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

If you're like me, a 20-something trying to level up and snag a sweet tech gig in Suffolk, VA, you gotta get clued in on what's poppin' in that scene. Suffolk is straight-up thriving when it comes to major tech companies setting up shop.

We're talking heavy hitters like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google going all-in with massive data centers and operations.

The job market is on fire, with an 18% surge in tech roles last year alone, according to the 2024 report from the Virginia Employment Commission. Software dev, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are where it's at if you wanna get hired.

Some of the top dogs hiring in Suffolk right now are:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Data Center - Over 2,500 employees crushing it
• Microsoft Data Center Complex - A squad of 1,800+ tech pros killing it
• Google Data Center - Rocking a 1,200+ strong workforce in all sorts of tech roles

Not just the big names, but startups and smaller companies are also going hard to scoop up talent.

With Suffolk's tech game only getting stronger, now's the time to lock in and explore ways to score a gig in this booming industry.

Nucamp's got your back with their coding bootcamps that can help you level up your skills and get hired in no time.

Switching from a non-tech background to a rad tech career in Suffolk might seem like a crazy idea, but hear me out. You've probably got a bunch of transferable skills that the tech world craves.

A 2023 study by CompTIA revealed that 58% of IT pros in the Hampton Roads area said communication skills are the most crucial thing for success. That's sick, right? Tech companies want people who can work well with others, present ideas clearly, and collaborate like bosses.

According to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, 71% of local tech companies want candidates with solid project management experience.

That means being organized, thinking strategically, and knowing how to get things done. Even if you've never worked in tech before, skills like these from your previous gigs are pure gold:

• Communicating effectively and really listening.
• Resolving conflicts and negotiating like a pro.
• Managing your time and prioritizing tasks.
• Solving problems and thinking critically.

Barbara Perez, the CEO of TechShore (a major software development company in Suffolk), says, "While technical know-how is awesome, we often find that people from different backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and unique skills that make our teams even better." Companies in Suffolk's thriving tech scene get that adaptability, creativity, and a growth mindset are game-changers – and these traits aren't limited to any one industry.

If you've got 'em, you're already a step ahead.

Alright, check this out! If you're trying to break into the tech scene in Suffolk, there are tons of ways to get that coding education under your belt. For starters, Paul D. Camp Community College has a dope Computer Science program that'll teach you the ropes on programming, networking, and cybersecurity.

Word on the street is that 92% of their grads landed tech jobs in 2024, so they're definitely legit. If online learning is more your vibe, platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity have courses from top universities and tech companies that you can take from the comfort of your crib.

But if you're all about that hustle, coding bootcamps are the way to go.

Nucamp, a badass bootcamp company, opened up shop in Suffolk back in 2022 and offers full-time and part-time programs in Full Stack Web Development, Data Analytics, and UX/UI Design.

Their programs are intense but worth it – you'll be coding like a pro in as little as 17 weeks. 88% of Nucamp grads in Suffolk landed tech jobs within 6 months of finishing the program, according to their 2023 report.

That's some serious street cred right there.

If you're more of a traditional learner, Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, both within a 30-mile radius of Suffolk, have bachelor's and master's degrees in Computer Science, IT, and related fields.

But here's the real deal, straight from Elizabeth Davis, a senior software engineer at a major tech firm in Suffolk:

"The key to success in the tech industry is continuous learning."

She ain't lying – you gotta keep grinding and using resources like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and coding practice platforms to stay sharp and keep leveling up your skills.

Switching to a tech job in Suffolk ain't no joke, but one thing that can seriously boost your chances is networking. The stats don't lie - according to research, a staggering 70-90% of people land jobs through networking.

Suffolk's tech scene is buzzing, and getting involved is the way to go. You've got to put yourself out there and connect with the right people.

One awesome way to do that is by hitting up some of the local tech meetups and events.

These gatherings are where the magic happens - you get to rub shoulders with industry professionals, learn about the latest technologies, and maybe even score some solid job leads.

The Command Post Technologies career fair is a must-attend if you're serious about breaking into the tech scene.

But don't sleep on the online networking game either.

Suffolk has some seriously active tech communities on platforms like LinkedIn, Discord, and even Reddit.

These virtual spaces are goldmines for job postings, industry insights, and connecting with like-minded techies. Don't be shy - jump in, introduce yourself, and start building those valuable connections.

Remember, networking isn't just about collecting business cards or spamming people with your resume.

It's about building genuine relationships, sharing knowledge, and putting yourself out there. The more you engage with the Suffolk tech community, both in-person and online, the more opportunities will come knocking.

You've got to put yourself out there and connect with the right people.

Switching to a tech gig in Suffolk, VA ain't no easy feat, but with the right prep, you'll be slaying interviews in no time. Nailing those interview tips is crucial - practice coding challenges, system design problems, and be ready to showcase your skills in areas like Python, Java, SQL, and Tableau.

These are major green flags for Suffolk tech companies, according to a local survey.

But it's not just about coding know-how. Researching companies like Mythics Inc., SimIS Inc., and Hartfield Studios can give you a serious advantage.

Understanding their products, services, and company culture shows you're truly invested in the role. Networking at local tech events is also a game-changer – you never know who you'll meet or what opportunities might arise.

And continuous learning is key in this ever-changing tech world.

Suffolk has plenty of resources to level up your skills, like Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University, and online platforms. But if you're looking for an intensive, hands-on experience, check out coding bootcamps like Nucamp.

Their full-stack and data programs can fast-track your journey to landing that dream tech job.