How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Lincoln
Last Updated: December 25th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Switching from a non-tech background to a tech job in Lincoln is highly achievable due to the city's thriving tech industry. Companies like Applied Systems, Q2, and CompanyCam are actively seeking diverse skills. Nebraska ranks 17th nationally for tech workers, offering opportunities in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Coding bootcamps and local institutions provide affordable training. Utilize transferable skills, emphasize verbal communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, and engage in networking through local tech meetups and events to enhance your tech career prospects.
If you're thinking about switching to a tech job, the city's got your back.
Check it out - the tech industry here is exploding with over 60 top companies looking for skilled peeps like you.
We're talking major players like Applied Systems, Q2, and CompanyCam, operating across fields like software, fintech, cybersecurity, and more. Even cooler? Nebraska currently ranks 17th nationwide for its proportion of tech workers, ahead of neighboring states.
That means prime opportunities to level up your career game.
Now, you might be thinking, "But I don't have a technical background." Companies are open to training the right candidates, especially with the skills gap.
Hot skills in demand include software development (think Python, Java, JavaScript), web dev (HTML, CSS, React), data analysis, and cybersecurity. With some training from a coding bootcamp like Nucamp or a local university, you can take your existing experience and transition smoothly into Lincoln's thriving tech scene.
The future is tech, and Lincoln's ready to help you get there.
Table of Contents
- Assessing Transferable Skills for Lincoln's Tech Industry
- Educational Resources in Lincoln, Nebraska
- Networking in Lincoln's Tech Community
- Practical Steps to Transition into Lincoln's Tech Sector
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn how to expertly navigate the Lincoln Tech Job Market and secure a rewarding position by 2025.
Assessing Transferable Skills for Lincoln's Tech Industry
(Up)If you're looking to make that switch from a non-tech grind to the booming tech world in Lincoln, you gotta know how to flex those transferable skills.
The tech scene here is all about who can bring that fire to the table, even if your background ain't tech-related. According to the wise folks at UNL Global Experiences, the real MVPs in the tech game are those who can slay at:
- Verbal Communication: Spitting game and getting your point across like a pro? That's a major key.
- Critical Thinking: Being able to analyze the heck out of a situation and come up with innovative solutions? Tech companies eat that up.
- Teamwork: Collaborating like a boss and meshing with people from all walks of life? That's what sets the real ones apart.
You might be thinking, "But I don't have any tech experience!" Well, here's the deal – the Lincoln job market is hungry for fresh talent with diverse backgrounds.
They want people who can bring that unique perspective and adaptability to the table. So, how do you showcase those skills you've been cooking up in your previous gigs? Simple:
- Highlight those moments when you crushed it, whether it was leading a team, solving a complex problem, or just straight-up killing the communication game.
- Don't be afraid to brag about the times you had to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. That's what tech is all about.
- Share stories of when you collaborated with people from different backgrounds and made magic happen. That's the kind of stuff that'll make you stand out.
At the end of the day, if you can prove that you're a quick learner, a team player, and a problem-solving machine, you'll be well on your way to landing that dream tech gig in Lincoln.
Just stay hungry, stay humble, and let your transferable skills do the talking.
Educational Resources in Lincoln, Nebraska
(Up)If you're in Lincoln and looking to switch careers to tech, there's a ton of cool stuff to check out.
First up, coding bootcamps are huge right now. These intensive programs like Nucamp can get you job-ready in just a few months.
A study says the number of bootcamp grads in Lincoln is expected to jump by 18% in 2024 - that's insane!
But bootcamps aren't the only game in town. Online courses from sites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer everything from basic programming to advanced data science and cybersecurity.
The best part? Most of these are self-paced and affordable, so you can learn at your own speed without breaking the bank.
If you're more into the traditional college route, Lincoln's got you covered too.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a killer Computer Science and Engineering program that's ranked in the top 50 nationwide.
And don't sleep on Southeast Community College - they've got solid programs for IT and cybersecurity that'll prep you for the workforce in no time.
Lincoln's tech community is super active, with groups like Lincoln Code and Prairie Code hosting meetups, workshops, and hackathons all the time.
- Network with like-minded individuals. It's a great way to collaborate and keep learning.
- Even the local libraries and community centers offer coding clubs and intro classes, making tech education accessible to everyone.
At the end of the day, Lincoln's got all kinds of resources to help you level up your tech skills.
As Michael Moore said, "Learn continually - there's always 'one more thing' to learn."
So why not take advantage of all the opportunities this city has to offer and get your career in tech started?
Networking in Lincoln's Tech Community
(Up)Look, if you're trying to get into the tech scene here in Lincoln, networking is key. You know what they say, it's not what you know, it's who you know.
And the stats back it up - a study found that a whopping 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Crazy, right?
That's why you gotta get out there and start making connections.
Lincoln has some meetups where you can mingle with people in the industry and get your name out there. Check out Lincoln Tech Meetup where they host monthly events for techies, professionals, and recruiters.
Or hit up Women in Tech Lincoln if you're a girl looking to break into the scene - they've got mentorship and networking opportunities specifically for women in tech.
But it's not just about meetups.
You've gotta go to the big events too, like the Silicon Prairie Tech Celebration. It's this annual thing in Lincoln where they have panels, workshops, and chances to network with people from all over Nebraska and the nearby states.
At the end of the day, your network is your net worth.
The more people you know in the Lincoln tech community, the more opportunities will open up for you. So get on LinkedIn, start following companies and people you're interested in, and don't be afraid to reach out.
With the right mindset and some hustle, you can totally make the switch to a tech career here.
Practical Steps to Transition into Lincoln's Tech Sector
(Up)Switching gears to join Lincoln's buzzing tech scene requires a smart game plan to revamp your resume and target openings that are the right fit.
First up, tailor that resume to tech roles by highlighting skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and adaptability that translate well. Instead of vague terms, use tech buzzwords from job postings like "data-driven" and "Agile methodology." Quantify your achievements too - metrics like "streamlined operations, reducing costs 25%" pack a punch.
Next, scope out your target companies.
Major Lincoln tech players for 2024 include Hudl (sports video analysis), Opendorse (athlete marketing), and Bulu Box (health subscription service). Do your homework on their missions, cultures, and open roles - follow them on LinkedIn to stay looped in on job postings.
When interviews roll around, be ready to discuss:
- Express your passion for the role and company. (Brush up on Nucamp's common interview questions.)
- Solve challenges with problem-solving skills.
- Familiarize with methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban, etc.
Highlight your eagerness to keep learning, collaborative spirit, and any projects where you took charge.
As Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square, said:
"Define yourself by what you've started, not what you've been hired to do." That entrepreneurial drive is golden in Lincoln's innovative tech community.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What tech companies are hiring in Lincoln, Nebraska?
Major tech players hiring in Lincoln include Applied Systems, Q2, and CompanyCam, focusing on fields like software, fintech, and cybersecurity.
What skills are needed to break into Lincoln's tech industry?
In-demand skills in Lincoln's tech scene include software development (Python, Java, JavaScript), web development (HTML, CSS, React), data analysis, and cybersecurity. Transferable skills like verbal communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are also highly valued.
What educational resources can help me transition to a tech career in Lincoln?
Lincoln offers several educational resources including coding bootcamps like Nucamp, online courses from platforms like edX and Udemy, and traditional programs from institutions like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Southeast Community College.
How important is networking for transitioning into Lincoln's tech industry?
Networking is crucial, with approximately 85% of jobs filled through such connections. Lincoln's tech community hosts events like the Silicon Prairie Tech Celebration and meetups for networking opportunities, including groups specifically for women in tech.
What are practical steps to transition into Lincoln's tech sector?
To transition to Lincoln's tech sector, tailor your resume for tech roles, research target companies like Hudl and Opendorse, and prepare for interviews by showcasing problem-solving skills and familiarity with methodologies like Agile and Scrum.
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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.