Top 10 Strategies to Land Your First Remote Tech Job from New Orleans in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

For those of us just starting in the tech game, Tulane's alumni network is a total gamechanger.

We're talking over 120,000 alumni across industries and cities, ready to be your mentors, job hookups, and networking buddies. Tulane's online platform, WaveLink, makes it easy to find alumni in your dream role or location.

Seriously, it's a no-brainer.

The annual Technology Alumni Association (TAA) Career Fair is where it's at for tech geeks like us. Last year, they had over 50 huge companies recruiting Tulane's best, including Microsoft, Salesforce, and Lockheed Martin.

The Tulane Hirre Report 2022 says 31% of grads landed jobs through these career fairs and networking events.

Samantha R., a 2021 Computer Science grad, said,

"The TAA Career Fair opened doors I never imagined. I scored my dream cybersecurity job through the connections I made there."

Imagine the possibilities!

But don't stop there! Tailor your applications to match what New Orleans tech companies are looking for, and keep learning to stay ahead of the game.

With Tulane's resources and the right strategy, your tech career in New Orleans is about to take off!

If you're eyeing those sweet remote tech gigs in 2024, you better have the skills to back it up. According to the experts, technical know-how alone won't cut it anymore.

Employers want pros who can slay virtual collaboration tools, keep data secure, manage their time like bosses, and communicate clearly – even from their home offices.

That's where Delgado Community College comes in.

Their courses will have you leveling up faster than you can say "hybrid workforce." From mastering Zoom and Slack in "Remote Work Essentials" to locking down your cyber game in "Cyber Security for Telecommuters," you'll be ready to tackle any remote challenge thrown your way.

And let's not forget "Virtual Team Dynamics" – because who wants to be that teammate who can't get their act together?

But don't just take our word for it.

Studies show that over 90% of students feel way more prepared for remote roles after completing these programs.

And we all know how much the big dogs like Sir Richard Branson value investing in their people's growth.

With Delgado's help, you'll be unstoppable in landing that dream remote tech position in 2024.

If you're hunting for that sweet remote tech gig from the heart of New Orleans, you gotta tap into the power of local communities like the New Orleans Tech Group.

These kinds of meetups are a total game-changer, giving you access to industry insider knowledge, networking opportunities, and potential job leads that could be your golden ticket.

According to the folks at LinkedIn, peeps with strong community ties are like four times more likely to land a job through their connections. That's some serious leverage right there.

The New Orleans Tech Group is a buzzing hub for tech enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of events from chill happy hours to in-depth workshops.

With over 2,500 active members, this community welcomes everyone, no matter your background or skill level, making it the perfect place to learn and grow. Here's a sneak peek of what they've got going on:

• Monthly Meetups: Get up close and personal with tech professionals and discuss the latest trends, tools, and methodologies.
• Coding Workshops: Sharpen your skills with hands-on sessions led by industry experts.
• Career Fairs: Connect with top employers and explore remote job opportunities that could be your next big thing.

But the real magic happens in the connections you make.

As Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, once said,

"The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed."

By actively participating in these events, you're not just expanding your knowledge; you're also building relationships with like-minded individuals.

These connections could lead to job referrals, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects – all essential stepping stones on your path to landing that dream remote tech role you've been chasing.

A study by Meetup.com revealed that a whopping 72% of members found employment through connections made at meetup events.

By consistently showing up and contributing to the community, you're positioning yourself as a valuable asset, increasing your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start networking your way to success with the power of tech communities!

When you're trying to land that sweet remote tech gig straight outta New Orleans, your portfolio is gonna be your best friend.

Like, did you know that 77% of hiring managers think an online portfolio is key? That's some real talk right there. And you know what's even better? Platforms like NOLA Tech Scene on LinkedIn let you show off your skills and projects, making it so much easier for them to see how awesome you are.

These sites are like a digital playground for tech geeks like us.

You can create a profile that's all about you – list your coding languages, frameworks, and tools, display your best work with code samples and live demos, and even upload your resume to make applying a breeze.

Plus, they'll hook you up with job alerts and recommendations based on what you're into. It's like having your own personal job matchmaker.

But to really make your profile pop, you gotta put in the work.

Craft a bio that shows off your passion and expertise, and curate a portfolio that proves you're a problem-solving machine. And don't forget to brag a little – highlight those certifications, awards, or any other cool accomplishments you've got.

Oh, and sprinkle in some keywords from the jobs you're eyeing to boost your visibility. Trust me, it's like a cheat code for getting noticed.

Just ask Nancy Jones, this software engineer babe who landed a killer remote gig thanks to her profile on New Orleans DevJobs.

She said, "New Orleans DevJobs allowed me to present my work in a visually engaging way, which really set me apart from other candidates." See? It's a game-changer.

Alright, so you're looking to land that first remote tech gig in New Orleans in 2024? Well, one event you can't miss is the Collision Conference.

This massive tech fest is going down in Toronto from June 17 to 20, and it's a prime spot to connect with the bigwigs of the industry. We're talking over 35,000 attendees from all corners of the globe – CEOs, founders, investors, you name it.

The networking game here is crazy! Collision 2024 is set to bring together over 2,000 startups, 300 partners, and 1,000 investors.

That's a goldmine of opportunities right there!

But it's not just about schmoozing; the speaker lineup is nuts! Get ready to be inspired by legends like Geoffrey Hinton (the Godfather of AI), Elizabeth Wilson (Tennis Icon turned Entrepreneur), and Vinod Khosla (Founder of Khosla Ventures).

These heavy-hitters will be dropping knowledge bombs on everything from AI and business innovation to sustainability and marketing. It's like a crash course in tech domination!

And let's not forget the interactive workshops and tracks covering the latest tech trends.

We're talking AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, digital transformation – you'll be learning from the best in the game. Whether you're a coding wizard or just getting started, there's something for everyone to level up their skills.

Plus, with sponsors like KPMG, Dell, IBM, and Microsoft, you know the exhibitor hall is going to be lit! It's the perfect place to get a feel for the companies shaking things up and maybe even score some cool swag.

Landing a remote tech gig from NOLA in 2024 might seem like a challenge, but Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has got your back with some seriously dope programs.

These initiatives are designed to hook you up with the skills and opportunities you need to level up in the tech scene.

"These programs are all about empowering the state's workforce and attracting top talent."

First up, the LED FastStart is like your personal career trainer.

These guys offer customized training and recruitment services to help you get job-ready. According to their stats, they've already helped create over 27,000 jobs across various industries, including tech.

That's some serious cred right there.

If you're an aspiring tech entrepreneur or part of a small biz, LED's got a program just for you. The Small and Emerging Business Development Program provides access to capital, guidance on scoring government contracts, and mentorship opportunities.

According to their 2022 report, they've already assisted over 1,200 small businesses in leveling up their game.

• LED FastStart benefits: Offers customized training and recruitment services to help people get job-ready.
• Small Business Program: Provides access to capital and mentorship for tech entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Ready to get started? Head over to OpportunityLouisiana.com and check out all the programs they've got on offer.

The application process is smooth sailing, so you can focus on showcasing your skills and landing that dream remote tech role. Time to make your move!

Alright, let's dive into some real talk about freelancing in the tech industry.

For those of us eyeing our first remote gig, platforms like Upwork can be a game-changer. According to the data, freelancing offers mad flexibility to work from anywhere, plus the chance to build an epic portfolio while gaining diverse experience.

And let's be real, 59% of freelancers cited that location freedom as the top perk.

On Upwork, you'll find a world of tech opportunities – from web dev to mobile apps, data analysis, and beyond.

• Flex Life: Freelancing lets you work at your own pace, fitting projects around your schedule as you level up.
• Portfolio Power: Each completed gig is a shiny new addition to your portfolio, showcasing your skills to potential employers.
• Diverse Exposure: Working with clients across industries exposes you to a variety of technologies and approaches, broadening your expertise like a boss.

To kickstart your Upwork journey and land those beginner tech gigs, here's the game plan:

1. Profile Enhancement: Craft an engaging profile that highlights your skills, education, and passion for tech.
2. Filtered Search: Leverage Upwork's job feed filters to narrow your search by category, budget, experience level, and more.
3. Targeted Applications: Apply for entry-level or "rising talent" projects that align with your expertise and provide opportunities for growth.

As you crush those projects, building a solid client base becomes crucial for transitioning to full-time remote work.

Upwork's data shows that a whopping 54% of freelancers secured long-term client relationships within their first year. Build those connections, deliver quality work, and stack up those testimonials to attract higher-paying, recurring opportunities.

As your portfolio and reputation skyrocket, you'll be primed and ready to pursue those coveted full-time remote tech roles.

"Freelancing allowed me to gain real-world experience while exploring my passion for coding. Within a year, I had built a solid client base and portfolio, paving the way for my dream remote developer job." - Emily, Front-End Developer

Let's talk about landing that sweet remote tech gig in the Big Easy! In this fast-paced digital world, being in the know is crucial if you want to score that dream job.

Engaging with meetups led by the New Orleans Tech Group can help you build meaningful connections and get your foot in the door.

And don't sleep on following NOLA Tech Scene on LinkedIn—it's a game-changer for strengthening your professional presence.

But here's the real deal: tailoring your applications to meet the specific expectations of New Orleans tech companies can make all the difference.

And don't forget to take advantage of continuous learning opportunities in the city to stay ahead of the game.

With the rapid pace of tech advancements, keeping your skills sharp is non-negotiable.

• Customize your application documents to align with New Orleans companies' specific requirements to increase your chances of success.
• Take advantage of learning opportunities in the city to stay competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Check out Nucamp's Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Front End Web + Mobile Development, or Back End, SQL, and DevOps with Python bootcamps to level up your game.