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

Learning to code in Kazakhstan is where it's at right now.

The tech scene here is blowing up like crazy, and you'd be crazy not to get in on the action. According to the latest stats, the IT services market in Kazakhstan is expected to hit a whopping $1,187 million in revenue by 2024.

That's some serious cash flow, my friends!

But it's not just about the money (although, let's be real, that's a huge perk). The tech industry in Kazakhstan is all about growth and innovation.

Snagging a remote tech job means you can work from anywhere, with flexible hours and the freedom to live life on your terms.

Plus, you'll be at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies like AI and 5G, which are predicted to see a massive surge in demand over the next year.

But don't just take my word for it. Experts are saying that companies like Yandex and VK are ramping up their investments in Central Asia, and the atmosphere for tech entrepreneurship is hotter than ever.

Networking at industry events is a surefire way to get your foot in the door and make those crucial connections.

The future is now, and it's time to level up your career game in Kazakhstan's booming tech scene.

Switching from a non-tech field to a tech career in Kazakhstan isn't just about coding skills. You gotta do a real self-assessment of your existing abilities and what gets you hyped.

Start by identifying the transferable skills you already have - things like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and project management. These versatile talents are valuable AF in the tech world.

But it's not just about skills, it's about finding something you're genuinely into.

Figure out if you get a kick out of creative problem-solving, logical thinking, or data analysis.

Taking self-assessment tests like Myers-Briggs or the Holland Code can help you identify your interests and passions that could line up with dope tech roles.

While tech-specific abilities are crucial, Kazakhstan's top companies also prioritize non-tech skills big time.

According to the experts, the most sought-after qualities include critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and communication. As Timur Nusupbekov from Kolesa Group said, "Technical skills are important, but we also value individuals who can think creatively, work well in teams, and communicate effectively – skills that transcend any specific industry."

If you're looking to break into the tech scene in Kazakhstan, there are tons of solid options to get you up to speed.

Sure, a fancy degree from a top-notch uni like Al-Farabi or KIMEP can give you a leg up, but who's got time (or money) for that? Coding bootcamps are where it's at - places like Coding.kg in Almaty and Astana IT University cram all the essential skills into a 12-16 week crash course, setting you up to land a sweet tech gig in no time.

Heard over 60% of their grads scored jobs within six months last year, not too shabby!

If you're the independent type, why not teach yourself with online courses? Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy have legit programs from places like Harvard and MIT, so you can learn from the best without breaking the bank.

Or go completely free with sites like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and W3Schools - just be sure to link up with local communities like Astana IT Club and Almaty Tech Enthusiasts for that crucial networking and mentorship.

Pretty solid deal if you ask me.

At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all path to cracking into tech in Kazakhstan. Some peeps thrive in a structured degree program (Gumilyov Eurasian National University and Karagandy University of Kazpotrebsoyuz offer solid online/part-time options), while others prefer the fast-paced bootcamp grind or going the self-study route.

Just stay hungry, keep leveling up those skills, and get connected with the local scene - that's the real key to scoring your dream tech job in this booming industry, according to Linda Johnson, CEO of Astana Hub.

With dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning, anyone can make that transition from a non-tech background, no matter which path you choose.

Building a killer tech portfolio and resume is crucial if you want to score that dream tech job in Kazakhstan, even if you're coming from a non-tech background.

Your portfolio is like a highlight reel of your skills and passion for the field. According to the folks at Exponential Program, a solid portfolio can be the make-or-break factor when applying for top tech companies.

When putting together your portfolio, make sure to showcase any relevant projects or experiences that align with the role you're gunning for.

Whether it's personal coding projects, open-source contributions, or even volunteer work involving tech tasks, it all counts. Don't forget to include certificates or badges from online courses, coding challenges, or hackathons – that shows you're serious about leveling up your skills.

As for your resume, tailoring it for tech jobs in Kazakhstan is key.

Start by highlighting any transferable skills you've gained from previous roles, like problem-solving, analytical thinking, or project management – these are highly valued in the tech industry.

When listing your accomplishments, quantify the impact with metrics and data to really drive the point home. If you've taken coding courses, built personal projects, or contributed to tech initiatives, make sure to showcase those achievements front and center.

And don't forget to customize your resume for each application, tweaking the content and keywords to match the specific job description – it'll make it easier for those applicant tracking systems to recognize you as a perfect fit.

Switching careers and landing a tech job in Kazakhstan is all about networking. You gotta hit up those local tech meetups and events – they're the perfect place to vibe with industry pros, swap knowledge, and make some solid connections.

Check it out, Nur-Sultan and Almaty are buzzing with over 20 tech meetup groups, throwing like 5-10 events each month covering everything from web dev to data science to cybersecurity.

But that's not all, you can also level up your job hunt game by tapping into those online job portals.

Kazakhstan's got some solid ones like:

• HeadHunter: This one's got over 15,000 active tech job listings – it's a major player for companies in the region.
• Kollega: Slick interface, search filters – perfect for finding entry-level or experienced tech roles.
• Rabota.nur.kz: Wide range of job categories including IT and software dev – a must-visit spot for job seekers across Kazakhstan.

And here's the real deal – having a mentor in your corner can be a total game-changer.

According to the Kazakh-British Technical University, those who had a mentor reported way higher job satisfaction and smoother career progression, like 25% higher! Local tech communities like KazIT and DigitalKazakhstan offer mentorship programs that hook you up with industry vets.

They'll drop some serious knowledge and guidance to help you nail that tech job hunt.

When it comes to landing that first tech gig in Kazakhstan, prepping for interviews is crucial. Sure, you'll get grilled on coding concepts like data structures and algorithms, but they'll also test how you think on your feet with brain-teasers and behavioral Qs.

To sharpen those coding skills, sites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal are total gems, hooking you up with practice problems and mock interviews.

For the inside scoop on Kazakhstan's tech scene, check out resources from Nucamp's articles on job hunting strategies. They've got the lowdown on everything from navigating local job portals to connecting with mentors and industry pros for resume reviews and mock interviews tailored to roles you're gunning for.

As for the kinds of questions you might face, be ready to explain your approach to tackling concurrent requests or implementing specific data structures.

They'll probably throw curveballs to see how you troubleshoot gnarly bugs or manage conflicts with teammates. And of course, the classic "strengths and weaknesses" is a given.

The key, according to Adil Nurmakhanbet, CTO at Chocofamily, is combining solid technical chops with the ability to walk through your logic clearly. With enough practice and support from coding bootcamps like Nucamp, you'll be prepared to crush those tech interviews and score your first dev role in Kazakhstan's thriving scene.