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

Newark is becoming the place to be for tech careers! This city is totally buzzing with new startups and major companies setting up shop, like DraftKings, Merck, and Audible.

From 2018 to 2022, Newark's tech industry grew a massive 22.6%, way faster than the national average. Over 15% of jobs in Newark are now in tech according to the Newark Regional Business Partnership.

With giants like Panasonic and IDT already here, Newark is the future!

If you're looking to switch from a non-tech background into this booming field, Newark has your back.

Check out mentorship and funding opportunities at the awesome Newark Venture Partners accelerator.

Connect with fellow techies at NWK Tech Meetup's dope networking events and workshops. And you can upskill through coding bootcamps right here like Nucamp, General Assembly, and Rutgers.

Mayor Ras Baraka says it best:

"The Newark tech boom is creating paths to success for all of us."

With the right resources and drive, making that career switch into tech is totally achievable in Newark.

Newark's tech game is getting seriously lit, with fintech, healthtech, and cybersecurity emerging as the hottest sectors by 2024.

Big names like Prudential, Audible (an Amazon branch), and IDT are already major players in the city, constantly hiring for all kinds of tech roles. But it's not just the corporate giants - Newark is brimming with startups and opportunities for those looking to break into tech.

If you're on the hunt for a tech gig in Newark, there are so many resources to help you out.

Groups like Newark Alliance and Newark Workforce Development Board offer career coaching, skills training, and job fairs specifically for the tech industry. Plus, sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and AngelList are goldmines for tech job listings and networking in Newark.

Speaking of networking, that's seriously key in Newark's booming tech scene.

Attending local events and meetups like Newark Tech Meetup and Newark WebDevs can score you valuable connections and potential job leads. Some major networking highlights include the Newark Innovation Acceleration Challenge (an annual pitch competition), Newark Tech Week (a week-long tech fest), and Tech Meetup Newark (a monthly tech pro hangout).

As investor Ray Chambers said, "Newark is poised to become a major technology hub."

Get out there, network your butt off, and you'll be at the forefront of Newark's tech takeover.

Transitioning to a tech career in Newark, NJ requires acquiring a well-rounded set of skills to become a competitive candidate in the local job market. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most in-demand tech skills in Newark include:

• Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript is crucial for roles in software development, data analysis, and web development.
• Cloud Computing: With Newark's growing tech ecosystem, expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud is highly sought after.
• Data Analytics: Skills in data mining, visualization, and statistical analysis are invaluable for roles in business intelligence, marketing, and finance.
• Cybersecurity: As cyber threats continue to rise, Newark employers prioritize candidates with knowledge of network security, risk assessment, and ethical hacking.

The good news is that Newark offers numerous resources to help you acquire or enhance these skills.

Local institutions like Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Essex County College offer a range of non-credit courses and professional development programs in areas like coding, data science, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, organizations like New World Coders and Per Scholas offer immersive tech training programs specifically designed for career changers.

As "Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in the technology field." – Michael Watkins, Author of 'The First 90 Days' aptly states, investing time and effort into upskilling is crucial for a successful tech career transition in Newark.

By leveraging local resources and consistently honing your tech skills, you'll be well-positioned to navigate Newark's thriving tech landscape.

If you wanna snag a sweet tech job in Newark, you gotta get your resume and online presence on point. Your resume should show off those transferable skills and any tech abilities you got.

Highlight times when you crush problem-solving or learned new tech crazy fast. According to ResumeGo, 59% of tech hiring managers want to see an active online presence.

For an online presence, start by optimizing that LinkedIn profile.

Use keywords related to Newark in your headline and summary to boost visibility. Join industry groups and connect with local tech peeps to grow your network. A LinkedIn study found that members with an "All-Star" profile are 27 times more likely to get noticed for job opps.

When applying for Newark tech roles, customize your resume for each job.

Highlight skills and experiences from the job desc. Here are some tips for a tech resume:

• Quantify achievements: Use numbers to show your impact, like "Boosted website traffic by 25% through SEO."
• Flaunt tech skills: List programming languages, software, and tools you're a pro at.
• Showcase continuous learning: Mention online courses, certs, or personal projects that prove you're always upskilling.

As a LiveCareer report says,

"Tech employers want candidates who can show quantifiable achievements and a commitment to keep learning."

Preparing for tech interviews in Newark requires understanding both the local tech landscape and specific company processes. Audible's hiring process, for example, follows a structured approach starting with an online application, followed by technical assessments, and culminating in panel interviews with potential teammates and managers.

As you explore key tech sectors in Newark, focus on developing skills that match company needs.

For technical assessments, be ready to provide writing samples, portfolio work, or complete coding challenges. During interviews, you'll typically face:

• Problem-solving and coding challenges
• Questions about programming languages and frameworks
• Behavioral questions to assess team fit

To prep effectively:

1. Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode
2. Research company tech stacks and products
3. Prepare examples of your problem-solving experiences
4. Review core computer science concepts
5. Join mock interview sessions

Newark's growing tech scene offers many resources to help you prepare, from coding bootcamps to tech meetups.

Remember to focus on roles that genuinely interest you and match your qualifications - quality applications tend to be more successful than quantity. The key is consistent practice, staying current with tech trends, and building confidence through preparation.

Switching careers isn't easy, but Newark's tech scene makes it more chill. If you're looking to break into the industry, getting involved with local meetup groups like NJ Tech Meetup is a game-changer.

With over 7,000 members, you'll have endless opportunities to network with entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry experts who've been there and done that.

But that's just the start.

Newark has a bunch of resources designed to help you level up your skills and make those career moves. Groups like Newark STEM City and Brick City Tech Meetup offer mentorship programs, workshops, and job search support specifically for those transitioning into tech roles.

And major companies like Audible and Panasonic often get involved, giving you an inside look at what it's like to work in their fields.

The real key, though, is getting active in these communities.

It's more than just attending events – you gotta put yourself out there. Connect with people, ask questions, and don't be afraid to share your story. The more you engage, the more you'll learn about the skills employers are looking for, and the more opportunities you'll have to demonstrate your potential.

Plus, you'll build a solid support system of people who've got your back as you navigate this career change.

At the end of the day, making the switch to a tech job in Newark is all about putting in the work and taking advantage of the resources around you.

It won't happen overnight, but if you stay dedicated and engaged with the community, you'll be well on your way to landing that dream gig.

Switching to a tech job in Newark is more than just a career move, it's like unlocking a whole new world of possibilities. This city is seriously killing it in the tech game, ranking among the Top 5 nationally for tech careers.

Newark and Jersey City are flexing with an average tech salary of over $60K and a combined 37,000+ job openings. That's some serious cash flow potential right there!

The journey to scoring that dream tech gig is no walk in the park.

You gotta level up your skills and get that resume on point. Check out this article for tips on highlighting the skills Newark employers crave.

And if data analysis with Tableau is your jam, you'll want to check this out to see why it's a must-have skill for making data-driven business decisions.

Don't just take my word for it, peep the success stories from coding bootcamps like BrainStation.

Their grads are straight-up crushing it in the tech world. And if you're still unsure about taking the plunge, My Career NJ has all the resources you need to map out your path to a Newark tech career.

With the right mindset and a solid game plan, you'll be landing that dream job in no time!