In the fast-paced world of technology, non-tech professionals who work in roles unrelated to technology can feel essential but are unsure where they fit in.
For example, suppose you have worked in different areas in the tech industry, like customer service, marketing, human resources, or data analysis. In that case, seeing how all these experiences connect can be challenging.
You might wonder what your career story is and what unique skills you can bring. Particularly after a few years, when the excitement of a new job has worn off, you could ask, "What's next?"
The Many Hats of Non-Tech Roles in Tech
Many essential jobs in the technology industry don't involve technical skills. These jobs are critical, as they help the company run smoothly. However, they are often not recognised as much as the flashy software and hardware that make the news.
Without these non-technical jobs, such as organising things, helping customers, creating good advertising and taking care of employees, tech companies would find it challenging to keep coming up with new and better ideas.
Therefore, as a non-tech professional in technology, your job is essential and plays a crucial role in the industry's continued growth and success.
Separating Skills from Job Titles
As a non-tech professional in technology, it's time to detach your self-worth from your job title. What if you focused on the skills and experiences you've amassed instead? Reflect on your journey and consider the following simple exercise:
Take a sheet of paper (yes, go analogue for this) and list all your jobs.
For each, write down what you actually did, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
These are your fundamental skills - negotiation, crisis management, strategic thinking, and so forth - beyond the job description.
Crafting a Distinctive Professional Brand
Now that you better understand your skills, it's time to create your professional brand. Simply knowing your worth is not enough. You need to be able to articulate it to others. We recommend developing a professional brand statement which goes like this:
"I help [target audience] to [solve specific problems] by [unique approach], unlike [key differentiators].
Let's fill in the blanks with an example:
"I help tech startups streamline their customer experience with data-driven solutions, leveraging empathetic communication."
Another example:
"I help businesses streamline their operations without losing employee engagement"
Value Precedes Title – Selling Your Professional Value
Your value statement needs to be concise yet powerful—think of it as your professional haiku. Twelve to fifteen words that capture the essence of your professional identity.
Exercise:
Convert your newly discovered skills into a professional brand statement that hits home.
For instance, "Transforming customer feedback into actionable insights for product development teams," does just that.
Personal Strokes – Sola's Professional Journey
Let us share a short story with you. Sola had a unique career journey that wasn't straightforward. She worked in various fields, including managing projects, engaging with communities, and analysing business data before finding her true calling.
Although it might have seemed like she was veering off course at times, each experience helped her acquire a range of skills that she could apply to future opportunities. By making sense of her diverse experiences, she could look forward to new and exciting opportunities without discounting her past.
Skills Over Passion - The Unpopular Opinion
In Cal Newport's thought-provoking book, "So Good They Can't Ignore You", the key takeaway is that skills trump passion for professional success. It's a book we recommend to every professional serious about crafting a career that satisfies, intrigues, and inspires.
Wrapping up - What is Your Professional Value?
As we wrap up, take some time to think about your value as a professional. Dig deep and think about what makes you special and unique, and use that to tell your story.
Remember, your worth goes beyond just your technical skills. Even if you're not a tech expert, your creativity, empathy, and intuition are just as crucial in today's tech-driven world. Don't forget that these human qualities are invaluable and irreplaceable.
It's your move. Define your value, narrate your story, and set your course.
If you want more career-boosting resources to keep you ahead of the curve, consider signing up for our weekly newsletter.