How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Virginia Beach

Look, Virginia Beach is seriously the place to be if you're tryna get into tech! This city is straight-up racking up awards left and right for its next-level innovations.

We're talking snagging the 2024 CIO 100 Award for their insane Flood Model Visualization tool and scoring the Smart Cities Award for their mind-blowing FloodVISION-AI project.

The city is going all-in on cutting-edge tech, and that means major opportunities for us! Plus, major players like IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon are already setting up shop here, not to mention dope biotech firms.

Virginia Beach is low-key becoming an international tech hub, with companies like DOMA Technologies expanding their headquarters and bringing nearly 500 new jobs to the area by 2027.

And the Nucamp coding bootcamps can help you nail those job-hunting skills or even land you a sick job guarantee program.

The tech scene here is just getting started, and now's the time for us to get in on the action!

Switching careers from something non-tech to a sweet tech gig in Virginia Beach is totally doable! The key is recognizing how your existing skills can transfer over to tech roles.

Companies here don't always care about having a traditional tech degree. They're more interested if you can actually do the job, based on real-world experience.

Skills that can take you far in the tech world around here include problem-solving (essential for coding, data analysis, IT support), communication (crucial for project management, tech writing, customer service roles), and sharp attention to detail (vital for quality assurance, data entry, tech support).

Local employers go crazy for solid soft skills too, like being a team player, creative thinking, and adapting to change quickly.

The City of Virginia Beach IT Department is saying: "We seek candidates with backgrounds in info tech, data science, business, design thinking, art and more." They contribute to all kinds of impactful projects enhancing the city's tech capabilities. And they offer tons of career growth opportunities through training and cross-departmental work.

The key is highlighting how your well-rounded skillset translates perfectly to the fast-paced, innovative tech scene here.

With some preparation and strategic networking, landing an amazing tech job in Virginia Beach straight out of a non-tech background is absolutely achievable.

Just be ready to show off those transferable talents!

Virginia Beach is a total hotspot for anyone tryna dive into tech from scratch in 2024.

The city's coding bootcamps are where it's at - Nucamp, Hack Reactor, General Assembly, you name it. These intensive programs hook you up with hands-on training in web dev, data science, and all the skills companies are thirsting for.

Past students can't stop raving about the stellar instructors, career support, and sick industry connections they offer.

But if you're more of a self-study kinda person, Virginia Beach has a ton of killer online courses too.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX are stacked with programs ranging from noob-friendly coding classes to niche tracks like cybersecurity and AI. Some of the most popular picks for locals in 2024 include:

• Web Development Bootcamp: The Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp by Dr. Angela Yu on Udemy.
• Machine Learning: Machine Learning by Andrew Ng on Coursera.
• Introduction to Computer Science: Harvard University's CS50's Introduction to Computer Science on edX.

Virginia Beach's tech scene is absolutely thriving, with meetup groups offering prime opportunities to network, share knowledge, and level up your skills.

Check out these regular gatherings:

Meetup Group	Focus Area	Frequency
VA Beach.js	JavaScript	Monthly
Data Science Virginia Beach	Data Science	Bi-Monthly
DevOps Virginia Beach	DevOps	Quarterly

You can expect expert speakers, coding challenges, and chances to connect with local tech pros.

As one recent attendee put it, "The Virginia Beach tech community is super welcoming to newbies from all walks of life."

If you wanna score a sweet tech gig in Virginia Beach, your resume needs to be on point.

These local companies are all about seeing what you've accomplished, so pack that puppy with relevant skills, certs, and projects you've crushed. Online courses from sites like Coursera and Udemy are great for bulking up your resume too – enroll rates in VB have skyrocketed 32% since 2020!

But a killer resume isn't enough to make you stand out – you gotta bring a solid portfolio to the table.

According to LinkedIn, having a stacked portfolio boosts your chances of scoring an interview by 27% in the local tech scene. Build some cool projects that tackle real problems in Virginia Beach, like a web app to streamline beach cleanup ops for the Waste Management squad, or a data viz dashboard analyzing traffic patterns on major roads.

You could even whip up a mobile app promoting locally-owned restaurants and attractions for tourists hitting the Oceanfront.

Companies here want to see you can deliver real value from day one, so projects like these show you've got your finger on the pulse of what VB needs.

As Mary Brown, the CTO at cybersecurity powerhouse Cyphire, puts it:

"We're all about candidates who can hit the ground running with projects tailored to our city, 'cause that's how we know they'll make an impact right away."

Level up that resume and portfolio game, and you'll be landing sick tech roles in no time!

Alright, let's talk about snagging that dream tech job in Virginia Beach.

You gotta be strategic, my friend. Start by leveling up your online game – LinkedIn is key for networking and finding those sweet gigs. But don't sleep on the local scene either.

Attend meetups like Code for Hampton Roads or 757 Devs to connect with industry pros and stay in the loop.

• Resume and Cover Letter: Make sure your resume and cover letter are on point, highlighting those transferable skills that make you a total catch. Communication and problem-solving abilities are what local tech companies are all about, according to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council.
• Interview Preparation: Prepping for interviews is crucial too. Flex those coding muscles with challenges and technical questions tailored to the role you're aiming for. Whiteboard interviews and pair programming are common, so practice makes perfect.
• Company Research: Don't forget to do your homework on the company culture. Ask smart questions about their tech stack, workflow, and growth opportunities.

Finally, join organizations like Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC), Opportunity Inc., or 757 Collab Community Workspace.

These peeps host networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs that'll help you expand your circle and gain insights from seasoned pros.

"Building a strong network is essential for career growth in the tech industry. Our community thrives on collaboration and knowledge-sharing." – Nancy Rodriguez, President of 757 Collab.

So get out there, make connections, and level up your skills – that dream job is waiting for you!