcamps, and networking events to transition successfully.
Switching careers can be a big move, but for people in Columbia, Missouri, pivoting into tech is an awesome opportunity. The tech industry in Missouri is blowing up, with projections of a 10.7% growth in STEM job openings through 2024 - that's over 25,000 new roles! Columbia, being home to major companies like ABC Laboratories and Shelter Insurance, is right in the middle of this action.
But the need for skilled tech talent isn't just limited to the big names:
- Missouri companies struggle to fill open tech positions. A 2022 survey found that 92% of Missouri companies struggled to fill open tech positions.
- Roles like software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists are in crazy high demand across all kinds of sectors.
- Upskilling to meet this need offers residents some seriously lucrative career prospects and growth potential: the average tech salary in Missouri is $84,590 according to CompTIA.
As John Garcia of LaunchCode, a local tech training nonprofit, puts it: "The tech scene here is on fire, and we've got companies lining up to hire skilled professionals.
For those looking to make a career switch, the timing couldn't be better." With the right training and resources, tapping into Missouri's tech boom is an exciting opportunity for career changers in Columbia.
Table of Contents
- Identify Transferable Skills for the Tech Industry in Columbia
- Educational Resources Available in Columbia, Missouri
- Networking and Building Connections in Columbia's Tech Scene
- Applying for Tech Jobs in Columbia, Missouri
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Discover the vibrant tech job market in Columbia and why it's booming in 2024.
Identify Transferable Skills for the Tech Industry in Columbia
(Up)Look, switching careers ain't easy, but having transferable skills can make it way smoother.
These are talents you've picked up from past gigs that can come in clutch for tech jobs in Columbia. We're talking stuff like problem-solving, communication, being detail-oriented, and adapting to change.
Companies dig these abilities, so spotting the ones you already own is key.
To ID your transferable skills, make a list of what you rocked at in your old roles and what helped you slay.
If you were a customer service queen, chances are you leveled up your communication, listening, and keeping-it-cool-under-pressure abilities – all super useful for tech careers like project management or UX design.
If you've managed teams or projects before, you've flexed those leadership, organization, and problem-solving muscles.
Columbia's got resources to help too.
The University of Missouri's Career Center has tools and counselors to assist you in uncovering your strengths. Local tech meetups like Code.Columbia and ACM-W MU let you network and learn about in-demand skills straight from the pros.
Online platforms like LinkedIn's Skills Assessment and O*NET's Transferable Skills tool can guide you further.
Glassdoor puts it, "The tech world moves quickly, and transferable skills like adaptability and continuous learning are essential to keeping up." By maximizing the talents you already possess and tapping into local support, you can highlight the transferable skills that'll make you shine as you chase that dream tech career in Columbia.
Educational Resources Available in Columbia, Missouri
(Up)Columbia is the spot if you wanna get your tech game on point! This city has all kinds of sweet options to upgrade your skills and land a dope job in the tech world.
For starters, you got the big dogs like the University of Missouri and Columbia College offering legit degree programs in tech fields.
But who's got time for that multi-year grind, am I right?
That's where coding bootcamps come in clutch. Check out Nucamp - these guys are like a fast-track to gainful employment in tech.
Their bootcamps cover all the buzzwords you need to know: full-stack web dev, data analytics, cybersecurity, you name it. Their grads have scored gigs at major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.
Talk about leveling up!
What really sets Nucamp apart is their flexibility:
- Online or hybrid formats? Got it.
- Part-time or full-time? They got you covered.
It's like they built their program specifically for busy hustlers like us.
One Nucamp alum, Barbara Thomas, from right here in Columbia said the bootcamp gave them the skills and confidence to chase their tech dreams. Can't argue with results, right?
Networking and Building Connections in Columbia's Tech Scene
(Up)Look, networking is the real deal if you're trying to switch into tech from a non-techy background.
It's not just about making connections, it's about expanding your knowledge and getting insights from industry pros.
In Columbia, you've got plenty of ways to get your network on. Meetup groups like CoMo Tech Connected and ColumbiaPHP host regular events where you can learn and mingle with other techies.
Big companies like Coding Factory and JobMa also organize workshops and hackathons, giving you a chance to meet potential employers and talk shop.
But it's not just about in-person events.
Online networking is just as important.
LinkedIn is a must-have tool for connecting with professionals and staying updated on job openings. Optimize your profile, join relevant groups like "Columbia Tech Community," and engage with companies you're interested in.
You never know when a simple connection could lead to your dream job.
At the end of the day, networking is about building relationships and positioning yourself for success.
As Richard Williams, a seasoned tech recruiter in Columbia, puts it, "Networking is the key to a smooth career transition. It unlocks opportunities and gives you a chance to learn from the best in the biz." So make connections, and show the tech world what you've got!
Applying for Tech Jobs in Columbia, Missouri
(Up)When it comes to scoring a sick tech gig in Columbia, Missouri, your resume needs to be on point. Like, these resume ninjas know what they're talking about.
They'll make sure your resume stands out and gets noticed by the hiring managers.
But that's not all. You gotta polish that bad boy to perfection.
Highlight any relevant skills or projects you've done, even if they're not directly tech-related. Employers dig that transferable knowledge.
And don't sleep on the coding bootcamps in Columbia.
They're legit and can give you the skills you need to level up your career. Just check out the rep of places like Nucamp Coding Bootcamp – they've got your back.
Once you've got that resume on lock, it's time to start applying.
Research the companies, know their tech stack, and show them you're a perfect fit. And don't forget to hit up the local job centers like Columbia Job Center – they've got all the resources you need to crush the job hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the main tech job opportunities in Columbia, Missouri?
In Columbia, Missouri, there is a high demand for roles like software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. The tech industry is growing rapidly with projections of over 25,000 new roles state-wide, offering lucrative career prospects with an average tech salary of $84,590.
How can I identify transferable skills for a tech job in Columbia?
To identify transferable skills, make a list of strengths from your previous roles, such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. Utilizing resources like the University of Missouri's Career Center and online platforms like LinkedIn's Skills Assessment can also help highlight these skills.
What educational resources are available in Columbia for tech training?
Columbia offers various educational resources including degree programs from major universities, and coding bootcamps like Nucamp that provide flexible learning options in full-stack web development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
How important is networking for transitioning to a tech job in Columbia?
Networking is crucial for transitioning to a tech job. Columbia has several meetups and events like CoMo Tech Connected and ColumbiaPHP. Online networking through platforms like LinkedIn is also essential for building connections and learning about job opportunities.
What are the key steps to applying for tech jobs in Columbia?
When applying for tech jobs in Columbia, ensure your resume is well-crafted to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Utilize resources from coding bootcamps like Nucamp to gain necessary skills. Research companies and their tech stacks to show you're a good fit and take advantage of local job centers for additional support.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.