I have recently pivoted from being a postgraduate in Microbiology to a beginner in technical writing, so I have a personal encounter with the myths surrounding the IT sector.
My transition from the biological sciences to the tech industry already seems daunting yet promising, and I’ve learned that many of the widespread myths about tech jobs are all hoaxes.
Through this blog, I hope to debunk some of these misconceptions and offer helping hand to those readers interested in making a similar career shift. These insights can help better understand the versatility of constantly evolving nature of IT industries, irrespective of whether you’re from a non-technical background or are just curious to know further about this field.
#1 You must have a degree in CS or IT
If you too believe attending a tech school is the only way to gain practical experience and a reputable IT job, think again, just like me. It is the most common misconception that a Computer Science (or related) degree is what it takes to be successful in the field.
According to a recent UpGrad blog on “Top 15 Highest Paying Non-IT Jobs in India [2024],” job postings from technology companies in India indicate that these firms are not exclusively hiring for technical roles. This shows that individuals with non-IT degrees can also establish successful careers in the tech sector.
#2 You must be an expert at math or science
There’s a widespread misunderstanding that a profession in technology is exclusive to math prodigies. But a lot of tech jobs, particularly ones that need knowledge of languages like JavaScript, Python, C++, to name a few, prioritize problem-solving and logical reasoning above complex mathematical abilities.
Success in the IT industry also requires soft skills. If coding seems intimidating, keep in mind that many tech occupations do not require regular coding, proving that people without an IT degree may nevertheless succeed in the tech sector.
#3 You must learn coding or programming
Yet another prevalent misconception is that working in tech requires only code. However, several tech positions, including those in network administration, cybersecurity, and data analysis, need distinct skill sets.
For instance, to help with business decisions, a data analyst collects and evaluates data, whereas a network specialist concentrates on analyzing, evaluating, and fixing network difficulties. These jobs don’t require coding or programming, showing that people without an IT degree can still have successful careers in the tech industry.
#4 It is unstable field, with no job security
Though job security in the tech sector is generally good, it is evident that some firms occasionally experience instability. Deloitte’s article- “Six transformative technologies to propel tech adoption and growth in 2024: Deloitte Tech Trends India report” states the high possibility that by 2030, the Indian tech industry will employ over 4.5 million people in over 2,500 Global Capability Centers (GCC) countries nationwide.
Also, even in the event of a company closure or downsizing, obtaining a new employment with in-demand skills is usually quick. In many other businesses, layoffs can force people to change careers entirely, therefore this stability is uncommon.
#5 You may get stuck in one narrow career path
The idea that working in technology limits you to just one professional path is another misconception. In actuality, the tech sector is large and diverse. New professions and specializations are constantly created as technology advances. Upskilling makes it easier to move from one area to another if you decide it’s not a good fit.
For instance, if you self-discover a knack for data analysis, you may begin with digital marketing and later switch to a position as a business analyst. In fact there is always an overlap in tech professions, which facilitates smooth career transitions and ongoing development. The tech industry provides a wide range of options, so never worry!
#6 Tech industries have male-dominated workspaces
The paucity of females in technology and the presence of communities devoted to “women who code” are sizzling topics in the media. Even though men predominate in the tech industry, women are nevertheless welcome there. Indeed, there is a growing diversity in several tech fields.
A high-quality article from Forbes- “15 Inspirational And Influential Female Tech Leaders Who Set an Example For All Professionals” enlists some duly inspiring women since history who have made a big impact in the tech field, irrespective of the gender differences. It’s encouraging to see more women succeeding in a variety of IT roles over time and dispelling the myth that the sector is controlled by men.
#7 Chances are you’ll spend all day coding
Is your first impression of an IT employee someone who spends their entire day staring over a computer? It’s wrong.
The tech sector is more dynamic than as the popular saying goes. Even though coding is one of the main ingredients in technology, many jobs in fields like UI/UX design, data analysis, project management, and technical writing don’t require any coding knowledge at all. Tech employees work in a wide range of fields, such as marketing, content production, and system configuration; it is much more diversified than merely programming.
#8 Tech field requires working alone all the time
You can freely choose the level of social engagement you desire from a variety of work environments in the tech sector. There are many tech roles that require consistent contact and teamwork, which may be ideal if you are an outgoing person.
On the contrary, there are jobs that allow your desire for working alone with minimal social contact. Regardless of whether you’re a loner or a social butterfly, versatility of tech roles assures that you can find a career that matches your ideal degree of social interaction.
#9 You can never be creative in Tech
It is completely false to believe that people in tech fields aren’t creative. In tech positions, solving complicated problems with creativity and putting those solutions into practice by own self, just similar to the trial-and-error approach, are common tasks.
From creating websites and apps to creating systems that improve workflow, roles such as graphic design, for instance, are all dedicated to the creative application of styles, logos, and images. Having a basic understanding of technology tops it up to utilize your ideas without any assistance of other professionals.
#10 It’s only limited to young prodigies
As they say in the well-known proverb, “Age is just a number.” It is possible for anyone over 40 to reskill for IT employment such as cloud computing, business analysis, and software engineering.
Also, it’s not only the young talent that is hired by the tech world. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of YouTube, are just two examples of the experienced professionals that many IT companies hire. It’s never too late to make the switch to this industry, even for novices.
#11 Advancement in tech itself is chewing over tech jobs
AI and automation are transforming sectors, but they are also opening up new job opportunities. Tech workers can be free to focus on more intricate and creative areas of their work, since automation can take care of repetitive tasks.
Skilled labor is now in high demand in emerging industries like data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. To ensure that tech occupations transform and never disappear, continuous innovation needs human supervision, creativity, and problem-solving. Thus, the dynamic nature of this industry guarantees a growing need for qualified workers.
CONCLUSION:
Every employment in the tech sector is unique and offers a plethora of alternatives. Therefore, avoid thinking about these misconceptions at all because it is possible to explore and swap between roles in order to assess one’s own performance.
One helpful suggestion would be to attempt studying about tech roles using different online learning platforms such as EdX, Udemy, UpGrad, Coursera, and many more.
>> Suggestions:
1. Top 13 Myths and Misconceptions About Pursuing a Career in Tech
2. 20 Myths You Probably Still Believe About Working in Tech
>> Disclaimer:
All the backlinks provided within this blog are intended for reader’s further understanding only. My personal experiences and research serve as the base for the content of this blog. Despite my best efforts to keep the content current and correct, not every situation may necessarily benefit from it. Copyright-free photo site- Burst by Shopify- is the source of the photo utilized. While making any career decisions, please consult professional advice or conduct independent research. This blog does not intend to be a substitute for expert guidance; it is solely meant to be informative.
