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

Portland's tech scene is where it's at if you wanna get into the game! Check this out - the 2024 State of the Economy report says our tech sector is throwing down over $27 billion to the city's cash flow and giving jobs to over 100K homies.

And it's not slowing down anytime soon, with projections showing a 12.5% spike in tech jobs by 2024. For those just starting out, entry-level roles like software devs, computer support, and web developing are where the real demand is at.

We got major players like Intel, Nike, and Airbnb setting up their engineering hubs here, so scoring that first gig is totally possible. As ProFocus Technology's report says, Portland is a hub of innovation attracting talent from all over.

With the right skills from places like Nucamp's coding bootcamps, anyone can land an awesome tech career in this vibrant city.

The opportunities are endless, you just gotta put in the work!

Portland's tech scene is straight-up on fire, and you've got the secret sauce to land a killer job even without coding experience.

Yeah, for real! The skills you've picked up from your current gig could be the golden ticket to scoring that dream tech role. According to the "Tech Transferable Skills" report by the Technology Association of Oregon, the top skills companies are hunting for include:

• Problem-solving - Crucial for roles like software engineering, data analysis, and IT support. If you can troubleshoot like a boss, you're already ahead of the game.
• Communication - Essential for collaborating across teams and conveying complex ideas. Your experience explaining stuff in layman's terms? Priceless.
• Project management - In demand for coordinating development cycles and product launches. If you can juggle multiple tasks without dropping the ball, tech companies want you.

These abilities often come from unexpected places like customer service, education, and management.

For instance, that knack for breaking down complex concepts that teachers develop? Totally transferable to technical writing or training roles in tech.

Portland's job market is absolutely booming for entry-level software developers.

A 2022 report by Coding Dojo found that junior devs in Portland rake in an average of $74,000 annually. Not too shabby, right? With the right training and upskilling, you could pivot to these lucrative tech careers.

Just ask Sarah Moore, a former retail manager who made the switch to software engineering:

"The problem-solving mindset I developed in my previous role was my biggest asset when learning to code. It allowed me to break down complex challenges into manageable steps."

So don't sleep on those seemingly "non-tech" skills you've been rocking.

By identifying your transferable strengths and aligning them with Portland's in-demand tech roles, you could be the next career-changer breaking into the city's booming tech scene.

Portland is the place to be if you're looking to switch from a non-tech background to a legit tech career.

This city has got a ton of educational resources and coding bootcamps that'll hook you up with the skills you need. You've got universities like Portland State and University of Portland offering full-on degree programs in computer science and related fields.

But if you're looking for a faster route, coding bootcamps are where it's at.

Portland has some seriously top-notch coding bootcamps like Epicodus, offering full-time and part-time courses in web development, with a focus on JavaScript and React.

Or check out Nucamp Coding Bootcamp, they've got immersive programs in web dev, data analytics, and cybersecurity, with flexible online and in-person options.

And don't sleep on PDX Code Guild, they offer full-stack Python and JavaScript courses with a project-based learning approach. These intensive bootcamps are designed for career switchers like Robert White, providing hands-on training, career support, and industry connections to help you smoothly transition into Portland's thriving tech scene.

Networking is key to scoring a tech gig in Portland, especially if you're switching from a non-tech background. The move is to join local tech crews that vibe with your interests and career goals.

P-Town has a community of tech pros ready to share knowledge and hookups. Here are some groups to check out:

• Women Who Code Portland: This crew empowers women in tech with education, career coaching, and networking events.
• PDX DevOps GroundUp: Join for presentations, panels, and weekly coffee meetups to level up your DevOps game. Visit their website.
• ChickTech: This national org is on a mission to get more women into tech. Portland chapter website.

Hitting up tech events and job fairs is another solid way to expand your network and scope out potential gigs.

Portland hosts a bunch of these throughout the year, like the PDX Tech Career Fair, Portland Tech Job Fair, and TechFestNW conference. As Thomas Garcia from Puppet puts it,

"Networking events are for making connections and getting a feel for companies' cultures and values."

When you're networking, come correct with business cards, a tight elevator pitch, and a genuine interest in building relationships.

Follow up with your new contacts ASAP, and consider offering your skills pro-bono to gain experience and show your commitment to the tech community. With dedication and persistence, you can tap into Portland's tech scene and land your dream job.

Let's talk about landing that tech gig in Portland. First up, your resume needs to be on point, highlighting those sweet transferable skills from your non-tech background.

We're talking problem-solving, communication, and project management - stuff that 72% of Portland's tech companies are totally digging.

You gotta show off your technical chops too. We're talking programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, data analysis and viz, cloud computing and DevOps, and even cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

When you're applying to these companies, do your homework.

Research their products, values, and culture to show you're a perfect fit. Joining local tech meetups or industry events is a smart move too - you'll get insider knowledge and make connections that could take you places.

A Portland-based tech recruiter said, "Tailored applications that mirror the language used by the company stand out significantly," so make sure you're sprinkling those keywords from the job description throughout your resume and cover letter.

Don't forget to showcase your projects on GitHub or a portfolio site - 89% of Portland's tech hiring managers want to see you've got some real-world experience under your belt.

And before you hit that 'submit' button, run your application materials by local mentors or peers to make sure you're nailing the Portland tech vibe. With a polished, targeted resume and application, you'll be a top contender for those sweet tech roles.

Learning to code in Portland can unlock a world of opportunities.