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

Check it out! Laredo's tech scene is heating up and it's time to get in on the action. With all the advanced tech and infrastructure upgrades happening at Port Laredo, this border city is becoming a major player in international trade.

And you know what that means? More opportunities for us techies to make our mark! According to CBRE's Q1 2024 report, industrial vacancy in Laredo is super low at just 3.8%, which means businesses are expanding and in need of tech solutions.

Plus, with events like the State of Technology - Texas Industry Forum 2024 happening in Austin, you can bet Laredo is on the radar for cutting-edge innovations.

Don't forget to check out Nucamp's breakdown of coding bootcamps vs. self-study in Laredo to kickstart your journey into this booming field!

Switching careers from a non-tech background to score a sweet tech gig in Laredo is totally doable, and identifying your transferable skills is the first crucial step.

This blog lays out a few key skills that can help make the transition:

• Communication and collaboration: Being able to clearly explain complex stuff and work well in teams is clutch for roles like project management, business analysis, or tech writing.
• Problem-solving: Skills you picked up troubleshooting issues in customer service, logistics, or hospitality? Those can translate perfectly to tackling tech challenges with creative solutions.
• Adaptability: Tech moves lightning-fast, so being able to constantly upskill and stay flexible is huge. Jobs that demanded you adapt on the fly can give you an edge.

The importance of these kinds of skills is backed up by data showing middle-skill tech job openings in Laredo grew 17% from 2014 to 2019.

Companies want well-rounded candidates, not just technical know-how. As Elizabeth Martin, a former Nucamp student now rocking it as a Project Coordinator at a local software company, puts it:

"Multitasking and prioritizing from my retail days? Invaluable for this tech role."

Trying to break into tech in Laredo? No worries, there are tons of dope options to level up your skills. While bootcamps at TAMIU offer that immersive, in-person vibe, online platforms like Coding Temple and Code Galaxy let you learn flexibly from home.

Either way, you'll be coding like a pro in no time.

Nucamp's bootcamps are where it's at if you want the full package.

Their full-stack web and mobile dev programs have already helped over 2,000 grads land sweet gigs at major companies nationwide. With expert instructors, hands-on projects, and career support, they'll have you job-ready and snagging those Laredo tech roles quick.

Here's the real deal on why Nucamp's the move for making that non-tech to tech transition in Laredo:

• Real-World Readiness: Their focus on practical applications means you'll be building legit projects, not just theory.
• Industry-Approved Skills: The curriculum is designed with input from pros, so you learn exactly what Laredo employers want.
• Career Coaching: Their team will guide you through resumes, interviews, and job search strategies tailored to Laredo's market.
• Flexibility Factor: Choose full-time, part-time, or self-paced options to fit your lifestyle.

Nucamp grads have even scored roles at major Laredo companies like UnitedHealth Group, Dover Fueling Solutions, and Sirius Computer Solutions.

"Nucamp didn't just teach me to code, but also how to actually land a dev job in Laredo after switching from a totally different field. Their career support was clutch." - Sarah Jackson, Nucamp Grad & Software Dev at Sirius

Networking is key if you wanna switch to a tech job in Laredo. The city's got a lively tech community with meetups and events to get you connected. A study by the Laredo Economic Development Corporation shows that over 65% of tech pros in Laredo credited their career growth to connections made through networking opportunities.

One major group is the Laredo Web Developers Meetup, hosting monthly events on web dev frameworks, cybersecurity, and more.

With over 450 members, it's a prime spot to mingle with like-minded peeps and stay updated on industry trends.

If you're into emerging tech like AI and machine learning, the Laredo AI & Machine Learning Meetup is where it's at.

They do quarterly workshops, hackathons, and an annual "AI for Social Good" event focused on using tech to solve local community issues.

But meetups aren't the only game in town.

Laredo also hosts major networking events specifically for the tech industry. The Laredo Tech Summit, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and job seekers under one roof.

According to the organizers, over 35% of attendees have landed new job opportunities or collaborations directly from this summit.

Networking isn't just about finding your next gig though; it's about building a supportive community that encourages continuous learning and growth.

As Laredo's tech scene keeps evolving, having a solid professional network is crucial. By getting involved in these local events, you'll gain valuable knowledge and make lasting connections that could take your tech career in Laredo to new heights.

"Your network is your net worth."

When you're trying to score a sweet tech gig in Laredo, your resume needs to be on point. The key to a killer resume is keeping it clean and highlighting your mad skills.

Start with the basics – make sure your format is traditional, with clear sections for your experience, education, and skills.

Avoid any fancy graphics or layouts that might confuse the hiring manager. And don't forget to proofread that bad boy for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

1. Align Experience: You gotta show off your experience in a way that aligns with the job description.
2. Quantify Achievements: Quantify your achievements with hard numbers and metrics – that's what hiring managers wanna see.
3. Highlight Transferable Skills: If you're coming from a non-tech background, highlight those transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail.

According to the homies at Nucamp, having connections and involvement in the Laredo tech scene can give you a serious edge.

If you've done any volunteer work, internships, or attended local tech events, make sure to mention that on your resume. And if you know any big shots in the industry, name-dropping them can definitely help your case.

At the end of the day, your resume is your chance to show hiring managers that you've got the skills, the drive, and the local love to crush it in Laredo's tech world. So, put in the work, and you'll be landing that dream job in no time!