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What are some opportunities and skills I can look into if I prefer minimal coding jobs/internships??
I'm a rising junior in college studying CS, and I'm really looking forward to exploring various roles in tech, including non-coding, and how I can get into them.
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6 answers
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Joseph’s Answer
In the realm of Computer Science (CS) or software development, you typically have two paths to choose from: technical teams and product teams. If coding isn't your cup of tea, there are numerous other roles in the field that require varying degrees of technical expertise.
Roles such as product owner, account owner, and product manager are examples of software product jobs. These positions don't demand extensive technical knowledge. Instead, they require a broad understanding of the field, an ability to comprehend use cases and results, and a knack for critical evaluation. The routes to these roles vary, some people transition into these roles from Sales Consultant or customer account representative positions within a software company, while others move up from the development team itself.
I began my career at a large consulting firm, and I highly recommend this path if you're unsure about your exact direction in the CS field. While the initial pay might be below average compared to other options, these firms offer a great platform to explore different areas and discover what aligns best with your interests and skills.
Roles such as product owner, account owner, and product manager are examples of software product jobs. These positions don't demand extensive technical knowledge. Instead, they require a broad understanding of the field, an ability to comprehend use cases and results, and a knack for critical evaluation. The routes to these roles vary, some people transition into these roles from Sales Consultant or customer account representative positions within a software company, while others move up from the development team itself.
I began my career at a large consulting firm, and I highly recommend this path if you're unsure about your exact direction in the CS field. While the initial pay might be below average compared to other options, these firms offer a great platform to explore different areas and discover what aligns best with your interests and skills.
Thank you! I do want to explore different areas first
Muhsanat
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
As a seasoned product designer in the realm of digital products, I can envision several exciting avenues you might explore:
- Product Management: This could be an excellent fit if you're drawn to the business and strategic aspects. Depending on the size of the organization, you might find yourself interacting with executives and ensuring everyone's on the same page. The path to this role is quite flexible, with no specific requirements from employers. While it's not a typical degree subject, you could consider bootcamps or certification courses as your stepping stone. To broaden your understanding of the product development process, delve into design thinking and user research. Seek out opportunities to hone your skills in low-risk projects, such as volunteering for local government initiatives or freelancing. Assemble a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to deliver results, and you'll increase your chances of a company taking a leap of faith on you.
- Project Management: If you have a knack for overseeing processes and meeting deadlines, this path could be tailor-made for you. Your role would be to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget. There are several project management certifications you could pursue, including becoming a certified scrum master. Just like a product manager, seek opportunities to demonstrate your ability to keep projects on track.
- Product Design: As a product designer, you'll need a foundation in UX design, visual design, user research, and UI design. Your background in Computer Science and any coding skills you possess will be beneficial in collaborating with developers to create products. As with the other roles, seek out opportunities to practice and showcase your skills, and build a portfolio.
I hope this guidance is helpful, and I'm more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Keep in mind that every journey is unique, and the key is to find what truly resonates with you. :)
- Product Management: This could be an excellent fit if you're drawn to the business and strategic aspects. Depending on the size of the organization, you might find yourself interacting with executives and ensuring everyone's on the same page. The path to this role is quite flexible, with no specific requirements from employers. While it's not a typical degree subject, you could consider bootcamps or certification courses as your stepping stone. To broaden your understanding of the product development process, delve into design thinking and user research. Seek out opportunities to hone your skills in low-risk projects, such as volunteering for local government initiatives or freelancing. Assemble a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to deliver results, and you'll increase your chances of a company taking a leap of faith on you.
- Project Management: If you have a knack for overseeing processes and meeting deadlines, this path could be tailor-made for you. Your role would be to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget. There are several project management certifications you could pursue, including becoming a certified scrum master. Just like a product manager, seek opportunities to demonstrate your ability to keep projects on track.
- Product Design: As a product designer, you'll need a foundation in UX design, visual design, user research, and UI design. Your background in Computer Science and any coding skills you possess will be beneficial in collaborating with developers to create products. As with the other roles, seek out opportunities to practice and showcase your skills, and build a portfolio.
I hope this guidance is helpful, and I'm more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Keep in mind that every journey is unique, and the key is to find what truly resonates with you. :)
These areas are all interesting and I've been looking into them! Thank you for the advice and I'll try to seek out opportunities like you mentioned
Muhsanat
Updated
Megha’s Answer
There are 3 amazing routes on customer facing roles in Tech - sales, customer success and solutions engineering.
Sales in a tech world is a crucial role that typically starts as a business development representative (BDR). This position involves prospecting and finding deals for senior account managers who are the main sales representatives. It can be a lucrative job, especially if you have financial obligations like student loans or expensive tastes. Working in sales teaches resilience, grit, and the ability to handle rejection with grace. It also helps you develop excellent communication skills and the ability to present ideas influentially. Overall, it instills discipline and helps build a strong foundation for your career.
Customer success is an excellent non-tech role for individuals who enjoy customer interactions but prefer not to be driven solely by sales quotas. This role focuses on building relationships with customers and ensuring their success with the product or service. It requires empathy, conflict resolution skills, and exceptional time management capabilities. Customer success professionals play a crucial role in retaining customers and driving customer satisfaction.
Solutions engineering, also known as presales, offers a blend of technical expertise and sales skills. While some companies may require more technical and coding abilities, the emphasis is usually on understanding technology rather than actual development work. Solutions engineers work closely with the sales team to understand customer needs and tailor technical solutions to meet those requirements. This role requires a strong understanding of the product or service being sold and the ability to effectively communicate its technical aspects to potential customers.
Overall, these non-tech roles in a tech world provide valuable opportunities to build essential skills and contribute to the success of tech companies without directly working on software development.
Sales in a tech world is a crucial role that typically starts as a business development representative (BDR). This position involves prospecting and finding deals for senior account managers who are the main sales representatives. It can be a lucrative job, especially if you have financial obligations like student loans or expensive tastes. Working in sales teaches resilience, grit, and the ability to handle rejection with grace. It also helps you develop excellent communication skills and the ability to present ideas influentially. Overall, it instills discipline and helps build a strong foundation for your career.
Customer success is an excellent non-tech role for individuals who enjoy customer interactions but prefer not to be driven solely by sales quotas. This role focuses on building relationships with customers and ensuring their success with the product or service. It requires empathy, conflict resolution skills, and exceptional time management capabilities. Customer success professionals play a crucial role in retaining customers and driving customer satisfaction.
Solutions engineering, also known as presales, offers a blend of technical expertise and sales skills. While some companies may require more technical and coding abilities, the emphasis is usually on understanding technology rather than actual development work. Solutions engineers work closely with the sales team to understand customer needs and tailor technical solutions to meet those requirements. This role requires a strong understanding of the product or service being sold and the ability to effectively communicate its technical aspects to potential customers.
Overall, these non-tech roles in a tech world provide valuable opportunities to build essential skills and contribute to the success of tech companies without directly working on software development.
Updated
Taryn’s Answer
I have had many roles in computer science and more specifically in cyber security.
I can highly recommend learning some cyber security fields then minoring in management or marketing. You will make the high salary you would with a tech job, but your role is less "techy"
I have done semi-technical jobs like "technical consultant", and moved to more management jobs like "Program Manager, Security Servives Manager, and Project Manager."
I can highly recommend learning some cyber security fields then minoring in management or marketing. You will make the high salary you would with a tech job, but your role is less "techy"
I have done semi-technical jobs like "technical consultant", and moved to more management jobs like "Program Manager, Security Servives Manager, and Project Manager."
Thank you this was really helpful! I'm looking for cybersecurity experience right now actually so I'll keep this in mind for sure.
Muhsanat
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
Technical writers read code and work with HTML, XML, markdown, and some JavaScript. It's all easy-peasy and very light. I love technical writing. I find it fun and interesting. And it pays well, too!
To be a technical writer, I highly recommend majoring in English and minoring in a science of your choice (my degree is in Creative Writing - Poetry, and Equine Preveterinary Science. I don't recommend getting a certificate because you'll need better English skills than that and you'll definitely need the science background - and it doesn't matter which area of science because tech writing is all about being about to think like a scientist and follow highly technical ideas and processes.
To be a technical writer, I highly recommend majoring in English and minoring in a science of your choice (my degree is in Creative Writing - Poetry, and Equine Preveterinary Science. I don't recommend getting a certificate because you'll need better English skills than that and you'll definitely need the science background - and it doesn't matter which area of science because tech writing is all about being about to think like a scientist and follow highly technical ideas and processes.
Interesting, this is a pretty new role to me, I'll definitely look into it. Thank you!
Muhsanat
You're very welcome! Best of luck! Feel free to reach out to me any time.
Caitlyn Johnston
Updated
Lynne’s Answer
If you're keen on being part of the technology industry but coding isn't your thing, product management could be the perfect fit for you. In this role, you'll collaborate with engineers and various other team members within the company to guarantee a seamless product launch. Product management offers a unique opportunity to hone your communication skills, develop strategic thinking, and gain a comprehensive understanding of diverse roles within the company. So, if these aspects excite you, product management is an excellent choice.