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

According to recent stats, tech jobs in Middle Tennessee are projected to grow by a staggering 12% from 2020 to 2025. That's like a rocket launch straight into the future! Major tech giants like Oracle, Dell, Amazon, and Facebook have already planted their flags here, and the industry contributes a whopping $7.5 billion to the local economy.

Companies are investing big-time, like Iron Galaxy Studios dropping $950,000 to level up their gaming empire. But it's not just about the money - Nashville is making moves to nurture homegrown talent through initiatives like TechIntoNashville, and local education resources like Nucamp are equipping people with the in-demand skills to land their first remote tech gig.

With a diverse range of industries from healthtech to fintech and a cost of living lower than major cities, Nashville is flexing its muscles as an emerging tech powerhouse.

Alright, let's talk about switching to a tech career in Nashville! If you're coming from a non-tech background, don't sweat it.

Turns out, a bunch of your existing skills are totally transferable to the tech world. Think about it - stuff like critical thinking, problem-solving, and solid communication are valuable, regardless of your previous gig.

In fact, a recent study found that 92% of Nashville's tech companies prioritize candidates with strong analytical and communication abilities, even if they're short on technical know-how.

So what kind of non-tech skills can you flex to land a tech job in Nashville? Here are a few examples:

• Project management and organization talents? Perfect for gigs like product manager or Scrum Master.
• Customer service and people skills on point? Tech support or client-facing roles could be a great fit.
• Writing and editing prowess? Technical writing, content marketing, and documentation roles might be up your alley.

To really sell your transferable skills, Forbes suggests:

1. Quantifying your achievements with hard numbers and data whenever possible.
2. Providing specific examples that showcase your talents in action.
3. Emphasizing your willingness to upskill and adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape.

As Barbara Jones, Head of Diverse Talent Acquisition at Hire Nashville, puts it:

"Nashville's tech companies are totally open to hiring from non-traditional backgrounds if you've got the right mindset and transferable skills to thrive in this fast-paced industry."

So don't sleep on your existing talents - they could be your ticket to a tech career in Music City!

Nashville is the place to be if you're tryna switch careers and get into tech. The city's got plenty of sweet options to help you level up your skills.

Coding bootcamps are all the rage, and they'll have you coding like a pro in no time.

Nashville Software School and Vanderbilt University Bootcamps are just a couple of the legit programs around here.

But if you're more of a traditional learner, Nashville State Community College has your back.

They offer affordable courses in everything from programming to cybersecurity, so you can get that tech knowledge on lock. And sites like Coursera and Udemy let you study tech topics from the comfort of your crib.

With all these resources at your fingertips, Nashville is the perfect spot to gain those in-demand skills and make the jump into a tech career. All it takes is the drive to keep learning and combining those skills in fresh ways. The future belongs to those who never stop leveling up, so why not start your tech journey right here in Music City?

Nashville's tech scene is booming, and staying connected is key! Networking events are the move if you want to make it big.

Through these meetups and conferences, you'll build relationships with industry leaders, learn about the hottest trends, and maybe even score your next gig!

One group that's making waves is WiTT (Women in Technology of Tennessee).

These ladies are all about empowering women in tech and opening doors for the next gen. They host regular events and initiatives, so definitely check them out if you're a woman looking to get involved.

But it's not just about IRL connections – the online world is just as important.

Joining virtual communities is important for staying in the loop and expanding your network.

You'll find tons of Nashville-based tech groups on social media platforms, where you can connect with like-minded professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings.

And let's not forget about the educational resources in our backyard.

Nashville is home to some seriously impressive coding bootcamps and tech programs that offer a direct pipeline to the industry. By tapping into these resources and mastering in-demand skills, you'll be setting yourself up for success in the job market.

At the end of the day, networking is the name of the game in Nashville's tech world.

Whether you're hitting up in-person events, joining online communities, or taking advantage of local resources, staying connected is the key to unlocking new opportunities and propelling your career to new heights.

Making that switch from a non-tech background to scoring a dope tech job in Nashville ain't no walk in the park, but with the right game plan, you can totally crush it.

When it comes to crafting that resume, highlight any mad skills you got - problem-solving, analytical thinking, or project management experience, that kinda thing.

According to a survey by Robert Half Technology, a whopping 92% of hiring managers in Nashville value those killer soft skills like communication and teamwork just as much, if not more, than technical know-how.

So, even if you're new to the tech scene, don't sleep on those achievements that show you're adaptable and ready to level up your tech game.

Now, for those cover letters, it's all about crafting that perfect tech-specific resume that'll make the hiring managers sit up and take notice.

Do your research on the company's values, products, and current tech stack, then let 'em know how your background aligns with their needs. A well-crafted cover letter can straight-up set you apart from candidates with similar technical qualifications.

As Linda Brown, a Nashville-based tech recruiter, puts it,

"A standout cover letter shows the hiring manager you've done your homework and are truly invested in this opportunity."

But it doesn't stop there.

Interview prep is crucial for non-tech folks gunning for those tech roles in Nashville. Study up on common technical questions and practice verbalizing your thought process out loud.

Consider taking a coding assessment course or mastering those in-demand skills to show off your problem-solving skills.

And don't forget to come prepared with killer questions that show you're genuinely interested in the company and role. Key areas to research include:

• Company's tech stack and recent projects: Knowing what technologies a company uses and their recent projects allows you to demonstrate alignment with their current needs.
• Team dynamics and company culture: Understanding the company's environment and your potential team's dynamics helps you tailor your responses and questions.
• Growth opportunities and professional development resources: Showing interest in how you can grow within the company indicates long-term commitment and enthusiasm.

As Barbara Thompson, a senior software engineer at a prominent Nashville tech firm, emphasizes,

"We value candidates who have done their research, are eager to learn, and can clearly communicate their passion for the role and our mission."