Hi-tech can be a great place for non-developers

We were looking to hire a community manager for our teenager’s community- Tech7 Juniors.

I wasn’t really sure which candidate I was looking for, but I was sure that he or she should have a proper understanding of technology trends or at least some buzzwords from the startup world.

We had plenty of great candidates from many different faculties at Ben Gurion University. Judith was one of them.

She didn’t have any technical background, or either understanding what startup means. What she did have, was a huge motivation to overcome this “small” gap that could have left her out from building a tech career.

Judith is just an example of many other juniors who are super talented and have strong motivation, although they didn’t walk in the “proper path” of building your career in the Hitech industry (8200 army service, computer science, etc.).

Now, the same Judith asked me to write my 5 tips about what do non-techies should do to build their career path in the Hitech sector.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Get engaged with the technology sector as soon as possible- Although you didn’t walk in the “proper career tech path” you should try and engage with this ecosystem as soon as you can. Many companies look for interns or either administrative work that might not fulfill your dream job expectations but definitely will be the door opener for a tech career. Either people in this company will discover your charm and qualities or in the “worst-case” you will add a great CV line to your resume.

2. Be special at your CV- As most of the people at your stage don’t have anything different in their background and most of the CV’s look kind of the same. You have to be unusual and “catch” the hiring manager’s eyes. What does it mean? Special volunteer work initiates that you built on your own, special course that you took or maybe have a unique habit.

You should think that you want to have something to be proud of at your first interview.

3. Work on your English as soon as possible- English, English, English. It might be one of the most important skills that you can have as an employee in a startup company or corporate. Great English will open your doors in many different positions: Marketing, Customer support, Sales, Customer success, operation, and many more.

If you can, start and work on your English anywhere and anytime.

4. Have a tech best friend- Did you see the Ramzor episode, where Hefer was the CEO and sent anything he could to the tech expert Shraga? So don’t be like Hefer, but do find a good friend that understands all the buzzwords and tech nuance, that sometimes you will feel embarrassed to ask your colleagues or when you try to read a technology blog. Anyhow, it will help you to be surrounded by as many techies as you can so you will be more familiar with this language.

5. Don’t be afraid of all the buzzwords- You will understand it. All these buzz words that you don’t understand and sometimes sounds scary, will one day become more like your common language. All you need to do is “tech it easy”