How to Get a Job in Tech With a Non-Technical Major in 2024

Are you exploring how to get a job in tech? If so, you will welcome the news that the industry is looking to attract new talent with a more human-centric than technical skill set.

A degree or major in a technical field is less of a requirement — instead, the understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) works, or a Major in arts and design, economics, history, politics, or languages is increasingly likely to help you enter the industry.

But what is causing this shift?

AI everywhere makes creative thinking and empathetic problem-solving equally valuable as coding prowess. The stage is set for the fusion of human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology to reshape your career and break into tech.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. How to Get a Job in Tech: Transferable Skills That Matter
3. The Non-Technical Majors To Help You Get a Job in Tech in 2024
4. Top Non-Tech Positions in IT
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs
7. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. How to Get a Job in Tech: Transferable Skills That Matter
3. The Non-Technical Majors To Help You Get a Job in Tech in 2024
Show Full Guide
4. Top Non-Tech Positions in IT
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs
7. References

How to Get a Job in Tech: Transferable Skills That Matter

If you started the new year searching for how to get a job in the tech industry only to be put off by the long list of must-have IT certifications, you might have felt disheartened. However, the ubiquity of AI in the workplace has uncovered a massive shortfall in human skills.

The tech sector wants individuals with transferable skills who can think critically, solve problems, and interact with AI effectively. In addition, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning become essential attributes.

Collaborative skills and a foundational understanding of AI and machine learning blend technical, interpersonal, and innovative competencies. Together, these skills form the cornerstone of the modern tech professional.

These sentiments were recently echoed by an OpenAI employee who emphasized that prompt engineering is akin to effective human communication. This industry insider perspective highlights that as AI technologies like ChatGPT advance, honing interpersonal skills could be as crucial as technical understanding, offering a competitive edge in the tech industry of 2024.

Hot take ??: Many believe prompt engineering is a skill one must learn to be competitive in the future.

The reality is that prompting AI systems is no different than being an effective communicator with other humans.

The same principles apply in both cases. This makes me…

— Logan.GPT (@OfficialLoganK) December 27, 2023

So while many people looking to pivot to a new career in tech are attracted by the shiny allure of lucrative salaries offered in the highest-paying tech jobs, the stand-out takeaway is that the tech job market rewards specialized expertise and visionary thinking.

We can also expect the ten tech skills to learn in 2024 to evolve as the year progresses.

Unsurprisingly, the highest-paying AI jobs currently offer salaries between $100,000 and $200,000. Rather than replacing humans, we must also recognize that AI is critical in harnessing talent to address skills shortages. These figures highlight how the entire industry is in the middle of a much-needed transformation.

Although more progress is still desperately needed in terms of diversity in tech, this is changing with an increasing recognition of the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to the table. This shift is well-illustrated in the list of best-paying jobs in tech for women.

The Non-Technical Majors To Help You Get a Job in Tech in 2024

How to get a job in tech with no experience or an IT degree? You might already have relevant skills and knowledge which can secure you a position in the tech sector.

1. Tech Jobs for English Majors

English majors are in high demand in tech and are expected to play a crucial role in the AI revolution. As English is becoming “a programming language” for AI, skills in crafting precise prompts and interpreting complex outputs are invaluable. This blend of creativity and linguistic acumen positions English majors well for careers in tech, especially in fields like prompt engineering, where language proficiency is essential for shaping AI interactions and outputs.

2. Tech Jobs For Psychology Majors

Psychology majors also have an advantage in the tech industry. They bring critical skills, like analytical thinking and understanding human behavior, essential for many roles, including UX design and data analytics. The ability to interpret and influence user experience and behavior is valuable for technical and non-technical positions within the rapidly evolving tech sector.

3. Tech Jobs for History Majors

With their adeptness in research and writing, history majors are suitable for roles as content strategists or managers in tech, where they can craft compelling digital narratives. Their knack for dissecting and interpreting intricate details makes them excellent candidates for data analyst positions, where they can transform complex data into insightful, actionable information.

4. Tech Jobs for Political Science Majors

Political science majors bring a deep understanding of political systems and regulatory frameworks, making them ideal candidates for policy analyst roles in tech companies, where they can navigate and influence tech policy and compliance. Their expertise ensures that tech and business innovations align with evolving legal and ethical standards.

5. Tech Jobs for Art and Design Majors

Art and Design majors have a natural pathway into tech as graphic designers, where their artistic talents are crucial in crafting visually appealing and impactful designs for websites, apps, and marketing materials. Additionally, their creative expertise is highly sought after in user interface (UI) design, focusing on creating engaging and functional designs that enhance user experience in tech products.

6. Tech Jobs for Economics Majors

Economics Majors are well-equipped for roles as business analysts, where they can apply their analytical prowess to evaluate market trends and business strategies. Their grasp of economic theories and financial principles also positions them well as financial analysts, guiding financial decisions and strategy within tech companies.

Top Non-Tech Positions in IT

Non-technical jobs in tech provide opportunities for individuals from diverse academic disciplines in everything from English to business and even psychology or sociology. These emerging roles require human skill sets, from creative problem-solving to analytical thinking, proving that getting a tech job requires something different than technical expertise.

This shift diversifies the tech industry and opens doors for non-technical professionals to apply their unique perspectives and skills. So, how to get into tech without a degree, and what position to apply for?

Project managers must be comfortable working closely with multiple stakeholders throughout the business rather than hiding behind technical jargon and acronyms. These people ensure projects run efficiently. As you progress in this non-technical role in tech, it could lead to the six-figure salary of your dreams.

User experience (UX) designers play a pivotal role in crafting the interface of tech products. However, they can break into tech careers by focusing on the end user’s needs and preferences rather than the technical elements of software development.

Similarly, content creators and digital marketers leverage their human creativity and strategic insights to amplify an organization’s online presence and brand message in the digital world.

Tech sales representatives and business development managers also play a crucial role in driving the commercial success of tech products that connect innovative solutions with market needs.

Finally, data analysts also walk a fine line between technical and non-technical. They offer invaluable insights by interpreting data that guide business decisions.

These roles exemplify the diverse and impactful opportunities available in tech for those with a non-technical background.

The Bottom Line

The tech industry is undergoing a transformative period. The requirement of using language to work with AI has lowered the entry barrier to a career in tech. We are now entering a new era for the industry that accentuates the value of critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, skills once considered secondary in tech but now paramount.

The new gold standard is the ability to blend technical acumen with a nuanced understanding of language and human insight. A tech career increasingly involves crafting a dialogue with AI, where your instructions shape the outcomes.

So, for anyone wondering how to get a tech job in 2024, the answer lies in embracing this new blend of technical, linguistic, and human approaches. Collectively, they will help you find your place in the tech industry, regardless of your background.

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