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

Lubbock's tech scene is totally blowing up, giving non-techies like us an opportunity to make that career switch. Major players like Hoverstate, a software design company, and Texas Tech's Innovation Hub are succeeding here.

According to CompTIA's report, the tech industry is providing over 176,000 jobs for software devs, IT support specialists, cybersecurity pros, and more.

These gigs are open to all backgrounds, valuing skills like problem-solving and communication. Like Joseph Harris from BeyondWWW said, they're excited to hire passionate learners, no matter where you're coming from.

With the low cost of living and tons of opportunities, Lubbock is the place to be for scoring a tech career.

Plus, with coding bootcamps like Nucamp offering crash courses, you can level up your skills and get hired faster than you can say "Hello World!"

Switching from a non-tech background to a tech gig in Lubbock might seem like a big deal, but the truth is, you already got mad skills that tech companies are looking for.

These "transferable skills" are the real deal, and the companies here in Lubbock dig 'em hard. According to this study, over 60% of the tech scene is all about those soft skills, even if you ain't got the technical know-how just yet.

Like, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are some of the hottest skills they want.

Being able to break down complex stuff in a way that makes sense to everyone, thinking outside the box to find solutions, and rolling with the punches when things change up? That's what they're after!

That could line you up nicely for gigs like Project Manager, Customer Success Specialist, or Data Analyst in Lubbock's tech scene.

These companies know that the skills you've picked up in other industries can translate super well into tech, so don't sleep on that! It's all about highlighting what you bring to the table and keeping that skillset fresh.

Switching from a non-tech background to landing a tech job in Lubbock is totally doable. The city's got a ton of options to help you level up your skills and get that coding game strong.

Check it out - South Plains College offers some solid programs in computer science, cybersecurity, and web dev to get you started. And if you want to kick it into high gear, coding bootcamps like Nucamp will have you job-ready in just a few months, no joke.

But it doesn't stop there.

Local spots like the Lubbock Coding Academy and TrainUp host workshops and seminars regularly, so you can keep sharpening those tech skills.

And let's not forget about the networking game - Lubbock's tech community is thriving, and meetup groups like Lubbock Tech Meetup, Lubbock Tech Ladies, and Lubbock Coding Club are the perfect places to connect with other tech-savvy peeps.

If you're more of a self-taught kind of person, no sweat.

Online platforms like Udemy, Codecademy, and freeCodeCamp have got your back with tons of courses to choose from, some even free.

And don't sleep on the Lubbock Public Library - they've got access to awesome resources like GMetrix and LinkedIn Learning to help you study up.

Crafting a killer tech resume for Lubbock employers is crucial if you want to snag that dream job.

According to the experts, over 67% of local tech companies are all about candidates who can bring transferable skills to the table, even if you're new to the industry.

Here's the scoop:

Flex Those Transferable Skills: Identify the valuable skills from your non-tech background that can translate to tech roles. We're talking:

• Problem-solving and analytical thinking: Demonstrating critical thinking in tech environments.
• Communication and collaboration: Teamwork drives success and innovation.
• Time management and organization: Balancing tasks efficiently is crucial.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn: Embrace growth and continuous learning.

Quantify your achievements with metrics or specific examples to show off these transferable skills like a pro.

Tailor Your Resume: Do your research on common job requirements and keywords used by Lubbock tech companies for your target role.

Customize your resume to match those standards, highlighting relevant technical skills, certifications, or online courses you've completed. According to a survey by TechHire Lubbock, employers are all about candidates who:

1. Demonstrate a passion for technology and continuous learning: Exhibit enthusiasm for tech advancements.
2. Understand basic coding principles or data analysis: Coding is essential in today’s tech landscape.
3. Possess industry-specific knowledge or certifications: Level up your expertise.

Tap Into Local Resources: Lubbock has some awesome resources to help you upskill and network with local tech pros.

Check out organizations like Lubbock Coding Academy or attend events hosted by Lubbock Tech Jobs. As Nancy Williams, CEO of local startup Codeworx, says, "Connecting with the tech community in Lubbock can open doors and give you valuable insights for your job search."

Switching careers from a non-tech background to a tech job in Lubbock is totally doable, but you gotta play it smart. The tech scene here is booming, with tons of opportunities opening up.

By 2025, over 1,500 new tech roles are expected in Lubbock, so the demand is real. To stand out, you'll need to get familiar with popular programming languages and brush up on your coding skills.

Online courses and bootcamps like Nucamp can give you that solid foundation. Networking is also key. Lubbock's tech community is tight-knit, so attend events like the monthly Lubbock Tech Meetup to connect with industry pros, learn about job openings, and get insider tips. When applying, tailor your resume and cover letters to highlight how your unique background and transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability align with the role.

Top companies here, like Xtra, Visionarium, and AMATrilogy, value those qualities. And don't forget to leverage LinkedIn for job opportunities – it's a game-changer for your tech job search. The key is to stay persistent, open-minded, and always keep learning.

As Steve Massanelli from Texas Tech's Computer Science Department says,

"Fresh perspectives from diverse backgrounds drive innovation in tech. With the right mindset and dedication, anyone can thrive in this exciting field."