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

The Sacramento job scene in 2024 is looking favorable, especially for techies! Major growth is going to happen across various tech sectors like software development, cybersecurity, clean energy, and health IT. We're talking nearly 90,000 tech jobs in the region overall.

Big names like Apple, Intel, and Hewlett Packard are already here, but there's also a vibrant startup community brewing. With lower living costs than the Bay, Sac is becoming a prime spot for securing a great tech job and living a good quality of life.

Companies are hungry for skills like coding, cybersecurity, and data analysis. So if you're looking to make that career switch, Sacramento could be your opportunity to achieve success in the tech industry!

Switching gears from a non-tech job to the tech world in Sacramento might seem like a huge leap, but trust me, a lot of your current skills are straight-up fire in tech.

According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, over 60% of local tech companies are actively looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds and transferable skills.

Some of the most in-demand transferable skills that can help you slay in Sacramento's tech scene include:

• Communication and people skills: Tech roles often involve teamwork, pitching ideas, and explaining complex stuff. If you've dealt with customers, sales, or client-facing roles, those skills are gold.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking: Breaking down complex problems, analyzing data, and finding creative solutions? Tech companies eat that up. If you've worked in logistics, project management, or research, you've got this covered.
• Adaptability and continuous learning: The tech world moves fast, and Sacramento employers want people who can keep up with new technologies and processes. Your ability to learn and upskill from non-tech jobs is a major plus.

A survey by the Greater Sacramento Economic Council shows that local tech companies seriously value transferable skills like:

Skill	Percentage of Companies Valuing
Project Management	82%
Leadership and Management	76%
Writing and Communication	93%

As Jessica Hernandez, Director of Talent Acquisition at a major Sacramento tech firm, puts it:

"We actively seek candidates with diverse backgrounds and transferable skills because they bring fresh perspectives and valuable experience to our teams."

So, if you're considering making the switch to tech in Sacramento, don't sleep on the skills you already have – they might just be your ticket to landing that dream tech job.

The tech job market in Sacramento is lit, but you gotta have the right skills to slay. According to the latest research, the most in-demand tech skills for 2024 are coding skills like Python, Java, and JavaScript, data analysis chops with SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, and expertise in cloud computing platforms like AWS and Azure.

These skills are the keys to unlock some seriously lucrative job opportunities.

But don't stress, Sacramento has got your back with plenty of resources to level up your tech game.

Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a ton of self-paced courses and certifications in coding, data science, and cloud computing. Plus, local colleges like Sacramento City College and Sierra College have affordable in-person and online classes, so you can learn at your own pace.

Coding bootcamps like Nucamp offer intensive, hands-on training to prep you for tech careers in as little as 12 weeks.

To really crush it, the experts recommend a multi-pronged approach: online learning, hands-on projects, and networking in Sacramento's buzzing tech scene.

Here's the game plan:

1. Start with online courses: Enroll in some intro courses on Coursera or edX to build a solid foundation in your desired tech skill.
2. Tackle coding challenges: Sites like LeetCode and HackerRank have coding challenges and practice problems to sharpen your problem-solving skills.
3. Build a portfolio: Develop real-world projects that showcase your skills and prove you can handle complex problems.
4. Network, network, network: Join tech groups like Sacramento Tech Meetup to connect with industry pros, learn about the latest trends, and get your name out there.

As they say, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

By taking advantage of Sacramento's resources and putting in the work, you'll be equipped with the tech skills to crush it in the city's job market.

Alright, let's talk about getting a job in tech in Sacramento.

Building a solid network is crucial, and the city has some awesome opportunities for that. According to a study by the Sacramento Metro Chamber, over 70% of tech pros in the area credited their career growth to connections made through networking events and meetups.

It's all about who you know, right?

Here are some tips to get your network game strong in Sac's tech scene:

• Hit up local events: Sacramento has a ton of meetups and networking events for different tech interests. The Sacramento Developers' Meetup, with over 2,500 members, hosts monthly sessions on the latest tech and best practices. If you're into open-source, check out the Sacramento Linux Users Group (SLUG) too.
• Get social online: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Reddit are goldmines for connecting with the local tech community. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and stay updated on industry happenings and events.
• Find a mentor: Having an experienced pro in your corner can be a game-changer. Identify influential figures or seasoned experts in your desired field and see if they'd be down to mentor you. Their guidance and insider knowledge are invaluable.

As the legendary Gary Vaynerchuk said,

"The key to success is to start networking and building relationships early."

By tapping into Sacramento's thriving tech ecosystem, you'll not only expand your professional circle but also gain access to invaluable resources and insights to help you transition into the tech industry.

When it comes to applying for tech gigs in Sacramento, having a fire resume is key. Tailor that bad boy to the specific role and company, flexing your relevant skills and wins.

The reverse-chronological format is dope, making it easy for recruiters to see your qualifications quick. For tech positions, make sure to highlight your technical skills like programming languages, software applications, and certifications.

To find those sweet opportunities, hit up local job boards like:

• Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance - The hub for tech job listings in the area
• LinkedIn Jobs - Filter for Sacramento tech roles
• Indeed Sacramento - Extensive listings for tech gigs across the city

Also, tap into your network and check out local tech meetups and events to learn about openings and make connections.

Major companies hiring for tech in Sacramento include Intel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and VSP Global.

When prepping for interviews, do your research on common technical questions and practice coding challenges or whiteboard problems.

According to UC Davis, popular interview questions cover data structures, algorithms, and system design.

Be ready to discuss your projects, problem-solving skills, and how you'd fit the company culture. Quantify your achievements on your resume, like "Developed a web app that reduced costs by 25%." Consider adding a qualifications summary section to quickly highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

Finally, customize each resume, using keywords from the job description to optimize for applicant tracking systems.

With these tips, you'll be getting offers in no time!