How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in San Bernardino

San Bernardino is low-key becoming a major tech hotspot in SoCal. Big names like Amazon, Microsoft, and Xerox have set up shop here, opening up job opportunities.

According to the county's Workforce Development Board, tech jobs grew by 6.5% between 2019 and 2021, which is faster than the national average. Some key employers include Amazon's fulfillment centers and tech hub, Microsoft's cloud data center, Xerox's software engineering and R&D center, and Esri's geographic information systems software development team.

The county is seriously invested in nurturing a supportive ecosystem for tech startups through initiatives like the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center.

Susan Brown, the Director of Innovation for San Bernardino County, said,

"We're focused on creating an environment that fosters innovation and attracts top talent in emerging technologies."

With competitive salaries and a lower cost of living than nearby LA, San Bernardino presents a sweet deal for those looking to break into the tech field.

Switching to a tech job from a non-tech background ain't easy, but it's totally doable if you know how to play up your transferable skills.

The tech scene in San Bernardino is booming, and companies here are all about hiring folks with diverse skillsets, not just coding wizards. According to the San Bernardino County Workforce peeps, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are like the holy trinity of transferable skills that tech employers crave.

Solid communication skills are clutch for tech roles where you gotta collaborate with different teams, present ideas to the big wigs, or interact with users.

If you've got experience in customer service, sales, or teaching, you've already leveled up in that department. And problem-solving? That's a must-have for devs, IT support, or data analysis roles where finding creative solutions to complex issues is the name of the game.

Backgrounds in healthcare, logistics, or project management can give you a head start there.

Adaptability is another skill that tech companies can't get enough of, 'cause let's be real, the industry is constantly evolving.

If you've navigated change before, like in the military, hospitality, or running your own biz, you're already a pro at rolling with the punches – a major plus in tech.

Other transferable skills that can make you a standout candidate in San Bernardino's tech scene include:

• Attention to detail is essential from fields like accounting, legal, or admin work.
• Analytical thinking shines from research, consulting, or marketing backgrounds.
• Time management skills come from retail, manufacturing, or event planning experience.

"We want well-rounded people who bring diverse perspectives and soft skills to the table, not just technical know-how."

By highlighting your transferable skills, you'll position yourself as a top contender for San Bernardino's red-hot tech job market.

Don't sleep on San Bernardino County's hiring process either – it's a gateway to plenty of tech opportunities.

Alright, so you're looking to break into the tech scene in San Bernardino? No sweat, there are tons of awesome resources to help you get that career tech training and level up your skills.

San Bernardino Valley College has this killer program called Computer Information Technology that'll teach you all about programming, networking, and database management - essential stuff for landing a dope tech job.

And let's not forget about the Cal State San Bernardino, where they offer some serious tech programs too. Their Cybersecurity Center is on point, covering everything from ethical hacking to digital forensics and risk assessment.

But hey, if you prefer the flexibility of online learning, no worries! Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX have your back with a massive selection of tech courses and coding bootcamps.

Check out the top coding bootcamps in San Bernardino if you really want to level up your skills fast.

And don't sleep on that Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera - it's a solid way to prep for entry-level IT roles without leaving the comfort of your couch.

In this ever-changing tech world, upskilling is crucial if you want to stay ahead of the game.

Companies like Amazon, Siemens, and Xerox are setting up shop in San Bernardino, so having the right skills can seriously boost your chances of landing a sweet tech gig.

As that dude Josh Kaufman said,

"The half-life of skills is rapidly declining, making it imperative to commit to a process of lifelong learning." Truer words have never been spoken.

When it comes to landing a tech gig in San Bernardino, your resume needs to be on point. You gotta pack that puppy with all the skills and experiences that local companies are looking for.

We're talking things like coding languages (Python, Java, JavaScript), working with databases (SQL, MongoDB, get that data flowing), and cloud tech (AWS, Azure, GCP - stay ahead of the curve).

Don't forget to flex your data analysis muscles too, with tools like R, SAS, and Tableau under your belt.

To really catch the eye of those San Bernardino tech titans, you gotta flaunt your local cred.

Maybe you nabbed an internship with the Inland Empire Software Business Cluster or hung out at tech meetups with the Inland Empire Software Quality Assurance crew.

Or perhaps you leveled up your skills with some coursework or certs from Cal State San Bernardino's computer science program. Whatever your local sauce is, make sure to slather it on that resume.

As Karen Martin, a tech recruiter at Amazon's San Bernardino office, puts it, "Tailoring your resume to showcase skills and experiences directly relevant to the local tech ecosystem can give you a competitive edge in the job market." So get that resume polished up and start applying - your dream San Bernardino tech job is waiting!

Networking is the key to leveling up in the tech world, and San Bernardino's got a thriving community to help you connect with the right peeps. It's all about building solid relationships that can open doors, give you the inside scoop, and propel your career to new heights.

The IT industry knows the deal - networking is a gateway to opportunities, knowledge sharing, and staying ahead of the game.

• Local meetups and events: dive into the local scene by attending groups like Inland Empire Software Development (IESD) and the San Bernardino Chapter of Girls Who Code to collab and pump up your network.
• Virtual hubs: online platforms like the Inland Empire Tech Community on Facebook, Reddit's r/SanBernardinoTech, and San Bernardino Developers Slack offer job listings, industry talk, and opportunities to link up with pros.

The stats don't lie - networking is the real MVP. According to the Harvard Business Review, 78% of professionals landed game-changing career moves through their network, 61% scored new gigs via their connections, and a whopping 85% credited networking as crucial for their success.

As the OG Reid Hoffman said,

"The quality of your network has a major impact on your career trajectory."

By tapping into San Bernardino's vibrant tech scene, both IRL and online, you're opening up a world of possibilities - meaningful relationships, insider knowledge, and a competitive edge that'll keep you ahead of the curve.

Start networking and leverage Nucamp's job-hunting tips to secure that next big tech role with the help of Christopher Martin, John Smith, or Joseph Rodriguez.