How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Orlando
Last Updated: December 16th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Switching to a tech job in Orlando is a thriving opportunity in 2025. The city's tech workforce boasts 74,000 professionals, with roles in AI, cybersecurity, and VR ideal for career changers. Average tech salaries are $113,211, with major employers like EA and Lockheed Martin. Emphasizing transferable skills, accessible bootcamps, and active networking can facilitate the transition into Orlando’s expanding tech scene.
The tech scene in Orlando is absolutely crushing it in 2025! With a stellar 2.8% growth rate in tech employment, second only to Dallas among major U.S. cities, Orlando's tech workforce has hit 74,000 professionals.
The money's seriously good too - tech jobs are growing twice as fast as other fields, with average salaries hitting $113,211 in North America.
What's super cool is that you don't need a traditional tech background to break in. According to career transition experts, roles in AI, cybersecurity, and virtual reality are perfect for career changers.
Plus, Orlando's got major players like EA Sports and Red Lambda, and they're always looking for fresh talent with different perspectives. If you're thinking about making the switch, Nucamp's Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp is a great starting point at just $458 during early bird registration.
The tech world's constantly evolving, which means there's always something new to learn and explore. Ready to level up your career? Let's dive into how your current skills can totally work in tech!
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Benefits of a Tech Career in Orlando
- Recognizing and Building on Transferable Skills
- Upskilling and Educational Opportunities in Orlando
- Networking and Mentorship in Orlando's Tech Community
- Creating a Tailored Portfolio and Resume for Orlando Tech Jobs
- Exploring Entry-Level Opportunities in Orlando's Tech Industry
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Understanding the Benefits of a Tech Career in Orlando
(Up)Starting a tech career in Orlando in 2025 is seriously worth considering. According to recent employment data, Orlando's tech workforce has grown to 74,000 professionals, with an impressive growth rate of 2.8% - beating out tech hotspots like Austin and Miami.
The city's expanding tech scene isn't just about quantity; it's about quality too. Orlando ranks among the top 50 tech markets in North America, with a whopping 26% increase in tech jobs from 2017 to 2022.
The average tech salary here is more than double the median wage across all other jobs. Major players like Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Technologies are always on the lookout for fresh talent, making it perfect for career switchers.
The job security is incredible - tech jobs are expected to increase by 27% by 2030, which is more than twice the national average.
The average tech salary is around $106,693, and that number keeps climbing. Plus, tech companies are super flexible with remote work options now, making it easier to balance life and work.
Whether you're into software development, cybersecurity, or data science, Orlando's tech scene is buzzing with opportunities. The city's got this perfect mix of growing tech companies, amazing weather, and zero state income tax - honestly, what's not to love?
Recognizing and Building on Transferable Skills
(Up)Making the switch to tech doesn't mean starting from scratch - your existing skills are more valuable than you might think! According to CompTIA's latest research, project management skills are in serious demand, with IT project manager job listings increasing by 33% in the past year.
Skills like problem-solving and communication that you've developed in other roles can directly transfer to tech positions. A recent study shows that successful tech transitions often start with mapping your current abilities to tech roles, especially in areas like project coordination, team leadership, and analytical thinking.
The tech industry needs people who can tackle challenges creatively and work well with others - skills you might already have from previous jobs.
Many tech positions, like testing, analytics, and project management, actually prioritize soft skills over coding knowledge.
This means your experience in organizing teams, managing deadlines, or handling client relationships could be super valuable. When breaking into Orlando's tech scene, focus on presenting your transferable skills in a way that shows how they align with tech industry needs.
Whether you're coming from retail, healthcare, or education, your unique perspective and problem-solving approaches can actually give you an edge in the tech world.
Upskilling and Educational Opportunities in Orlando
(Up)Getting into tech in Orlando just got way more exciting with all the learning options available right now. UCF's Coding Boot Camp is super practical, offering both 12 and 24-week programs that teach everything from HTML to React.js.
The cool thing is you don't need any coding experience to start. 4Geeks Academy is another solid choice, offering full-stack development courses with unlimited mentorship and AI-powered learning tools - perfect for complete beginners.
What makes Orlando's tech scene extra special is that we have like 10 different bootcamps to choose from, including Nucamp and General Assembly, each with their own unique teaching styles and schedule options.
- Career Services: I really like that most of these programs include career services, interview prep, and portfolio reviews - exactly what you need to land that first tech job.
- Flexible Payment: The best part is that many of these bootcamps offer flexible payment options and part-time schedules, so you can keep your current job while learning.
- Networking Opportunities: Plus, Orlando's growing tech scene means there are tons of networking opportunities and tech meetups where you can connect with others who are also making the switch to tech.
With major companies like Electronic Arts, Amazon, and SpaceX having offices here, there's never been a better time to jump into the tech world in Orlando.
The community is super welcoming to newcomers, and there's always someone willing to help you figure out your next steps.
Networking and Mentorship in Orlando's Tech Community
(Up)Networking and mentorship are absolute game-changers in Orlando's buzzing tech community. The Orlando Tech Meetup, with nearly 7,000 members, has become the go-to platform for connecting tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders since 2011.
Looking ahead to 2025, the city is packed with opportunities, including major tech conferences like RE//verse and STAREAST, which bring together professionals from across the country.
The local tech scene is super active with weekly events at cool spots like the Orlando Science Center and Zymarium Meadery.
What's awesome is that many of these events are free or low-cost, making them perfect for anyone looking to break into tech. The Orlando Tech community is particularly welcoming to career-switchers, with regular workshops and networking sessions focused on different aspects of technology, from AI and machine learning to web development.
The community goes beyond just professional networking - it's about building real connections and finding mentors who can guide you through the industry.
Monthly meetups often feature tech talks from local experts, hands-on coding sessions, and opportunities to showcase your projects. The vibe is casual but focused, with events designed to help you learn while meeting others who share your interests.
Whether you're into cybersecurity, software development, or data science, there's a group for you.
What makes Orlando's tech scene special is how it combines professional development with a supportive community atmosphere. You can find yourself chatting with a startup founder one minute and collaborating on a project with other developers the next.
It's this mix of learning, networking, and real-world experience that makes the Orlando tech community such a powerful launching pad for careers.
Creating a Tailored Portfolio and Resume for Orlando Tech Jobs
(Up)Creating an effective tech resume in Orlando requires strategic planning and attention to detail. Professional profiles with quality photos receive 14 times more views, making a strong first impression crucial.
Start by organizing your resume with a skills section at the top, as this can attract 13 times more attention from recruiters. Focus on highlighting experiences in simulation, aerospace, and software development, which are major sectors in Orlando's tech landscape.
When crafting your experience section, clearly list out technologies and tools you have hands-on experience with.
Include specific programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and Java, along with cloud computing platforms such as AWS. The tech job market in Orlando is projected to grow 26.8% by 2030, with particular demand in cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI.
Make your resume stand out by keeping it concise and impactful.
Limit your resume to one page, placing your most relevant experiences at the top. Include projects, certifications, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact.
For example, mention how you improved system efficiency or reduced deployment time with specific percentages. Remember to tailor your resume for each application, incorporating keywords from the job description and highlighting skills that match Orlando's tech industry needs.
Exploring Entry-Level Opportunities in Orlando's Tech Industry
(Up)Looking to break into Orlando's tech scene in 2025? The opportunities are seriously exciting! According to recent job market data, entry-level tech positions in Florida are offering competitive salaries, with software development roles leading the pack.
Major players like Electronic Arts (EA) are actively recruiting for positions like Test Automation Specialists, while Lockheed Martin has opened multiple entry-level engineering positions.
The coolest part? You don't always need a traditional tech background - companies are looking for fresh perspectives and are willing to train the right candidates.
The entry-level tech landscape includes roles in software development, IT support, and even technical recruitment, with many positions offering remote work options.
Companies are specifically seeking out career-switchers who bring diverse experiences to the table. A huge plus for newcomers is that Orlando's job market currently shows strong demand across multiple tech sectors, including gaming, entertainment, and defense technology.
Want to get started? Consider these popular entry paths:
- Junior Software Developer positions: average starting salary around $65,000.
- IT Support roles: perfect for problem-solvers.
- Technical Project Coordinator positions: great for organized minds who love working with people.
Many companies also offer paid internships and apprenticeships, which are fantastic ways to get your foot in the door while learning on the job.
The tech community here is super welcoming to newcomers - just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What opportunities does Orlando offer for individuals switching to a tech career?
Orlando's tech scene is rapidly growing, with major companies like EA Sports and Red Lambda looking for fresh talent. The city offers roles in AI, cybersecurity, and virtual reality that are ideal for career changers, with a tech workforce reaching 74,000 professionals.
How can I leverage my non-tech background in the tech industry?
Transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and project management gained from your previous career can be valuable in tech jobs in Orlando. Roles like testing, analytics, and project management highly prioritize these soft skills.
What educational resources are available in Orlando for transitioning to a tech career?
Orlando offers numerous bootcamps like Nucamp and General Assembly, providing courses from web development to full-stack programming. These programs often include career services, flexible payments, and part-time schedules to accommodate learners.
How important is networking and mentorship in Orlando's tech community?
Networking and mentorship play a crucial role in Orlando's tech community. The community offers meetups, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are welcoming to newcomers, providing professional guidance and networking platforms.
What entry-level opportunities exist in Orlando's tech industry?
Orlando offers many entry-level positions in software development and IT support, some of which provide remote work options. Companies like Electronic Arts and Lockheed Martin seek diverse candidates, offering paid internships and apprenticeships as entry paths.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.