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

As a 20-something in Tulsa, the tech job scene is seriously poppin' right now. The U.S. Economic Development Administration just labelled our city as a legit Tech Hub, projecting 56,000 new tech gigs in the next decade! That's huge.

Tulsa's got all the ingredients to make it big - legacy industries like energy and aerospace are innovating hard, and we've got coding bootcamps like Nucamp pumping out fresh tech talent.

Plus, major players like Cherokee Nation Businesses and L3Harris Aeromet are backing Tulsa's $51 million award to be a global autonomous systems leader.

The workforce data from InTulsa shows rising demand for software engineers, project managers, customer service reps, and all sorts of tech roles.

With an average tech salary around $81k, Tulsa is where it's at for kickstarting your career in this booming industry.

Alright, let's talk about landing a dope tech job in Tulsa. It's not just about having mad coding skills or being a total tech wizard (though that definitely helps).

Employers here are looking for a well-rounded package - someone who can slay the technical game and bring those crucial soft skills to the table.

On the tech side, you gotta be a pro at Python, JavaScript, SQL, and know your way around cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.

Companies also dig DevOps and project management tools like Jira and Trello. But the real hot commodity? Cybersecurity experts who can lock down networks, ethical hack, and manage risks like a boss.

However, it's not just about being a tech wizard.

Employers want well-rounded individuals who can communicate effectively, adapt to change, solve problems like a pro, and bring that creative spark to the table.

It's all about striking that perfect balance between technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

The key to succeeding in Tulsa's tech scene is having that relentless drive to keep learning and growing.

As the CTO of a local tech company put it,

"The tech world is constantly evolving, and the real winners are those who stay hungry, keep upskilling, and never stop being curious."

So, if you're ready to bring your A-game and keep pushing boundaries, Tulsa's tech scene is waiting for you.

If you're thinking about getting into tech in Tulsa, there are so many dope options to help you level up. First off, check out these awesome coding bootcamps like Atlas School - they'll take you from zero to hero in no time.

You'll be coding like a pro and building rad apps and websites before you know it. But if you're looking for something more low-key, peep online courses from places like Coursera and edX.

You can learn at your own pace and still get certified in hot skills like JavaScript, Python, and data analytics. Plus, the local colleges have got your back too, offering degree programs and classes to help you break into this booming industry.

According to Urban Coders Guild, they're running these insane FREE coding camps for high school students this summer! You'll be building games in Unity and coding websites from scratch.

Talk about an opportunity to get ahead of the game. And if you need another reason to get excited, a whopping 65% of techies in Tulsa say bootcamps were their ticket to success.

With all these pathways at your fingertips, the only thing stopping you is... well, you! Just take that first step and let Tulsa's vibrant tech scene show you the way.

Networking is the key to unlocking Tulsa's thriving tech scene. As a tech-savvy young gun, attending local meetups and events can hook you up with insider industry knowledge, job openings, and a solid crew to vibe with.

Tulsa's got over 20 active groups covering everything from web dev to cybersecurity, so you're bound to find your jam.

One standout event is the Tulsa Web Devs Meetup, where hundreds of coders gather monthly to swap ideas, collab on projects, and stay on top of the latest trends.

If data gets you hyped, check out the Tulsa Data Science Meetup – it's where data geeks unite to explore cutting-edge techniques and share their wisdom.

But networking in Tulsa goes beyond meetups.

Local organizations like Tulsa Innovation Labs and TYPROS offer mentorship programs, coding workshops, and networking shindigs to help you grow your skills and connections.

As

Daniel Lee, a seasoned software engineer

in Tulsa says, "The tech community here is super welcoming and collaborative. Networking has opened up countless opportunities and keeps me ahead of the game."

If you're trying to land a sick tech gig in Tulsa this year, your resume needs to be on point.

Tech jobs are blowing up in this city, so you gotta make sure you stand out from the pack. First things first, even if you don't have any direct tech experience, highlight those transferable skills that are clutch in the industry.

We're talking problem-solving, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and solid communication skills. Tech companies eat that stuff up.

• Highlight transferable skills: Problem-solving, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication are essential.

Next up, quantify your accomplishments.

Use hard numbers and metrics to show off what you've achieved. For instance, "Streamlined data entry process, reducing error rate by 25%" or "Automated report generation, saving 10 hours per week." Tulsa's top resume writers will tell you that measurable results are a game-changer.

Highlight achievements with numbers: "Streamlined data entry process, reducing error rate by 25%" or "Automated report generation, saving 10 hours per week."

If you've got any personal projects or online courses related to the tech role you're gunning for, make sure to shout them out on your resume.

It shows you're passionate about learning and can actually apply those technical skills. And don't forget to optimize your resume with keywords that match the job descriptions from Tulsa's top tech companies.

Sprinkle those keywords throughout your skills and experience sections.

• Highlight personal projects or courses: Shows passion and application of technical skills.
• Optimize with keywords: Align your resume with job descriptions from top tech companies.

Emphasize your willingness to upskill and adapt to new technologies.

According to a survey, tech leaders in Tulsa value that ability to learn more than your current skill set. So, make it clear that you're ready to level up and stay ahead of the curve.

• Show willingness to upskill: Tech leaders value adaptability and the ability to learn.

Follow these tips, and you'll have a resume that'll make Tulsa tech employers do a double take.

With the city's tech scene exploding, now's the time to make your move!

Let's talk about cracking those tech interviews in Tulsa. It's no joke, but if you come prepared, you'll slay it. According to those smart folks at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the top skills tech companies here are looking for are problem-solving, programming skills, and effective communication.

To nail those coding challenges, you gotta practice, practice, practice.

Lisa Miller, a software engineer at Williams Companies here in Tulsa, says in her interview, she had to "write a function to reverse a string, and the key was to explain her thought process".

So, get ready to break down your approach step-by-step. Oh, and don't sleep on data structures and algorithms - those will come up for sure.

But it's not just about the technical stuff.

Tulsa tech companies want to see you've got the soft skills too:

• Teamwork: Tech jobs often involve collaborating across teams, so highlight those team player skills.
• Adaptability: The tech world moves fast, so show you're ready to keep learning and adapting.
• Problem-solving: They want to see how you think through complex challenges, so come with examples ready.

Now, for the Tulsa-specific tips: networking and researching the company culture are key.

Get yourself to local meetups like the Tulsa Web Devs group or Oklahoma City JavaScript User Group to connect with people and get the inside scoop.

And before your interview, make sure you've studied up on the company's mission, values, and recent projects so you can show you're a perfect fit, as covered in Nucamp's guide on landing a remote tech job from Tulsa.

With the right technical prep, soft skills, and Tulsa know-how, you'll crush those tech interviews and score your dream gig in this city.