How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in St Louis

St. Louis' tech industry is absolutely crushing it in 2024! Major players like Square, Block, and CrowdStrike have expanded their presence, while countless innovative startups are thriving.

If you're looking to level up your career, now is the time to join this booming scene:

• Diverse Range: The region employs over 73,000 tech professionals across a diverse range of companies. (Entrepreneur Quarterly)
• Job Growth: Tech job growth exploded by 45% from 2019-2024, far outpacing national averages. (St. Louis Public Radio)
• Hot Industries: Hot industries hiring include Agtech, Geospatial Technology, Fintech, and Health IT.
• Workforce Growth: Missouri's tech workforce grew 10.6% from 2017-2022, ranking 30th nationally. (Missouri Chamber of Commerce)
• Bootcamp Success: Coding bootcamps like Nucamp are reporting insane job placement rates into companies you know.

The Lou is quickly becoming a tech powerhouse, offering endless opportunities to launch an amazing career.

We'll dive deeper into the skills employers want, training resources to upskill, hot companies hiring, and more.

The tech world in St. Louis is on fire right now! If you're looking to switch careers and get into the tech game, this city has got your back. According to the latest stats from Missouri's job experts, the skills that are seriously in demand include coding languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, as well as web development tools like HTML, CSS, and React.

But it's not just about coding.

Companies are also on the hunt for data analysis wizards who can work their magic with SQL, visualization, and machine learning. And if you're a cloud computing pro with skills in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, you're basically a tech unicorn that every employer wants on their team.

A recent report revealed that a whopping 82% of St. Louis companies are prioritizing candidates with relevant tech skills, even if they don't have a fancy computer science degree.

Now, the best part? St. Louis has got your back when it comes to leveling up your skills.

Coding bootcamps like Nucamp are a game-changer, offering accelerated programs that'll turn you into a tech pro in no time. Just ask Richard Lee, a former marketing maven who "transitioned into a kick-ass software engineering career" after completing Nucamp's bootcamp.

But that's not all – local universities, community colleges, and organizations like LaunchCode and Workforce Solution Group also offer free or affordable tech training programs to help you get your foot in the door.

Switching from a non-tech background to a sweet tech gig in St. Louis? No worries, the city's got your back with a ton of awesome educational resources and coding bootcamps to get you up to speed.

Check out these local gems like Washington University and University of Missouri-St. Louis – they've got tons of tech courses and degree programs to level up your skills.

But if you're looking for a faster track, St. Louis is home to some seriously legit coding bootcamps tailored for career changers:

• Nucamp Coding Bootcamp: These guys are known for their killer programs in web dev, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Their intense curriculums will have you job-ready in no time.
• LaunchCode: This non-profit is all about providing free coding education and job placement assistance, helping peeps from all walks of life break into tech careers.
• Claim Academy: Want to dive into software development, data science, or UX/UI design? Claim Academy offers immersive training and hooks their grads up with solid job placements.

Joining a coding bootcamp in St. Louis is a game-changer for career switchers:

1. Accelerated Learning: Bootcamps cram years' worth of curriculum into an intense, fast-paced program, so you can gain those in-demand tech skills lightning-fast.
2. Hands-On Training: With a focus on practical, project-based learning, bootcamps simulate real-world work environments, ensuring you're job-ready from day one.
3. Career Services: Many bootcamps offer invaluable career support, like resume building, interview prep, and direct connections to local employers.

Just ask Daniel Taylor, a recent Nucamp grad, who said,

"The bootcamp not only equipped me with the technical skills I needed, but also provided a supportive community and access to a network of industry professionals, which was invaluable in my transition from marketing to web development."

Let's talk about the tech scene in St. Louis. There's a ton of cool meetups and events where you can connect with people in the industry and level up your skills.

Tech on Tap is a monthly meetup where you can grab a cold one and chat with other techies. They even have a holiday party coming up in December that sounds like a blast.

If you're into coding, check out GDG St. Louis - they host workshops and talks on all sorts of tech topics.

And don't forget about STL TechWeek in April 2024 - it's like a giant tech festival with over 15 innovation tracks and hundreds of experts sharing their knowledge.

The St. Louis tech community is super welcoming to newcomers and career changers.

There are groups like STL Black Tech Gathering, STL Queer Tech Gathering, and STL Women of Tech that create inclusive spaces for underrepresented groups in tech.

And if you're looking to land a remote gig, there are even events focused on remote work opportunities in the area.

Networking is key when you're trying to break into tech.

Go to these meetups, introduce yourself, and don't be afraid to ask questions. People love sharing their experiences and offering advice. You can also join online forums and Slack channels to connect with the community virtually.

Don't sleep on finding a mentor - having someone experienced like Joseph White, John Johnson, or Linda Perez in your corner can really help you navigate the local tech landscape.

Creating a fire resume is key to scoring your dream tech gig in St. Louis. According to the job experts, tailoring your resume with the right keywords and skills can boost your chances of nailing an interview by a whopping 38%.

Make sure to showcase your technical wizardry, projects you've crushed, and any certifications that make you stand out from the crowd.

Understanding how to slay the job application game in St. Louis is just as crucial.

Many local tech titans like Mastercard, Boeing, and World Wide Technology use online portals for applications. Be ready to bring your A-game with a cover letter that pops, killer references, and a portfolio that shows off your skills.

A 2024 survey by the St. Louis Regional Chamber revealed that 72% of tech employers value real-world experience over academic credentials, so make sure to highlight your hands-on achievements.

The good news? Tech companies in St. Louis are hiring like crazy.

Major players like Centene Corporation are hunting for software engineers, data analysts, and cloud architects. Bayer needs cybersecurity specialists, UI/UX designers, and machine learning engineers.

And Anheuser-Busch InBev is on the hunt for DevOps gurus, mobile app developers, and data engineering whizzes.

As Karen Rodriguez, CEO of the St. Louis Workforce Development Board, put it,

"The tech scene in St. Louis is lit, offering endless opportunities for newbies and career changers."

By keeping your finger on the pulse of industry trends and tailoring your application strategy, you can increase your chances of landing a sweet tech role in St. Louis. Check out Nucamp's guide for more tips on getting hired in the local tech scene.