Shifting Gears: A Strategic Guide to Landing a Job in Cannabis Tech

Transitioning from a role in cannabis operations to the innovative field of cannabis technology can open new doors for professional growth and impact. Its a good segue to get your foot in the door to technology.

This guide provides a high-level and strategic roadmap to help you secure a position in the dynamic cannabis tech sector.

Step 1: Understand the Cannabis Tech Landscape

• Research the industry trends: Study reports and resources to gain insights into the key players, emerging technologies, investments, and areas of innovation. Check out MJBizDaily, New Cannabis Ventures, and Cannabis Tech to stay updated. 

>> Scroll down to bottom for more resources on companies in the space.

• Explore company profiles: Identify 5-10 cannabis tech companies making waves in various subsectors like retail, cultivation, processing, etc. Analyze their technology focus, leadership team, mission, and funding status. Target companies like Dutchie (retail), Indiva (processing), Grownetics (cultivation), Akerna (compliance), among others.
  • Better chances of breaking in if you are a super user of the software!

Step 2: Evaluate and Enhance Your Skillset

• Pinpoint transferable skills: Recognize strengths from your cannabis operations experience that apply to tech roles like analytical ability, deep industry expertise, operations excellence, project management, etc.
• Determine skill gaps: Identify proficiencies needed to excel in cannabis tech like data analytics, CRM platforms, ERP systems, etc.
• Upskill through courses/certifications: Enroll in online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX to gain tech skills. Earn credentials like PMP, Google Analytics to boost your appeal.

Step 3: Optimize Your Professional Branding

• Craft a targeted resume: Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills, achievements, and competencies relevant to cannabis tech roles. Align to keywords in the job description.
• Build your LinkedIn profile: Flesh out your LinkedIn summary, experience descriptions, and skills section. Follow and connect with professionals from target companies. Engage with relevant content and join industry groups.
• Create portfolio/GitHub: curate projects, code samples, and analytics reports relevant to your target positions. Use a tool like Notion or a website (Wix, WordPress, HubSpot) to create a public-facing portfolio.

Step 4: Tap into the Cannabis Tech Ecosystem

• Reach Out: Reach out to your account manager of the tech you are using today.
• Attend industry events: Conferences like Cannabis Conference, CannaTech offer networking, insights, and recruitment opportunities.
• Follow industry experts: Stay updated through thought leaders on LinkedIn/Twitter like Emily Paxhia, Karson Humiston, Tim Seymour.
• Leverage alumni networks: Connect with alums from your university working in cannabis tech companies for referrals.

Step 5: Initiate a Targeted Job Search

• Optimize job search alerts: Use this updated list click here
  • Use Set up alerts on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, WellFound, Vangst with relevant cannabis tech keywords and locations.
• Prioritize application to “Purple Squirrel” jobs: Focus on openings that perfectly match your background over spraying resumes everywhere.
• Tailor your applications: Customize resumes, cover letters, online profiles and interact with recruiters to showcase your specialized value.

Step 6: Ace the Interview Process

• Prepare winning answers: Practice conveying how your operational knowledge transfers into delivering results for a tech role.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Demonstrate your industry/company insights by asking informed, strategic questions.
• Highlight passion: Convey genuine excitement for bringing operational excellence and industry know-how into the cannabis tech space.
• Evaluate cultural fit: Assess alignment with company mission, values, and growth potential.

With rigorous preparation strategically targeted to cannabis tech, you can successfully transition into this dynamic arena for the next step in your career journey. Wishing you the best of luck!