As we spend our days in the trenches with tech companies, we hear the same things - they are looking for skilled marketers to help them grow. Did you know there are 1,776 privately held tech companies in Calgary alone? According to Calgary Economic Development, there has been a 22 percent growth in tech talent and total tech jobs over the past five years. Alberta is ranked as one of the top 50 North American tech markets. The numbers don’t lie - there are endless opportunities to join innovative companies that are tackling some of the world's greatest challenges. They want to hire people who have the right mindset to work in the fast-paced and ever-changing tech industry, combined with practical knowledge of how to identify and reach their target markets.

So, if you are reading this right now wondering…could this be me? How do I break into tech? I’m ready for a change! Then, continue reading as we answer some of your frequently asked questions.

Why enroll in the Growth Marketing program?

Tech companies are looking for “T-shaped” marketers. These marketers have a broad range of skills including designing marketing strategies and campaigns. They also have the depth of skills to be able to execute in some key areas. Effectively, a T-shaped marketer is a generalist with targeted specialist skills – which is what tech hiring managers are looking for.

Are there any qualifications or prerequisites required?

If you have strong communication skills, love multi-tasking and problem-solving and are comfortable with technology, then you’re likely a good fit for the Growth Marketing program. We’re open to anyone who thinks they can add value in tech marketing, even if they come from a non-traditional background.

Ideally, we like to see some experience in marketing, even if it’s volunteering. Some other key skills and traits you already possess:

Curiosity
Creativity
Adaptability
Leadership
Interpersonal/social skills
Analytical
Attention to detail
Project management

Why are there four weeks of Essential Skills Training?

In the first portion of the program, you will engage in deep career work to help identify skills, interests, values, and unique aspects of your personality. This self-reflection will give you a strong foundation to choose a career path that is a great fit for you. If you're still not sure, don’t worry. Our facilitators are experts in career development and we will help you figure out which of the four career paths is the best fit.

What roles will I be qualified for?

This course is designed to prepare participants for entry-level marketing roles. There are all kinds of cool roles in tech marketing helping companies tackle all sorts of problems. You might end up managing social media, coordinating the roll-out of marketing campaigns, creating marketing content (blogs, articles, email content), managing email campaigns and digital advertising, or some combination of all of that (and more!).

What kind of projects will you work on?

You will work on real-world marketing projects which may include one or several of the following:

Developing blog posts with supporting social content
Writing and designing social media content for different social channels
Conducting competitor research on marketing activity
Designing a marketing campaign plan and developing supporting campaign content (eg. email copy, social media content, etc)
Conducting SEO keyword research and making recommendations for keywords

What is the learning style?

This is not an academic or theory-based course. You will get hands-on learning, working on real industry projects. We like to think of learning in three phases:

Learn - review videos/readings in advance
Apply - apply the learning to real tech company projects and assignments
Discuss - live sessions with instructors to discuss what you learned, collaborate with your cohort, and get feedback on your work

Our model of “learn while doing” ensures progress each and every week, and our alumni report gains in skills, confidence and tangible outcomes.

Who are the instructors?

Your instructors are from OnRamp - they are long-time marketers, with experience in the tech trenches, and industry experts in a variety of marketing fields.

What equipment will I need?

Standard laptop and access to wifi. Wifi is provided free of charge in our Learning Space. Also access to Zoom and headphones.

How will I land my first job?

We offer a wide variety of career support. We teach you professional networking skills, help with resume writing, interview skills and building LinkedIn profiles - all of the tools and skills you’ll need to land that first job. In addition, we offer Lunch n Learns with local tech employers, make introductions to local tech companies and encourage attendance to local tech ecosystem events. The Learning Space is situated in the heart of Calgary’s Innovation District so you will be close to all of the action and networking opportunities.

What are the hours and expectations?

Cohort 2 and 3 - part-time and virtual over 9 weeks. It’s an intense, fast-paced learning experience intentionally designed to emulate what it’s like working in a tech company. You’ll be accountable for your own learning, with our support, but we won’t be holding your hand. It’ll be hard work, but for those who are up for it, you’ll be job-ready upon graduation.

What are you waiting for?

Ready to learn more? Attend our TechTrek event.

What is Growth Marketing?