Are Computer jobs easier to get in Miami? (job market, school)

[ialwayswin001]

I've been told that jobs in the computer and information technology field are easier to get in Miami, since Miami is more focused on the more labor jobs. I mean like there isn't as much competition in that field as DC, NY, or CA. I have an Associate Degree in Computer IT with Technical Support job experience and two different Florida natives told me I can land a much better job in Florida with my degree and experience than I would in the state I live in which is NC. I am wondering is that accurate? I figured a big, popular city like Miami would have a lot of competition.

[Coconut1]

I would look at job postings and determine for myself if they're plentiful or not, as well as what type of education/experience the companies are looking for.

[doggiebus]

I have a friend in IT that has been looking for an IT job since January in Miami, that pays a decent wage, and he hasn't found anything. Plenty of jobs that pay in the low 20's, but he can't live off that wage.

[pslhomie]

I have been doing IT in Miami for about 15 years now and it is up and down. If you speak Spanish you are in but if not then forget it. Most of the companies that pay well deal with latin American countries so they want Spanish speaking workers. Some will hire an incompetent idiot over a qualified person because the guy speaks Spanish. Not to harp but that is the way it is.

[croatbob]

i had a non spanish IT friend. he couldnt get a job in IT period so he worked for a company in NC that flied him in and out every mon-fri

[valicky]

My non-Spanish speaking son is working in the field making almost 6 figures here in Miami. He was recruited through another company he worked for (they also had several non-Spanish speaking employees) where he was making a mid range salary. He got that job through one of his professors at MDC. So in his case it was being at the right place, right time and connections. You need to look at companies who don't work with Latin America and then Spanish won't be an issue. I'm sure it's not the norm here and it's fairly difficult to find such a position, especially one that pays well.

[tallrick]

From about 1994-2001 there were plenty of good paying IT jobs. Since then it's only if you work for a large corporation and know the right people. It seems like the best pay comes for those imported in from other areas. Today you have far fewer startups than in the 90's.

[pslhomie]

Originally Posted by valicky

My non-Spanish speaking son is working in the field making almost 6 figures here in Miami. He was recruited through another company he worked for (they also had several non-Spanish speaking employees) where he was making a mid range salary. He got that job through one of his professors at MDC. So in his case it was being at the right place, right time and connections. You need to look at companies who don't work with Latin America and then Spanish won't be an issue. I'm sure it's not the norm here and it's fairly difficult to find such a position, especially one that pays well.

You have just made my point. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Make connections and network heavily but in the end you will have a very strong advantage if you are a Spanish speaker. For lots of companies that is the most important qualification of all. They figure they can train you to do the rest.

[valicky]

Originally Posted by pslhomie

You have just made my point. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Make connections and network heavily but in the end you will have a very strong advantage if you are a Spanish speaker. For lots of companies that is the most important qualification of all. They figure they can train you to do the rest.

Yes, exactly. Right place, right time, who you know and, of course, skills to do the job. That's what got my son his first job. Excelling and work ethic was added in to that recipe for the second job. Luckily, the company he works for deals with the rest of the United States where English is necessary, not Spanish.

[StarfishKey]

I have an English-only-speaking IT friend who is making over 100k in Miami, after moving here during the economic crash. But he has a lot of experience in those top cities prior to his move, and a Masters. An Associate's, especially without a lot of experience, would not count for much in larger cities at all. I would recommend you get more schooling, unless you can get a great internship somewhere. If you are in programming you probably don't need to speak Spanish or have local connections, if you're good. There are a lot of different types of IT jobs though, with a huge range of salaries and job responsibilities.

Miami is not flood with IT specialists, it's true. But that means that because Miami is an in-demand destination to live for people around the country and around the world, the best jobs are going to get taken up easily by people who come from outside FL who have that top experience and education.

I would contact local university IT professors about the job market here for someone with your background. Like for any job, you will be in competition with others based on who you know, how skilled you are, and your references from prior employers or professors. What random people have to tell you of their personal impressions means nothing in the face of how you as an IT professional actually perform, and compare to others here in the local job market. If you have little relevant experience, and no good references, and no local connection either, it won't matter if the Miami market is easier than other places, you'll still end up without a job. The people I know who did well quickly here did so because they had solid IT educations, excellent work experience, and great references.

Your other option is to simply start applying and see if you get any serious bites. That will tell you as much as you need to know about how employable you are in Miami in the current market.