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Get a Silicon Valley job without leaving SD

Posted at 4:58 PM, Feb 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-01 08:52:59-05

SAN DIEGO -- You can now get a Silicon Valley job without leaving San Diego.

Wrike, a cloud-based software company, just opened an office in University City. They're hiring 120 people over the next three years, and you don't need to know how to program for a chance at the gig. 

"It was really a slice of Silicon Valley that was moving down here to San Diego," said Martin Sohikish, who recently started at Wrike's San Diego office. 

He's not a programmer either, but got his degree in political science from San Diego State. Sohikish sells the company's cloud-based work management program. That is, when he's not taking advantage of the perks of the office - mini golf, ping pong, a relaxation room, Playstation Four games, and a daily free catered lunch.

"It's a work hard, play hard environment," Sohikish said. "I think for the most part we hire people that understand that the work comes first, for sure."

Wrike chose to expand in San Diego over places like Chicago, Phoenix, and Raleigh, N.C. Most of the local job openings will be for the sales team, but customer service jobs are available too. 

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who toured the office Monday, said Wrike will find a motivated workforce. And like Sohikish, they won't need to know how to program.

"As long as you have the tenacity and drive, and willingness to work hard and collaboratively with individuals, and really have an open mind to learning, you'd be a great fit here," Faulconer said. 

That also means Sohikish gets to stay home in San Diego, even if work feels like it's in Silicon Valley. 

"Just knowing that we're using this as kind of our launch pad into growing this launch pad even further, I think that I'd be pretty safe staying in San Diego," Martin said. 

Jobs at Wrike pay between $50,000 and $100,000. Sales jobs are one of the five most in-demand jobs in the county.

RELATED: San Diego's top 5 most in-demand jobs