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

Let's talk about Madison's tech scene - it's totally blowing up right now! According to this list of top tech companies, the city has over 290 players like Sierra Space in aerospace, Analytics8 crunching data, and ServiceNow rocking that cloud tech.

An article on MadisonCommons.org says Madison saw a 2.6% increase in tech jobs in 2020 alone, way higher than the previous years.

It's all thanks to the University of Wisconsin pumping out talented grads that big names like Google and Microsoft are snatching up.

But it's not just about the major corps, there's a dope startup vibe too.

According to UW-Madison, the city had the biggest tech migration increase in 2020 based on LinkedIn data.

With programs like Discovery to Product, entrepreneurs are getting that startup hustle support. And don't forget to check out this Nucamp guide on landing a remote tech gig from Madison - the skills you need are all here.

Switching from a non-tech background to a tech job in Madison might seem tough, but plenty of people have made it happen.

The secret is using the skills you already have from your past experiences. According to a study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, over 60% of tech workers in Madison came from non-tech careers, bringing their valuable soft skills to their new roles.

Some of the most in-demand transferable skills for Madison's tech industry are:

• Problem-solving: Tech roles involve breaking down complex issues and finding creative solutions, a skill that transfers well from fields like project management, business operations, and customer service.
• Communication: Whether it's collaborating with cross-functional teams or explaining technical concepts to stakeholders, effective communication is key in tech. Roles in sales, marketing, and teaching can provide this skill.
• Attention to detail: Fields like accounting, legal, and healthcare demand meticulous attention to detail, a trait that's equally valuable in tech, where minor errors can have significant consequences.

Madison's booming tech scene is full of stories of people who made the leap from non-tech backgrounds.

Take John Wilson, who used his experience as an event coordinator to land a project manager role at Epic Systems, one of Madison's leading healthcare software companies.

"The ability to multitask, prioritize, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders were invaluable skills that made my transition smoother," John shared in a recent interview.

With the right mindset, willingness to learn, and a strategy for highlighting your transferable skills, you can make the jump from a non-tech background to a tech career in Madison.

As Bobby Unser said,

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet,"

and Madison's thriving tech ecosystem offers plenty of opportunities for those prepared to leverage their existing skillsets.

For peeps in Madison trying to make a career switch to tech, there are some pretty solid options right in the city. University of Wisconsin Boot Camps offers coding and data analytics programs where you can learn the latest skills and get career support.

They've got a 24-week online coding bootcamp covering HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, and more. Plus, you'll earn a certificate from the University of Wisconsin, which is a major flex. If you're more into the self-paced thing, Career Karma lists out bootcamps like Nucamp, Thinkful, and Coding Temple that have online programs you can do part-time or full-time.

With Nucamp, for instance, you can learn full-stack web dev, mobile app dev, or even cybersecurity fundamentals – all while paying monthly instalments, which is pretty convenient. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Digital Skills Bootcamp is another solid option, offering a cybersecurity program that'll prep you for an entry-level job in less than a year.

They've got introductory courses too, so you can get a taste of the bootcamp vibe before committing.

Let's be real, networking is the key to landing that dream tech gig in Madison. It's not just about shaking hands and exchanging business cards - it's about building genuine connections that can open doors for you down the line.

According to the folks at SuccessWorks, networking is all about sharing info and making those valuable contacts.

Madison has a fire tech scene with plenty of dope events to help you get your network on.

Check out these upcoming meetups where you can rub shoulders with other tech enthusiasts. Whether you're into coding, data analytics, or just geeking out over the latest tech trends, there's something for everyone.

And let's not forget about the power of social media.

Sites like LinkedIn and Twitter are absolute gold mines for connecting with professionals in your field. Take a page out of Madison Women in Tech's book - they use social media to elevate women in the local tech scene and share valuable resources.

By being active online and engaging with local tech groups, you'll stay in the loop and potentially stumble upon some killer job opportunities.

The bottom line is, if you want to break into Madison's tech world, you gotta put yourself out there and start making connections. Attend those meetups, hit up professionals on LinkedIn, and show off your skills on social media. With a solid network and a bit of hustle, you'll be landing that tech job before you know it.

If you're trying to make a switch to the tech scene in Madison, you gotta tailor your resume to stand out from the crowd. Those techies at Rezi know what they're talking about - make that resume sleek and on point.

According to the City of Madison's job guide, you need to show off those transferable skills like problem-solving and data analysis - that's the good stuff tech companies are looking for.

You need to do your homework on Madison's tech vibe.

Check out local events, meetups, or organizations you've been involved with and give a shoutout to them in your resume. Show those hiring managers that you're down with the local scene.

As the University of Wisconsin's Writing Center suggests,

"Employers are looking for candidates who understand the unique needs of their community."

When you're highlighting those mad skills, don't forget to cover the essentials: technical know-how like coding languages and software, soft skills like communication and teamwork (yeah, those matter too), and industry-specific knowledge like cybersecurity and cloud computing.

And throw in a little personal touch, like a quote or statement about your passion for tech and desire to keep learning. That's what the pros at Epic Systems and other Madison tech companies are digging, according to the gurus at Nucamp's job hunting guide.