To employers, AI skills aren’t just for tech majors anymore
By the time Christian Vivas enrolled in a new artificial intelligence program at Miami Dade College, he had already experimented…
Tech Careers in Miami
South Florida is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the south. It’s leading the country in terms of tech job growth and migration. Leading companies such as Oracle and HP are moving to Miami. There’s been a significant shift post-pandemic as a result of increased investment, startup growth, and national attention. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce declared Miami a regional tech leader "primed for innovation and job creation." Miami Tech Works provides training opportunities for ambitious people who want to break into the tech industry and matches them with businesses that need talent — creating benefits for both.
Due to its business-friendly tax laws, favorable climate, deep talent pool, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture, Miami attracts diverse industries that intersect with technology, including logistics, healthcare, finance, tourism, and sustainability. Each of these industries needs a strong base of tech talent to function effectively. Miami is also home to many startups, scaleups, and Latin American-facing ventures.
To facilitate a thriving tech sector, Miami has a supportive ecosystem that consists of public-private coalitions, academic institutions, incubators, and accelerators. These organizations help businesses bring innovative ideas to life and find the tech talent they need to build their products and services.
Technology is incorporated into every industry, so you can find a tech job that aligns with your other skills and interests. Some of the tech jobs that are needed across industries include:
The South Florida area is also experiencing a growing demand for weather-related tech, fintech, and edtech. Renewable energy is emerging to meet the increased need for AI-capable data centers, and smart cities rely on advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The financial and educational sectors are shifting to a digital-first model that’s driving the need for new products.
The fast-moving tech industry in South Florida needs a large talent pool to keep up with demand. Miami employers are prioritizing skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, skill with cloud tools, and soft skills such as collaboration. Although tech skills are highly sought after, soft skills and bilingual communication can give you an edge over other candidates. Miami is home to a large Hispanic population, so speaking Spanish is an advantage.
Overall, employers are looking for certified, job-ready candidates. The good news is you don’t need a four-year degree to get started in a tech career. You can get your certification through short-term boot camps, community college programs, or university-affiliated certificate programs.
Miami Tech Works partners, such as Ironhack and 4Geeks, offer rapid training programs to equip you with the skills you need to land your first job. These short-term bootcamps and certificate programs are affordable and accessible, even if you’ve never thought of yourself as particularly techy. The Miami Tech Talent Coalition focuses on providing comprehensive career support that removes barriers and supports nontraditional talent to fill the tech talent pipeline.
By facilitating connections between talented individuals and meaningful opportunities in South Florida’s tech sector, Miami Tech Works creates a lasting impact for both. Ashley Prado moved from Venezuela to the U.S. in the midst of the pandemic, where she was faced with having to navigate online classes in a new language. Through Miami Tech Works’ partnership with FIU, Prado was able to participate in a software engineering pre-internship program.
After spending a decade as a teacher, Eugene Cruz participated in a boot camp at 4Geeks and picked up the skills he needed to advance in his career. He uses his new talent to reach the next generation of students by teaching topics such as machine learning and data analytics.
The best way to land your dream career is by making personal connections throughout your training and job search. Plugging into the local tech ecosystem by taking advantage of mentorships, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects can help you launch and grow your career.
Look for events outside of training and work by participating in working groups, meetups, and community-driven activities. These will help you build a strong portfolio and engage in fun and meaningful work.
Although all tech opportunities are growing in Miami, AI, weather-related tech, and digital health jobs in particular are accelerating. Weather-related tech is powering smart cities and modern data centers that are optimized for AI applications. Digital health jobs are expanding in response to the increasing trend of AI-driven, personalized healthcare. Miami Tech Works is at the forefront of the South Florida tech sector. Upcoming events include grant-driven workforce programs, innovation districts, and employer engagement opportunities. Amid so many rich opportunities, Miami is a great place to build a future.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin training for a rewarding, lucrative career. Start exploring now to discover what opportunities await. Miami is heavily investing in its people and the tech industry. You don’t have to spend years in college if you want to pivot to a new direction. You can be ready for a tech role in just a few months. Reach out today to get started.
