Believe it or not, you don't have to know how to code to get a job in tech. There are plenty of roles for people with a diverse set of skills and you never know what seemingly irrelevant experience can bring value to your team. In this talk, I'll share some examples of non-technical positions, how to find them, and how to pitch yourself for the job. I'll give practical tips on how to capitalize on your unique skill set and build a personal brand hiring managers will notice.
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The Non-Techie's Guide to Getting a Job in Tech
1. The Non-Techie
Guide to Getting a
Job in Tech
Andrea Zoellner
Content Creator
@andreazoellner
2. The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
My Journey
• Journalism
• Non-Profit Communications
• Corporate Communications
• …. a bunch of stuff
• Software Marketing
4. Job Positions
The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
GATEWAY JOBS
• Customer Support
• Design
• Quality Assurance
BUSINESS JOBS
• Marketing
• Sales
• Project Management
• Business Intelligence
• Business Development
CORPORATE JOBS
• Accounting
• HR
• Project Management
• Legal
OR…BECOME A: Consultant, Freelancer, or Entrepreneur
5. Job Descriptions
The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
Keep in mind: Job descriptions usually suck…
• Recruiters have to understand what their clients need.
• Employers don’t always know what the ideal candidate looks like.
• Startups need one person to do a million things.
• Jobs are affected by trends.
6. The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
SOFT SKILLS
HARD
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
7. The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
SOFT SKILLS
HARD
SKILLS
•Soft skills are harder to teach, therefore more valuable as a long-
term talent investment.
•Diverse skills help round out tech teams.
•Different perspectives keep tech teams sharp.
•Non-tech team members can help product teams succeed.
9. The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
Make Your Intentions Known
Spread the word about your interests, your dream job, or even
something that might help you unblock a career path.
Walk the Walk
Go to tech events, volunteer in tech spaces, and take classes.
10. The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
Talk the Talk
Don’t wait for permission to comment on the tech industry. Start a blog,
build a portfolio, and get active online.
You don’t have to have a job in tech to do build cool things. Anything
you create on your own can be used to show employers your skills.
11. The Non-Techie Guide to Getting a Job in Tech | @andreazoellner
Don’t Lose Sight of What You Want
Not all jobs will be right for you.
Titles are BS.
Don’t get pushed around.