How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Des Moines

Des Moines is becoming a tech city! According to that Built In list, there are like 139 tech companies in Des Moines right now, and that number is only going to keep rising.

Big names like John Deere, PwC, and Bestow are setting up shop here and hiring many tech professionals.

The job market is especially strong for roles in fintech, insurtech, data centers, software dev, and all that.

Des Moines is seriously becoming a hub for tech innovation, especially in finance and insurance.

You can secure a solid tech job here without the crazy big-city prices. The cost of living is reasonable, and the salaries are competitive. If you're looking to break into tech, Des Moines could be your opportunity.

Switching from a non-tech background to a tech job in Des Moines? No sweat! Turns out, many of the skills you've gained from past experiences can be a total asset.

Tech companies here are into candidates with solid problem-solving, communication, and adaptability abilities - stuff that easily carries over from other industries.

Check out these key transferable skills that Des Moines tech firms are craving:

• Critical Thinking: Whether you were solving customer issues at your old retail gig or troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, that logical problem-solving mindset is clutch for tech roles.
• Teamwork: Tech is all about collaboration. If you've ever worked on group projects or led a team, you've got those essential people skills on lock.
• Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines? You've got this! Time management prowess is key for staying on top of IT projects.

To make your non-tech skills shine for those Des Moines tech opportunities, try this game plan:

1. Self-Audit: Do a self-audit and list out all the skills you've flexed across different roles and situations. Don't sell yourself short!
2. Job Postings: Scope out job postings for roles you're interested in and note any required skills that parallel your own experiences.
3. Networking: Network with local tech pros or join meetup groups like Des Moines tech meetups to gain insider intel on what employers want.
4. Craft Your Narrative: When applying, craft a narrative that ties your transferable skills to the job's responsibilities. Real-world examples are golden!

As local career coach Daniel Davis puts it,

"For non-techies transitioning to Des Moines' thriving tech scene, showcasing your transferable skills is clutch. Highlight your unique strengths and prove how you'll contribute, and hiring managers will be all over you!"

Switching to a tech job in Des Moines ain't no joke, but there are sweet options to level up your skills and knowledge. Tech Journey is all about inspiring youth to get into tech through hands-on learning and mentorship from IT pros.

They offer rad programs like Tech Camp for high schoolers, YouthCode for the younger crowd to explore coding and robotics, and CoderDojoDSM for ongoing mentoring.

Plus, they team up with local community colleges that have a ton of tech training courses, from software development to database admin and more.

If you're looking to level up your skills online, check out platforms like online coding platforms that can enhance your learning experience.

And don't sleep on killer coding bootcamps like Nucamp that offer intensive, job-ready training in web dev, data science, and other tech fields. Their programs are stacked with hands-on projects, career support, and industry connections to help you slay that job hunt.

But it's not just about formal education – Des Moines has a thriving tech community to keep you sharp.

Meetup groups like Des Moines Web Crew and Des Moines Data Visualization host workshops, hackathons, and networking events where you can connect with fellow techies and stay ahead of the curve.

Engaging with the local scene is key, as Lisa Jackson, a tech leader, says – it's "invaluable for personal and professional growth, as well as keeping up with industry trends."

If you're trying to break into the tech scene in Des Moines, networking and getting involved in the community is a total game-changer. According to the latest stats, having a solid professional network can boost your chances of landing a job by like 3.5 times! And with over 20,000 tech pros already in Des Moines and more opportunities popping up every day, making connections is the way to go.

Des Moines is becoming a legit tech hub, so you'd better get in on the action.

This city has a thriving tech community with all sorts of meetups and groups for different interests and skills.

Check out the list on the Technology Association of Iowa's website for some cool options like the Des Moines Web Geeks for web devs, Data Des Moines for data science nerds, and Des Moines Developers for coders of all levels.

You can even attend events like the Iowa Tech Connect Alumni Network meetup to connect with industry pros.

To really make the most of Des Moines' tech scene and score your dream job, here are some tips:

• Network and learn about openings in your field by attending meetups.
• Volunteer your skills with local tech organizations or events to gain experience and meet new people.
• Join LinkedIn groups and follow local companies and influencers to stay in the loop.
• Seek mentorship and career advice from experienced pros.

As Mary Moore, a software developer at Dwolla, says,

"The Des Moines tech community is super welcoming and supportive. Networking events have been a total lifesaver for me in terms of career growth and finding awesome opportunities."

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making connections!

If you want to score that sweet tech gig in Des Moines, you gotta nail your resume and cover letter game. According to the cool cats at the Technology Association of Iowa, like 87% of local tech companies are all about seeing clear and concise resumes tailored to the role you're applying for.

So, make sure to highlight those mad skills you've got – problem-solving, analytical thinking, and paying attention to the details – because that's what the Des Moines tech scene is craving.

When it comes to your cover letter, the awesome people at the Greater Des Moines Partnership say you should emphasize your passion for tech and eagerness to learn.

One hiring manager even said,

"We're all about candidates who can show they're genuinely stoked about the field and have that growth mindset."

Customizing each application by checking out the company's values and showing how you vibe with their mission is also a major key.

Now, when you're on the hunt for open roles, tap into resources like online coding platforms to level up your skills, TechIowa.org for a sweet job board, LinkedIn to connect with local pros and follow companies you're eyeing, and tech meetups to network and stay in the loop.

During interviews, be ready to showcase your tech know-how and problem-solving skills.

According to the Technology Association of Iowa's 2023 Workforce Study, Des Moines tech employers are all about candidates with skills like programming languages (Python, Java, you know the deal), data analysis, cloud computing, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Nail those, and you'll be golden.

With a tailored approach, a strong network, and continuously leveling up your skills, making that transition to a tech career in Des Moines is totally doable.

Just keep grinding and stay focused!