How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Lexington Fayette

Lexington Fayette is killing it as a rising tech hotspot, with the industry expected to skyrocket by 8.9% and create over 1,000 fresh jobs by 2024 (Source: Emsi).

The city's tech scene is fueled by a skilled workforce, solid infrastructure, and a supportive community. Tech roles are crucial for Lexington Fayette's economic growth, with the industry's average annual wage of $71,085 outshining the overall average of $48,902 (Source: CompTIA Cyberstates 2022).

The city gets that homegrown tech talent is key, and they're all-in on supporting career changers.

Organizations like Nucamp offer coding bootcamps and resources for aspiring techies, the Kentucky Innovation Network provides mentorship and funding, and local meetups like LexLadiesCode and Lexington JavaScript Meetup foster networking and knowledge sharing.

As Mayor Linda Gorton said, "Our goal is to create an environment where people of all backgrounds can gain the skills needed for 21st-century jobs." With moves like these, Lexington Fayette is rolling out the red carpet for non-tech pros to transition seamlessly into thriving tech careers.

The tech scene in Lexington Fayette is booming, and if you're coming from a non-tech background, you might think it's not for you. But hold up, because transferable skills are the real game-changers here.

According to the Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board, the hottest skills for Lexington's tech industry by 2024 will be analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and a hunger for continuous learning.

Sounds familiar, right?

Let's break it down. If you've worked in healthcare, you've probably got those sharp analytical skills from diagnosing issues.

Or maybe you've been in customer service, which means you're a pro at communicating and collaborating. Even better, a survey by CompTIA found that 83% of tech companies are totally down to hire and train non-techies with solid soft skills.

It's a win-win situation!

But don't just take my word for it. Sarah Anderson, a Tech Recruitment Manager at Lexmark International, says, "The tech industry is no longer just for those with computer science degrees.

We're seeing more and more career changers succeed by highlighting transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and a willingness to learn." So, take some time to reflect on your strengths and figure out how they can translate to a tech role.

With the right upskilling through coding bootcamps or online courses, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career in tech.

Lexington Fayette is quickly becoming a tech hotspot, and there are tons of educational resources to help you break into the industry. For starters, coding bootcamps like Awesome Inc U offer an intensive 16-week program to prepare you for a career in web development.

They've got a solid track record, with over 1500 people learning to code through their bootcamp since 2013. If you're more into cybersecurity, check out the FREE 3-DAY Python Coding Bootcamp hosted by the University of Kentucky.

It's the perfect way to get your feet wet in coding and see if it's something you're interested in pursuing further.

Speaking of UK, their Online Computer Science Program is a great option if you want to earn a legit degree without having to physically attend classes.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College also offers associate's degrees and certificates in areas like programming, networking, and cybersecurity, which could be a more affordable way to kickstart your tech journey.

And don't forget about online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera – they've got a bunch of tech courses specifically tailored for Lexington Fayette residents.

But education isn't just about classes and bootcamps.

The Lexington Department of Education and Commerce Lexington Economic Partnership provide scholarships and grants to help cover the costs of tech education. They also connect aspiring tech professionals with mentors and internship opportunities within the local tech community, which is clutch for gaining real-world experience and building your network.

Switching to a tech job from a non-tech background can seem totally intense, but building a strong network is key to making it happen smoothly in Lexington Fayette.

The growing tech scene here offers so many chances to connect with other tech enthusiasts.

Networking isn't just about expanding your industry knowledge; it also opens up potential job opportunities and chances to find mentors.

One of the best ways to link up with like-minded professionals in Lexington Fayette is by hitting up local tech meetups and events.

The city has a buzzing community with groups for all kinds of tech interests. Some upcoming events in 2024 include:

• Network with web experts: Lexington Web Professionals Meetup (bi-monthly) - A gathering for web devs, designers, and digital marketing pros.
• Empower women in tech: Lexington Tech Ladies Meetup (monthly) - Empowering women in tech through networking and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Pitch and build startups: Lexington Startup Weekend (quarterly) - A 54-hour event where entrepreneurs pitch ideas, form teams, and build startup prototypes.

These events let you learn from industry experts and make connections with potential mentors and collaborators.

Apart from meetups, Lexington Fayette also offers mentorship and peer support groups tailored for tech professionals.

Organizations like the Lexington Foundry and Leadership Bluegrass provide structured mentorship programs, pairing experienced tech pros with aspiring mentees.

Groups like the Lexington Code Meetup facilitate peer-to-peer learning and support, creating a collaborative environment for career growth.

"Networking is an investment in your career. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and provides a support system for navigating the tech industry." - Susan Moore, Software Engineer at XYZ Tech

Alright, let's talk about building that epic tech portfolio and getting some killer experience in Lexington Fayette!

• Internship Opportunities: First, you gotta tap into the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and their internship programs. These guys offer dope opportunities to get hands-on in the tech world. Plus, you'll make connections that could lead to a sweet full-time gig down the line.
• Fellowship Programs: Next up, check out Awesome Inc's Fellowship Portfolio. These guys have helped launch tons of startups, and they're always looking for fresh talent. Seriously, just take a look at their impressive list of companies they've worked with – it's mind-blowing!
• Investment Ventures: Oh, and don't sleep on the Keyhorse Capital crew. They invest in high-growth startups based right here in Kentucky. If you can get your foot in the door with one of their portfolio companies, you'll be golden!
• Remote Job Strategies: And let's not forget about the strategies to land your first remote tech job from Nucamp. Their advice on building an amazing portfolio and showcasing your projects on GitHub is straight .

With all these incredible resources at your fingertips, you'll be unstoppable in the Lexington Fayette tech scene.

Just remember, stay hungry, keep grinding, and never stop learning. The opportunities are out there, you just gotta seize them!