Being a ‘Tech bro’ is this amazing new thing. I was going to say new rave, but raves are short lived, and technology is forever. It is here to stay, and it is a lot more than just coding in computer languages that are more difficult than German. A lot of us hear the word ‘Tech’ and immediately start envisioning python, javascript and integers, and then just lose hope. But you can be a Tech sis without learning all of those, I promise. You can pick up skills and play other roles in the tech space without building the product. We, Africans especially, need to get into tech via many routes, and the more African women and men over there, the better for us. If you do want to learn to code, that is still a rewarding experience that involves a lot of practice. But before then, you can always start from somewhere else.
So, what can you do in the tech space without coding?
Product Management
Think of the product manager as the nanny that cares for a baby after it has been born. So, a google product manager, for example, can be assigned a google product like google alert to oversee its process till it hits the consumers in the market. Their job is literally to guide and supervise the lifecycle of the product. Understanding what end users want out of the product and delivering it to them.
Program/Project Management
These groups of people usually work in teams to plan a project from conception to execution and even afterwards to improve a brand. So, think of YouTube black. That is a project by Google to equip black creators. Program and project managers can be asked to work on multiple projects at the same time and so find themselves working in more than one team at a time. This requires tenacity and team bonding, so get to connecting!
Data Analyst
These are the numbers guys. They collect numbers and data on market research, linguistics, logistics, sales numbers, and other kinds of consumer behaviour.
Technical Content Writer
If you like to write like I do, you might just love this one. Here, you will be writing everything that represents the brand to convey meaning and accentuate the brand’s vision. There will be a lot of vertical as well as horizontal writing in and out of the organization. I know it might sound analytical and maybe too technical, but you are usually allowed freedom of expression to convey your writing style, and even humour into it. So, don’t worry, it isn’t death to your creative writing soul.
UX Designer
UX means user experience. That’s it, that’s the entire explanation, we can go home now. I’m kidding. UX is probably one of my favourite tech roles out there. They make you want to use an application. They basically help you enjoy the product experience. They consider the human-computer element design of a product.
There are a lot more roles that I can’t possibly cover with my word limit, but I’ll just list them out so that you can research on your own. A few of them include, Tech Journalist, Community Manager, SEO Specialist, Software Tester, Tech Support/Customer Success.
The world is experiencing a Tech revolution and it will be sad to miss out on it. If you have ever considered it, I’d say give it a try. Skills are what set you up in your career and there is a ton of knowledge and material out there right now. Do your research, take as many courses as you can, and equip yourself for the future