When people think of tech jobs, they often think of developers, but tech actually offers a variety of coding and non-coding opportunities.
If you're curious about breaking into tech but don't have any desire to learn to code yourself, you may find that tech is still the right space for you. Let's discuss 10 non-coding roles that are essential to most tech companies. For each role, we’ll discuss what the role entails, what soft skills are useful, the education you might need, and previous experience that could be beneficial if you're looking to transition into that role.
10 Non-Coding Tech Roles
1. Business Analyst
Business Analysts are the bridge between business needs and solutions offered by IT or product development teams. They analyze data, workflows, and systems to help optimize processes and make data-driven decisions.
Soft Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Education
A bachelor's degree in business, statistics, or related fields can be beneficial, but it's not always required. Certifications like PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) or an IIBA certification can be beneficial.
Previous Experience
Experience in data analysis or a background in business can be an advantage. These common roles may possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: High School Math or Science Teacher, Bank Teller, Sales Associate, Customer Service Rep, Receptionist, Logistics Coordinator, Compliance Officer, Quality Control Inspector, Financial Analyst.
2. Product Owner
Product Owners are responsible for developing and communicating the product goal, prioritizing and evaluating development work, and serve as a bridge between product strategy and development.
Soft Skills
- Leadership
- Decision-making
- Time-management
Education
A degree in business management or related field can be beneficial, though not always required.
Previous Experience
Having a background in project management or any role requiring organizational skills can help. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Restaurant Manager, Product Supervisor, Retail Manager, Small Business Owner, Hotel Operations Manager, Shipping Supervisor, Construction Foreman.
3. Project Manager
Project Managers oversee projects from conception through completion. They are responsible for planning, execution, and closing projects.
Soft Skills:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Risk management
Education
Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or PSM (Professional Scrum Master) can be beneficial. A bachelors degree may also be useful.
Previous Experience
Experience in managing teams or projects, even in non-tech fields, can be advantageous. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Event Coordinator, Operations Manager, Transportation Coordinator, Store Manager, Postal Service Manager, Nurse, Warehouse Manager.
4. Scrum Master
The Scrum Master serves as a facilitator, coach, and team leader for development teams. They are accountable for ensuring that the Scrum team is progressing on the projects they've agreed to, removing impediments, and often bridge the gap between product and development teams.
Soft Skills
- Conflict resolution
- Flexibility
- Leadership
Education
Certifications like Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or PSM (Professional Scrum Master) are usually required.
Previous Experience
Prior experience in a leadership or management role can be beneficial. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Manufacturing Team Lead, Training Coordinator, Social Worker, Coach or Physical Education Teacher, Computer Science Teacher.
5. UX/UI Designer
UX/UI Designers are responsible for creating the user experience and interface design of a product.
Soft Skills
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Attention to detail
Education
A degree or background in design or human-computer interaction can be helpful.
Previous Experience
Graphic design or any creative role could be beneficial for transitioning into this role. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Graphic Designer, Photographer, Makeup Artist, Tattoo Artist, Intentior Designer, Illustrator, Landscaper.
6. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
QA Testers are responsible for ensuring that products work as they are intended to, often by following testing protocols to identify bugs or glitches.
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- Problem-solving
Education
A background in IT can be useful but is not always necessary.
Previous Experience
Experience in troubleshooting or customer support can help. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Quality Control Inspector, Auto Mechanic, Assembly Line Supervisor, Food Safety Inspector, Chemical Tester, Assembly Line Worker.
7. Data Analyst
Data Analysts translate numbers into written or verbal information that all stakeholders can understand. They make sense of data sets to help a business make better decisions.
Soft Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Critical thinking
- Communication
Education
A degree in statistics, mathematics, or a related field can be advantageous.
Previous Experience: Any role requiring data interpretation can serve as good groundwork. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Inventory Analyst, Bookkeeper, Market Researcher, Surveyor, Financial Analyst, Cost Estimator, High School Science or Math Teacher, Medical Biller.
8. Technical Recruiter
Technical Recruiters find, interview, and hire tech talent. They need to understand what each role in the company requires and find the right person for it.
Soft Skills
- People skills
- Negotiation
- Decision-making
Education
Human Resources or business degrees can be helpful.
Previous Experience
Experience in HR or recruitment, even in non-tech roles, can be beneficial. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Human Resource Assistant, Job Placement Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Union Rep, Career Counselor, College Advisor, Corporate Trainer, Public Relations Specialist, Hiring Manager for Retail Chain, School Counselor.
9. Customer Support Specialist
Customer Support Specialists help users navigate software or hardware issues and provide solutions to common problems.
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Empathy
- Patience
Education
Customer service training is often provided, so a specific degree is not usually required.
Previous Experience
Any customer-facing role could be beneficial for transitioning. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Call Center Rep, Personal Driver, Cashier, Customer Service Agent, Hotel Front Desk Clerk, Tech Support Agent.
10. Technical Writer
Technical Writers create guides, FAQ sections, and documentation to help users understand a product.
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Organization
Education
A background in communications or journalism can be beneficial.
Previous Experience
Any writing or editing role can be a useful foundation. These common roles often possess transferable skills that can serve as a valuable foundation for someone considering a transition into this role: Copywriter, Editor, Grant Writer, Policy Analyst, Scriptwriter, English Teacher, Blogger.
Conclusion
The tech industry offers a rich and diverse set of career paths that go beyond coding. With the right blend of education, experience, and skills, you can find a rewarding career in tech that doesn’t require you to write a single line of code.
