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

Switching careers into tech from a non-techy background might seem like a huge challenge, but Denver is the perfect spot to make that jump! This city is becoming a major tech hub, with massive companies like Amazon and Google setting up shop here.

The tech scene is absolutely booming, and there are tons of opportunities for newbies to get their foot in the door. What makes Denver so great for breaking into tech? For starters, the cost of living is way lower than places like Silicon Valley or NYC, so your money goes further.

Plus, the workforce here is super educated - over 40% of people have a bachelor's degree or higher. That means there's a huge talent pool for tech companies to recruit from.

Denver also has an amazing startup community that's really welcoming to outsiders looking to transition into tech roles. If you're worried about not having a technical background, don't sweat it! There are so many coding bootcamps and online courses in Denver that can teach you the skills you need, even if you're starting from scratch.

And the meetup scene is incredible for networking and getting advice from people already working in tech. With the right training and a bit of hustle, making that career change is totally doable in this city.

Before making the switch to tech, you gotta take a real look at the skills and interests you already got. According to this research, employers value qualities like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork just as much as tech know-how.

1.

Identify Your Transferable Skills: Make a list of everything you're good at, whether it's technical or not. Maybe you've got experience in project management, customer service, or data analysis.

If you've worked in sales, your communication skills and ability to build relationships could be a major asset in roles like business analysis or product management.

2.

Match Your Interests to Tech Roles: Explore different tech jobs and see what fits your vibe. If you're all about creative problem-solving, check out software development or UX/UI design.

If you thrive in team environments, project management or IT support could be a sweet spot. Take some online career tests or chat with counselors to get a feel for what suits you best.

3.

Tap Into Local Resources: Denver has some awesome options to help non-tech folks like us break into the industry:

• Coding Bootcamps: Programs like Nucamp offer intensive training in web development, data analytics, and more.
• Meetup Groups: Join groups like Denver Code Club or Denver Tech Mentors to connect with industry pros and get mentored.
• Community Colleges: Places like Red Rocks Community College and Community College of Denver have affordable tech courses and certificates.

"The tech world cares more about what you can do than what's on your resume. If you can identify your transferable skills and match them to the right role, you've got a shot at a rad career in this fast-paced industry." - Joseph White, Executive Director of CodeCrew

Denver is the place to be if you're trying to break into tech, seriously! Coding bootcamps here are top-notch, with Turing School, University of Denver, Skill Distillery, and Flatiron School being some of the prime spots to get your skills up.

These intensive programs will have you job-ready in no time, with grads landing sweet tech gigs within months of finishing up.

Can't swing a bootcamp? No worries, there are tons of affordable online courses to get you started.

Sites like Udemy and Coursera have a bunch of classes taught by legit industry pros. And the University of Denver even has an online coding certificate designed specifically for us locals looking to level up our skills.

But learning to code isn't just about books and classes.

Denver has a seriously thriving tech community where you can connect with other enthusiasts and get plugged in. Groups like Denver Devs, Women Who Code Denver, and Denver Code Club are places to attend workshops, get mentored, and network with people already killing it in the industry.

Trust me, getting involved locally is a major key to scoring your dream tech job here.

Look, the Denver tech scene is absolutely popping, and networking is the key to scoring your dream gig.

Over 65% of the techies around here credit their success to building solid connections. We're lucky to have a ton of events and meetups where you can mingle with the movers and shakers.

Denver Tech on Tap is a monthly bash where you can kick back with some brews and chat it up with fellow coders.

And if you're looking to level up your skills, groups like Denver Java Users and React Denver host workshops and sessions led by industry pros.

But networking isn't just about showing up to events.

You gotta work that online game too. LinkedIn is a total powerhouse for making connections that could lead to your next job. Their data shows that people with a solid network are 60% more likely to get hired.

So hop on there, join some groups like "Denver Developers," share your work, and start sliding into those DMs to pick people's brains about openings.

At the end of the day, it's all about putting yourself out there.

The more you engage with the Denver tech community, the more doors will open. "Networking is about connecting people with ideas and opportunities," says networking guru William Perez.

So get out there, make those connections, and watch your career take off like a rocket.

Building a sick tech portfolio is key if you want to score a dope job in Denver's thriving tech scene. It's the ultimate way to show off your skills and prove you're the real deal to potential employers.

According to the experts, over 90% of tech recruiters consider a portfolio an essential factor when hiring.

For starters, check out the top tech companies in Denver and get inspired by their products.

Tailor your projects to match their tech stacks and industry focuses. If you're aiming for a software dev role, create dope full-stack web apps using popular tools like React, Node.js, and MongoDB – these are super hot in Denver's software scene.

Include code samples, live demos, and brief descriptions to make your portfolio pop.

But don't sleep on other fields like data science or cybersecurity – Denver's tech landscape is diverse, so highlighting relevant skills can give you a major edge.

Here are some pro tips for building an impressive tech portfolio as a beginner in Denver:

• Flex your problem-solving muscles by participating in local hackathons or coding challenges.
• Contribute to open-source projects and show off your code contributions on platforms like GitHub.
• Create a personal website or blog to showcase your work and demonstrate your technical writing chops.
• Connect with groups like Denver Code Club or local meetups to get feedback on your portfolio from seasoned pros.

As Charles Moore, a software engineer at Gusto (a Denver-based tech company), says,

"Your portfolio should tell a story about your journey, highlighting your passion for learning and growth."

With dedication and a killer portfolio, you'll be landing your dream tech job in Denver in no time.

When it comes to scoring those tech gigs in Denver, your resume has to be on point.

The hiring crew wants to see you've got the right skills and experience, so make sure to tailor that bad boy to each job listing.

Create a section dedicated to your tech skills, list the programming languages, frameworks, and tools you're a pro at, and sprinkle in some keywords from the job description to show you're a perfect fit.

When it comes to interviews, get ready for some coding challenges and whiteboarding sessions.

Companies like Gusto, Ibotta, and Envision will be testing your technical chops. Practice those problem-solving skills and be ready to explain your thought process.

As the folks at Built In Denver say,

"Tech interviews are as much about your thought process as the final solution."

Denver's tech scene is thriving, and there are loads of resources to help you snag that job:

• Job Boards: Built In Denver, Denver Startups, Dice, and StartUpHire Denver
• Recruitment Agencies: Robert Half Technology, Diversant, and Randstad Technologies
• Networking Events: Denver Startup Week, Denver Code Meetup, and Denver Dev Ops

Stay on top of these platforms and get your networking game strong.

You never know where those hidden job opportunities might be lurking. The Denver tech community is super supportive of newcomers, so don't be shy about putting yourself out there.

With the right preparation and hustle, landing that dream tech job in Denver is totally within reach.

Building a solid professional network is crucial when switching from a non-tech job to a tech gig in Denver.

A lot of folks find learning to code and all the technical stuff pretty tough, but the real struggle is making connections that can help you land that first tech role.

That's why it's smart to get involved with local tech communities like Denver Devs or Women Who Code early on. You'll meet mentors, potential employers, and others on the same journey at places like Turing School.

These connections can provide guidance, share job opportunities, and generally make the transition smoother.

Don't get me wrong, mastering the technical side is still a grind.

But a coding bootcamp like Skill Distillery's Java program can give you the skills you need in a structured environment.

Just be prepared to put in the work – it's not going to be a walk in the park. The key is to celebrate small wins, whether it's nailing a coding concept or shipping a project.

Those little victories will keep you motivated when imposter syndrome kicks in (and it will).

At the end of the day, making a career switch is all about perseverance.

Plenty of people have gone from non-tech backgrounds to thriving in Denver's tech scene by taking advantage of the awesome resources available like BootCampSpot.com.

If you're dedicated to learning, building connections, and not giving up when it gets tough, you can definitely make it happen.