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

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: July 17th 2024

Switching from non-tech to tech job in Fargo, North Dakota

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Switching to a tech job in Fargo involves evaluating your skills, exploring coding resources, attending local meetups, and building a strong portfolio. The Fargo job market is booming, adding 1,200 new jobs in January 2024 alone. Key sectors include agtech, healthtech, and software development. Major companies like Microsoft and Amazon offer fulfilling tech roles in the area.

Fargo, North Dakota is seriously leveling up its tech game. The job market there is hotter than a fresh bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos! The latest stats from the Bureau of Labor show the Fargo area added 1,200 new jobs in January 2024 alone, with the professional and business services sector leading the charge.

There are over 211K open tech jobs across the country right now, so the opportunities are endless! Tech jobs in Fargo are paying like crazy, with salaries ranging from $13 to $23 an hour.

Plus, you can score sweet gigs at major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Wells Fargo. If you're looking to level up your skills and land that first remote tech job, check out Nucamp's Top 10 Strategies guide.

It's a total game-changer!

Table of Contents

  • Evaluating Your Current Skills and Interests
  • Educational Pathways and Resources in Fargo
  • Building a Strong Portfolio and Resume for Fargo Tech Jobs
  • Applying and Interviewing for Tech Jobs in Fargo
  • Continuous Learning and Growth in Fargo’s Tech Scene
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Evaluating Your Current Skills and Interests

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Let's talk about switching from a non-tech background to a dope tech job in Fargo, North Dakota. First things first, you gotta take a real look at the skills you already got and what gets you hyped.

Don't sleep on your problem-solving, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication game - those are super valuable in the tech world. But it's not just about skills, you feel me? You gotta have a genuine passion for technology.

Like, do you get stoked about coding challenges, or are you more into the nitty-gritty of cybersecurity? Fargo has mad resources to help you explore your interests, so let's get into it. First up, check out the FM Coding Dojo and Fargo Software Engineering Meetup for coding meetups and workshops.

These are prime spots to level up your coding skills and get a taste of different technologies. Next, hit up events by groups like FM Webcrafters and Fargo Founders to network with the tech crowd, stay up-to-date on local trends, and scope out different career paths. And don't sleep on online resources either! Sites like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp have interactive coding exercises and assessments to help you gauge your skills and interests in specific tech areas. By tapping into all these resources, you can not only identify your transferable skills but also get hands-on experience and truly immerse yourself in the tech world.

Once you get a taste of it, you'll be hooked.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Educational Pathways and Resources in Fargo

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Looking to switch careers and get into tech in Fargo? This city's got some pretty cool options for us to level up our skills. Check out Emerging Digital Academy - it's an intense 20-week coding bootcamp that'll teach you the full stack, from HTML/CSS to JavaScript and React.

They say it's like on-the-job training, so you'll be ready to dive into a developer role straight after. Or if you're more into data and AI, Promineo Tech's bootcamps at UND could be your jam - they've got programs for Data Engineering, Digital Marketing, and even AI Engineering.

Of course, there's always the self-taught route too.

Sites like Emerging's online portal offer resources to learn at your own pace. And don't sleep on the local tech community either - groups like Fargo IT Professionals and Fargo Developers host meetups and hackathons where you can connect with industry pros and show off your skills.

With all these options, Fargo's making it happen for anyone trying to break into tech.

Building a Strong Portfolio and Resume for Fargo Tech Jobs

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When it comes to landing a tech gig in Fargo, your portfolio and resume gotta be on point.

The job market here is all about showing you got the skills to tackle the local scene. According to the Great Places to Work FMWF 2024 guide, the top industries driving tech jobs are agtech, healthtech, and software dev.

So, build some projects that showcase your mad skills in tackling challenges from those fields.

When it comes to your resume, highlighting transferable skills from your past experiences is clutch.

Employers in Fargo dig candidates who can prove they're adaptable, can solve problems like a boss, and know how to communicate effectively. Check out this article on how to showcase your transferable skills on your resume.

It breaks down the must-have skills like analytical thinking, teamwork, and time management that Fargo tech companies crave.

Incorporating those Fargo-specific keywords into your job apps is important.

Based on job postings in the area, some key terms to weave in include:

  • Programming languages like Python, Java, and C++
  • Tools like React, Angular, and SQL
  • Industry buzzwords like agtech, healthtech, and IoT

Sprinkling these throughout your materials will show you're legit and know your stuff for the local market.

As that career coach Charles Gonzalez says, "Customize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to, mirroring the employer's language and addressing their specific needs." Follow his advice, and you'll be golden.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Applying and Interviewing for Tech Jobs in Fargo

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Let's talk about snagging that sweet tech gig in Fargo! Prepping for those technical interviews is key.

Companies will be throwing coding challenges and whiteboard sessions at you to test your skills, so it's smart to brush up on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank.

And don't sleep on data structures and algorithms – that stuff comes up a lot!

But it's not just about being a coding wizard. Fargo's tech scene values team players who can communicate effectively and adapt to change.

Show off your collaborative spirit and ability to clearly explain your ideas during interviews. These companies want innovators who can work well with others.

As for finding those job openings, keep an eye on sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and the North Dakota Workforce portal.

Major players like Microsoft and Midco are always posting new roles. And don't forget to check out local gems like Fargo's emerging startups – they're creating unique opportunities for ambitious techies.

Continuous Learning and Growth in Fargo’s Tech Scene

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Switching to a tech job in Fargo is dope, but you gotta stay on top of your game. The tech scene here is always evolving, so to crush it long-term, you gotta stay woke on the latest trends.

According to this Fargo Inc article, sectors like healthcare tech, cybersecurity, and data analytics are blowing up in Fargo by 2024, with mad job openings.

To level up, get involved in Fargo's lit tech community – join groups, hit up networking events. Check out platforms like Meetup for active tech squads like Fargo Developers, where coders of all levels link up to build projects and share knowledge.

You can't sleep on events like the Midwest Technology Summit either – that's where the real ballers in cybersecurity and tech come together.

As you climb the ranks in Fargo's tech scene, it's crucial to keep that growth mindset strong.

According to this list of top software companies in Fargo, the companies here expect you to keep sharpening your skills.

So, invest in yourself – get certified by big dogs like AWS, Cisco, or CompTIA to validate your expertise. Find a mentor in the community who can guide you and share their wisdom.

And never stop learning, whether it's workshops, conferences, or online courses from places like Nucamp's coding bootcamps.

Staying hungry and grinding is the only way to thrive in Fargo's fast-paced tech game.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What tech job opportunities are available in Fargo?

Fargo, North Dakota has a thriving job market, especially in the professional and business services sector, which has added 1,200 new jobs in January 2024 alone. Major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Wells Fargo offer numerous tech job opportunities. Salaries in the tech sector range from $13 to $23 an hour.

How can I evaluate my skills and interests for a tech career in Fargo?

To switch from a non-tech background to a tech job in Fargo, first evaluate your current skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication. Explore your interests through resources like coding meetups, workshops, and online platforms. Groups like Fargo IT Professionals and Fargo Developers provide networking opportunities and hands-on experiences to help you identify your career path.

What educational pathways are available in Fargo for transitioning into tech?

Fargo offers several educational resources for switching careers into tech. One notable option is Nucamp's 20-week coding bootcamp, which covers full stack development. The University of North Dakota (UND) offers specialized programs in Data Engineering, Digital Marketing, and AI Engineering. There are also self-taught options available on sites like Codecademy and Coursera.

How can I build a strong portfolio and resume for tech jobs in Fargo?

When building your portfolio and resume for tech jobs in Fargo, focus on projects that showcase your skills in agtech, healthtech, and software development. Highlight transferable skills like analytical thinking, teamwork, and time management. Incorporate keywords and programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and tools like React, Angular, and SQL in your resume to match local job market demands.

What are the best strategies for applying and interviewing for tech jobs in Fargo?

To apply and interview for tech jobs in Fargo, prepare for coding challenges and whiteboard sessions by practicing on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank. Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively. Monitor job postings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and the North Dakota Workforce portal. Networking with local tech groups and attending industry events will also give you a competitive edge.

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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.