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

Milwaukee's tech game is on fire, drawing in major talents and investors from all over! Check out this list of 350 tech companies killin' it in the city right now.

We're talking giants like Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and GE Healthcare alongside rising startups disrupting the scene. Milwaukee and Madison are teaming up to form a super tech hub, with a $49 million grant to create over 30,000 jobs and bring in $9 billion to the region! This dynamic duo is set to dominate in biohealth and personalized medicine.

Madison's got the brains with UW-Madison's research game, while Milwaukee brings the muscle with its manufacturing legacy.

With so many dev, cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing openings, the future looks bright for anyone ready to level up their tech skills. Just peep the Nucamp articles on affordable bootcamps, job guarantees, and top programs to get skilled up in no time!

Tech companies in Milwaukee are on the hunt for people with sick soft skills, even if you're not a computer whiz.

According to research, like 87% of local tech businesses value candidates who can communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and adapt to change quickly.

Coding knowledge is rad, but employers dig people who can think outside the box and work well with others.

Companies like Northwestern Mutual and Rockwell Automation know that soft skills like customer service, teamwork, and attention to detail are key for success in fields like healthcare tech, fintech, and industrial IoT. Even if you're not a tech wizard, highlighting your transferable skills can help you score a sick tech job and break into Milwaukee's booming tech scene.

Milwaukee is lit with options if you're tryna get into tech, whether you're fresh outta high school or switching careers.

While traditional degrees from schools like Marquette and UWM are still solid picks, coding bootcamps have been popping up all over the city for those looking to fast-track it into tech jobs.

These intensive programs, usually lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 months, teach you the hottest programming languages and skills that companies are hungry for.

They're perfect for making that career switch happen. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) even has a TechForce Training Center where you can get trained up for IT gigs.

What's great about these bootcamps is they hook you up with career support to nail those technical interviews and build connections with local employers hiring tech talent.

They also offer flexible schedules and payment plans to make it work with your lifestyle. And it's all about hands-on learning, so you'll have a stacked portfolio of real projects to show off.

The vibe at these bootcamps is super supportive for career changers too.

They get that making a jump into tech from a totally different field can be tough, but their instructors and coaches are there to guide you through it all. As someone who used to work in marketing before switching to web dev through a local bootcamp said,

"The personalized support I got was invaluable for making that transition."

Networking is key to scoring those sweet tech gigs in Milwaukee, no doubt. According to a survey, over 65% of local tech pros credit their career success to connections they made.

Getting involved with Milwaukee's buzzing tech scene opens up seriously dope opportunities for jobs, insider industry knowledge, and finding mentors to guide you.

Here are some rad ways to build your network in Brew City:

1. Hit Up Local Meetups and Events: Milwaukee's packed with tech-focused meetups and events that are prime networking territory. Check out:
   • Milwaukee Code Camp: An annual fest where developers share their coding wisdom and mingle with fellow geeks.
   • Milwaukee Data meetup: A crew obsessed with data analysis, machine learning, and data viz.
   • Milwaukee Web Developers meetup: A community for web dev nerds to discuss the latest trends and best practices.
2. Join Professional Orgs: Groups like the Milwaukee Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Milwaukee Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) are networking goldmines and offer sweet professional dev opportunities.
3. Tap Into Online Communities: Platforms like LinkedIn and local tech Facebook groups let you connect with pros, scope out job openings, and stay looped in on the latest industry buzz in Milwaukee.

Joseph Williams, a software engineer at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee, says it best: "Networking is clutch in the tech world. It doesn't just open doors to sick job opportunities but also exposes you to diverse perspectives and mentors who can steer your career in the right direction."

Prepping for a tech interview in Milwaukee ain't no joke, but with the right mindset, you got this! First things first, do your research on the company - check out their website, social media, and any news articles you can find.

This'll help you understand their vibe and show them you're serious about the role.

Next up, practice common interview questions until you can answer them in your sleep.

Think about how you'd describe complex problems you've tackled, or times you've worked with different teams. Roleplay with a friend and get feedback on your body language and tone.

Oh, and don't forget to have some questions ready to ask them - it shows you're engaged and curious about the company.

To really boost your confidence, check out local meetups and networking events.

Talking to people already in the industry can give you the inside scoop on what companies are looking for. You can even practice mock interviews with mentors or career coaches.

And if you're a Nucamp student, tap into their job hunting resources - they've got your back!

At the end of the day, remember to stay positive and believe in yourself.

You've got the skills, and with the right prep, you'll nail that interview and land your dream tech job in Milwaukee. Just keep grinding, and the opportunities will come knocking.