From Admin to Tech: Transitioning Your Career in Healthcare
We can all agree that the tech and healthcare industries have one crucial thing in common: they are both rapidly evolving. As technology continues to revolutionize healthcare, there is a growing need for diversity in these fields. Today, we’ll focus on the ladies. Traditionally underrepresented in tech, women present a huge opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and insights. Today, we’re offering guidance to women considering transitioning from non-tech healthcare roles to more tech-centric ones. Read on, besties!
The Importance of Diversity in Tech
Diversity is not just a buzzword. It’s a business imperative. Diverse teams are proven more innovative and effective, resulting in better products and services1. In the context of healthcare, this could mean designing medical apps that are more user-friendly for diverse patient populations or developing algorithms that reduce bias in patient care.
Diversity enables tech companies to create products that take everyone into consideration, not just one section of society. Including women in creating a tech product can lead to a better user experience and successful innovations, which, as we all know, generate stronger sales. — Aistė Araminaitė-Pivorė
Transitioning into a tech role can seem daunting, but it’s feasible with the right approach. Here are some actionable steps:
- Identify Your Transferable Skills: You may have more relevant skills than you realize. For example, if you’ve been managing patient records, you likely have a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of data privacy — both valuable in tech roles.
- Upskill: Consider enrolling in online courses or attending workshops to learn about coding, data analysis, or other tech-related topics. We’ll suggest some of our favorite courses in a future post.
- Network: Join tech groups and forums, attend industry events, and connect with people who have transitioned similarly. Their advice can be invaluable. Even if you’re an introvert, find a safe space to network. We suggest attending a HIT Like A Girl regional event, but more on that later.
Success Stories
Several women have successfully transitioned from non-tech roles in healthcare to tech-focused ones. For instance, a former nurse, Jennifer Esposito, is now the Deputy Chief of Mission Programs at SANS Institute, a tech company specializing in cyber security training. Another inspiring example is Lisa Suennen, who transitioned from a healthcare venture capital role to Managing Partner Ventures for the American Heart Association — starting this month. For women who believe it’s too hard to transition from non-tech roles, We’re here to tell you that it’s being done, and you can do it too.
The Power of Personal Branding
Creating a solid personal brand can help you stand out in tech. Showcase your unique skills, experiences, and passions. Highlight your healthcare background as a strength that allows you to bring a different perspective to tech roles. We recently discussed the importance of establishing your brand outside your company’s brand; it was excellent advice. You can read it here. Feel comfortable sharing your experience and skills; tell your story, or others will.
Leveraging Your Skills
Use your existing skillset to your advantage. If you have a strong understanding of healthcare regulations, for example, you could excel in a health tech compliance role.
So there it is: transitioning from a non-tech role to a tech-focused role in healthcare is a rewarding career move that offers new challenges and opportunities and contributes to the much-needed diversity in the tech sector. With determination, continual learning, and strategic networking, you’re well on your way to making a significant impact in the intersection of healthcare and technology. Let us know if you’re making moves this year. Leave us a comment or any advice you want to share.
