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

Murfreesboro is quickly becoming the spot to be for anyone looking to break into the tech scene! According to the latest data, the technology sector here saw a mind-blowing 18% growth in 2023, raking in over $1.2 billion for the local economy.

That's some serious dough! And with major players like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Asurion, and TwelveStone Health Partners leading the charge, this town is buzzing with tech opportunities.

AWS opened up a massive data center back in 2021, employing over 1,000 techies and engineers.

That's a ton of jobs right there! And then there's Asurion, the repair and logistics giant headquartered right here in Murfreesboro, with a whopping 3,500 local employees.

Talk about a powerhouse!

TwelveStone Health Partners, a healthcare tech firm focused on pharmacy solutions, is planning to create a whopping 600 new jobs by 2025.

Can you say career goals? With all this growth, it's no surprise that Mayor Shane McFarland is stoked, calling the tech industry "a key driver of our future prosperity, creating high-paying jobs and attracting top talent to our community." If you're looking to land a tech job in Murfreesboro, now's definitely the time!

Switching from a non-tech job to a sweet tech gig in Murfreesboro ain't as tough as you might think. According to these tech buffs, most companies in the area value skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking way more than technical know-how when hiring for entry-level positions.

Check out these common transferable skills from non-tech fields that can give you an edge:

• Customer Service: Nailing those communication, listening, and conflict resolution skills? Tech roles like tech support, product management, and user experience design are all about that.
• Project Management: If you've got mad skills at planning, organizing, and executing projects, you're golden for software dev, IT ops, and quality assurance gigs.
• Data Analysis: Know your way around interpreting data, spotting patterns, and drawing insights? Data science, business intelligence, and market research jobs will be a breeze.

To make those transferable skills pop on your Murfreesboro tech job apps, try this:

1. Quantify achievements: Quantify your achievements and use metrics to show off your problem-solving prowess and impact from previous roles.
2. Highlight adaptability: Highlight your adaptability and eagerness to learn new skills, like any self-taught tech skills or online courses you've smashed.
3. Use industry lingo: Use the lingo from the job description to tailor your resume and cover letter, proving how your transferable skills align with the role.

Nancy Thomas, a local career coach, says, "Don't sell yourself short.

Many non-tech pros have mad skills that tech companies desperately need. Just communicate how those skills can translate to success in the role." With the right approach, your non-tech background can be a strength, not a weakness, in Murfreesboro's booming tech scene.

If you're in Murfreesboro and tryna switch to a tech career, there are some seriously dope options out there.

Coding bootcamps are like a fast track to leveling up your skills, and Murfreesboro's got a couple worth checking out. The Vanderbilt University Coding Boot Camp is an online part-time program that'll teach you the ropes of web development in just 24 weeks.

Or, if you're more into cybersecurity, the Girls Who Code program at the TEC is a solid choice for learning the ins and outs of ethical hacking and network defense.

If bootcamps ain't your thing, no sweat.

Online platforms like Udemy and Coursera have a ton of self-paced tech courses you can tackle on your own schedule. And don't sleep on the local community colleges either – Motlow State and Nashville State's Murfreesboro campus offer affordable coding and computer science classes.

About Murfreesboro is that the tech community is super supportive of newcomers.

Organizations like the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and LaunchTN have mentorship programs and networking events where you can link up with industry pros and get the inside scoop on landing a sweet tech gig.

Having a mentor who's been there and done that can make all the difference when you're trying to break into the field.

Look, Murfreesboro's tech scene is seriously lit, and networking is key to scoring that dream job. According to the Murfreesboro Technology Council, having the right connections can boost your chances of landing a sweet tech role by like 47%.

It's not just about job opportunities, though – you get to connect with mentors, collaborate with other techies, and stay up-to-date on the latest industry buzz.

This town has a ton of events and meetups for techies to mingle and level up their skills.

The Boro Tech Summit in September 2024 is gonna be huge – industry leaders, entrepreneurs, everyone will be there.

But there's also cool groups like Women in Tech Murfreesboro and the Murfreesboro Developers Meetup that host workshops, coding sessions, and social events all year round.

It's a super supportive community for growing your skills and making connections.

To really tap into Murfreesboro's tech scene, try these moves:

1. Engage in local events: Hit up local events and meetups regularly – don't just show up, engage with speakers and other attendees.
2. Network online: Join online communities like the "Murfreesboro Tech Professionals" LinkedIn group to stay in the loop and network virtually.
3. Seek mentorship: Find a mentor through programs like the Murfreesboro Tech Mentorship Initiative – having an experienced techie in your corner is clutch.
4. Invest in the community: Volunteer for local tech initiatives or join orgs like the Murfreesboro Software Association – it shows you're invested in the community's growth.

As Susan Lee from TechBoro Inc.

says, "Your network is your net worth in the tech world." Embracing Murfreesboro's vibrant tech community will open up so many opportunities, resources, and collaborations for your career.

Alright, so let's dive into this tech job hunting game in Murfreesboro! First up, your resume needs to be on point. Keep it clean and organized, and make sure to highlight those relevant skills and experiences that'll catch the recruiter's eye.

And make sure to tailor that to each specific role – keyword stuffing is the name of the game if you want to get past those pesky applicant tracking systems.

Next, let's talk about that cover letter.

This is where you get to show off your enthusiasm and prove why you're the perfect fit for the company.

Flex those problem-solving, communication, and teamwork muscles – the tech industry loves that stuff. Plus, don't forget to utilize the Career Services at Middle Tennessee State University for some extra guidance.

When it comes to interviews, you gotta be prepared for those technical and behavioral questions.

Brush up on your programming language knowledge and be ready to talk about how you approach problem-solving and teamwork. And don't forget to practice those remote work soft skills too – they're super important in today's job market.

Finally, let's talk about where to find those sweet tech gigs:

• Explore various job boards: You've got options like the MTSU Employer Job Board, Indeed, and LinkedIn Jobs – they're goldmines for Murfreesboro openings.
• Engage in networking: Don't sleep on networking either! Get connected with local tech communities and attend those meetups – you never know who you might meet or what opportunities might come your way.