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

The tech scene in Tyler is seriously buzzing right now. According to the Tyler Economic Development Council, the city is a major hub for information technology, with area colleges offering programs in cybersecurity, data analytics, and more.

Plus, with over 24,000 students enrolled, there's a massive pool of potential tech talent just waiting to be tapped.

Tyler Technologies, a leading gov-tech company, just announced its 2024 Public Sector Excellence Award winners, recognizing organizations that are with their software solutions.

And they have over 44,000 installations across the globe, including right here in Tyler.

If you're looking to level up your tech skills and land a remote gig, check out these top strategies from Nucamp on building an online presence that'll make employers swoon.

With companies like Tyler Technologies leading the charge, it's clear that Tyler is a rising star in the tech world, and now's the perfect time to get in on the action.

Switching from a non-tech background to scoring a tech job in Tyler is achievable! You already possess valuable skills that tech companies seek. A study from UT Tyler shows over 60% of non-techies possess transferable skills that fit well into the tech world.

Here's what Tyler tech firms are seeking:

• Communication and Teamwork: If you've worked in customer service, sales or management, your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate is highly valuable for roles like project management, business analysis, and technical writing.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Individuals from healthcare, finance, and teaching excel at identifying issues, analyzing data, and developing solutions - skills that are essential for software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity roles.
• Eye for Detail: Jobs in accounting, law, and quality control require a keen eye for detail, which is crucial for tech fields like software testing, data entry, and proofreading.

The Tyler Economic Development Council's survey indicates that local tech companies are actively seeking to hire individuals with diverse backgrounds and transferable skills.

A representative from a major logistics software company in Tyler stated,

"We've found that individuals with experience in logistics and supply chain management often thrive in our tech operations roles, leveraging their organizational and process-oriented mindsets."

By leveraging your existing talents and enhancing them with coding bootcamps or online courses for career changers, you can secure a rewarding tech job in Tyler's thriving tech scene.

Switching from a non-tech background to a tech job in Tyler? No problem! This city's got your back with some legit educational resources and training programs.

Tyler ISD's Career & Technology Center is where it's at. They offer 13 career pathways and 24 programs to learn the skills employers want, from cybersecurity to networking and everything in between.

• Tyler ISD's Career & Technology Center: Offers 13 career pathways and 24 programs covering skills employers want—from cybersecurity to networking.

There's more! Tyler Junior College has a School of Professional and Technical Programs with degrees and certificates in growing industries like Computer Science, Game Development, and Visual Communications.

Their faculty has real-world experience, so you know you're getting the inside scoop.

• Tyler Junior College Programs: Provides degrees and certificates in growing industries like Computer Science, with faculty experienced in real-world challenges.

If you're looking for something more flexible, The University of Texas at Tyler has an Office of Digital Learning that offers online courses and resources.

They'll help you level up your tech skills and prepare you for the workforce. Plus, they've got supportive instructors to guide you every step of the way.

• University of Texas at Tyler Online Courses: Offers online courses to help you improve your tech skills with support from dedicated instructors.

No matter which path you choose, Tyler's got your back in making the switch to a tech career.

Just remember, it's all about putting in the work and staying dedicated. With the right training and resources, you'll be coding or cybersecuring like a pro in no time!

If you're trying to get into the tech scene in Tyler but coming from a different background, networking is key.

According to some reports from East Texas Tech Alliance, like 68% of the techies here landed their gigs through connecting with people. You gotta hit up those local meetups and events to expand your circle and get the inside scoop.

Check out Tyler TechBrew hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for some engaging tech talks and networking.

There's also ETX Women in Tech, which helps women get into the game with mentors and resources. And don't sleep on ETX Dev Fest, it's Tyler's biggest tech conference every year with workshops, career fairs, and more.

But it isn't just about the real-life events, you gotta tap into those online communities too.

The Tyler Tech Community Facebook Group has around 5,000 members sharing job postings, news, and advice.

Reddit's /r/tylertx is another spot to connect with the local tech community. Mary Brown used to manage a store but now she's a UX designer at Vizible Solutions all because she networked at a meetup and found a mentor to guide her.

Building relationships in the local scene can significantly level up your career transition.

Switching to tech from a non-techy background is totally possible if you play your cards right. Let's talk about how to nail those resumes and cover letters for jobs in Tyler.

First off, make your resume pop by highlighting skills that cross over to tech, like problem-solving, attention to detail, and being a communication boss. Any coding projects or tech certs you've got, flaunt 'em! Employers dig that hands-on experience.

For cover letters, do your research on the company and role.

Show them how your unique background and skills make you a wicked fit. Career gurus say a killer cover letter can make you stand out by showing your passion for tech and eagerness to keep learning.

“Interviews are where it's at, so practice explaining complex stuff clearly.”

• Teamwork in Tech: Tech in Tyler is all about teamwork, so be ready to talk about your collaboration game.
• Know the Companies: Stay sharp on the top local tech companies like Paradigm Software Solutions, East Texas IT Solutions, Advanced Network Solutions, Rose City Programmers, and TylerTech Innovations.
• Align with Goals: Know their values and goals inside out so you can show how you align.

Finally, keep that finger on the pulse of Tyler's tech scene.

Hit up events by TylerTechHub and TechTyler to network and hear about fresh opportunities. Online job boards and career fairs are prime for finding open roles too.

Stay hungry, keep hustling, and you'll be coding up a storm in Tyler before you know it!

Switching careers from a non-tech background to the tech scene in Tyler can be a wild ride, but it's totally doable with the right mindset and hustle. Some of the major obstacles you might face include: not having a fancy tech degree, struggling to build connections in Tyler's tight-knit tech community if you're an outsider, and feeling like an impostor even though your skills are legit.

But don't sweat it! People like Matthew Harris and Michael Garcia have been there and made it happen.

Matthew used to be an admin assistant but leveled up by joining a coding bootcamp, which gave him the skills to become a front-end developer.

Michael went from being a sales guy to a data analyst after grinding through online courses and networking like crazy at Tyler's tech meetups.

As Sarah said, "The hardest part was believing in myself. But once I immersed myself in the community and kept learning, opportunities started popping up."

So, don't let the challenges hold you back.

With determination and the right resources like those offered by Nucamp, you can make the switch and thrive in Tyler's tech scene.