In today’s world, where many significant positive and not-so-positive events have recently taken place, people, more than ever, need faith in the future. Things that five years ago seemed monolithic and such that would remain for centuries are bursting at the seams and collapsing before our very eyes. The COVID-19 pandemic, global and local lockdowns, the change in the vector of economic, social, and political development, the first timid steps to get out of COVID-19, and the post-COVID realia are just a tiny part of what the world is facing. Add to this the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, which like a pendulum, launched a cycle of irreversible processes all over the world, for which people were not ready, both psychologically and physically, and we get a not-very rosy picture. The world community had an urgent need to adapt to the prevailing conditions. And many turned their attention to the IT sphere, which had been in great demand before all these events. The IT industry is one of the most stable and, most importantly, constantly developing and growing industries, which responds to all challenges with honor. For example, according to the
Information Technology Professional Demographics and
Statistics in the US, the IT sector employs more than 279,000 professionals whose average age is 41 years old. In Ukraine, the demand for new specialists in IT is about 30-50 thousand people every year. However, many people are concerned about changing their positions without a technical background. Powercode has decided to devote several issues to the topic of non technical jobs in tech and how to properly build a non-tech IT career roadmap to alleviate suffering and inspire confidence in people and their abilities. All data and practical advice provided are based on our incredibly fantastic
team members’ rich experience and success stories.
WHO IS THIS MYSTERIOUS SWITCHER?
Nowadays, you can see and hear this term everywhere, especially in materials related to the IT area. Imagination draws people to turn their heads around, looking for something they have never imagined and ready to jump into this unknown but beckoning place. But this is only partially true. A typical switcher is a person with experience and practical knowledge in one area who has decided to completely change the type of activity motivated by the desire to find a more promising sector for self-realization.
Conventionally, they can be divided into two categories:
- Representatives of working professions such as engineers, builders, architects, shoemakers, locksmiths, plumbers, etc., who are tired of working with their hands and want to earn no less, preferably, even more, using their heads.
- Office workers such as economists, accountants, lawyers, consultants, psychologists, philologists, teachers, and managers who want to be part of a rapidly developing modern industry with significant investments and excellent earning opportunities.
There is also a third category – people with some primary technical education who either never worked in their specialty or worked but it was in no way connected or even radically different from the industry in which the person decided to move. Their motivation also varies and usually embraces the following: the possibility of career growth, working remotely, having a flexible schedule, earning more, having a good social package and bonuses, or the desire to be in trend. The list can go on to infinity. Everyone has their own story. For employers, this situation is beneficial because a real switcher is very motivated and charged with results. They are usually emotionally and sometimes physically burnt out at a previous job and are consciously looking for changes, understanding all their weaknesses, the main of which is the lack of experience and the appropriate education. They are willfully ready to do everything to achieve the goal, which positively distinguishes them from other applicants.
A FIRST-HAND SUCCESS STORY
If you feel that you have reached a critical point and can no longer continue to move in the chosen direction, or external circumstances “shout” to you that it is time to change everything, or if you are afraid and do not believe that you can succeed and realize yourself in a completely new field, we hasten to assure you that this is not so. There are many examples of people starting from scratch and reaching the top in the IT field and beyond. Our unsurpassed commercial director Mykolai is a fabulous example! He gladly shared his story to inspire everyone to take decisive action. BRIEF DATA: Full name: Mykolai Brylenko. Education: higher technical. Additional education: Effective company, transformation of the organization according to the methodology of Adizes, 2018 Agile Scrum from scratch to Scrum Master, 2020 Career path: Sales Consultant, AMI – Store Director, AMI – Purchasing Manager, AMI – Product Manager for ELKO laptops – Head of Department, Rozetka – Development Director, Rozetka – Commercial Director in IT company
At what stage have you understood that something needs to be changed? What steps have you taken in this direction?
I have much experience in the sales and commerce of classical goods, starting from laptops and ending with FMCG categories. At some point, I felt a strong desire to try something new. So, I got into consulting in the field of e-commerce, where I worked for a long time. Here, I realized the necessity of better understanding business challenges with IT. To do this, I started by combining my knowledge of commerce and product development for food delivery.
Why the IT sector?
I believe that any modern business is related to IT to some extent. Some are just to greater, and others to a lesser extent. But without IT, practically, almost nothing exists. We can safely say that this is the monumental Whale on the back of which the development of the entire modern world takes place. My main goal became to be a part of something grand that changes the course of history and to participate in this. I wanted to test in practice how I could apply the acquired knowledge and skills in a completely different area. And now you see me, and I feel that I am in the right place and doing something that brings me both moral satisfaction and tangible results in business.
What pitfalls arose when changing direction?
If we talk about challenges, then the first thing I faced was the terminology. Employees of IT companies very often use specific terms or somewhat professional slang, which is immediately understood by them but causes confusion for someone from the outside. I mean English words that have migrated into everyday professional communication without changes or their equivalent in the native language. For example, the well-known “outreach” and “inbound.” The second thing you need to be mentally prepared for is development technologies. If you want to be successful in this sphere, you can’t do it without their knowledge. Whether you’re a developer or not, a basic understanding of what’s going on and how it’s done is a “must-have.” You communicate with professionals inside and outside the company, build communication, give advice and sell your goods or services. Thus, you must know the features and “inner kitchen” of technological processes within the company because you are part of it, that element, failure in the operation of which can lead to the collapse of the entire company.
How long did it take to initiate the thought about a direction change and get your first job at IT?
Almost a year has passed since the thought of changing profession and type of activity to the moment my first position in an IT company occurred. To some, this may seem like a fairly long period, but for me, it was swift and, most importantly, consciously, with an understanding of what was happening. For some, it can be three, four, or six months, and for others, a year and a half or more. It all depends only on the person and their commitment, perseverance, and even stress resistance.
According to personal observations, what skills do switchers need to develop first?
The most important skill is knowledge of English at level B1 and above. Without English, it isn’t easy to work in almost any field. It is crucial for both written and oral communication. And if you also know a second foreign language, then this greatly simplifies your life and the search for a new job and career. The so-called soft skills are also essential – time management, teamwork, independence, and proactivity. Moreover, you always need to engage in self-development and improve your knowledge. You can’t master one thing perfectly and stop there. If you do it, you will stay at the same level, and life will move forwards.
What advice would you give to those who want to move to work in the IT field but do not dare?
Changing any profession always causes fear and doubts about the choice. The IT sphere is also no exception. It is crucial that the work is enjoyable, so you need to choose a direction and evaluate how suitable this specialty is for you. Fortunately, there are a large number of videos on the Internet that tell the peculiarities of a specific specialization. It is also essential to understand that IT is not only the development and code writing but non-technical specialties, such as lead generator, sales and account manager, project manager, and tester. Here you can choose precisely what benefits you and your ambitions.
TOP STEPS TO ACHIEVE WHAT YOU WANT IN NON-TECHNICAL IT
Based on Mykolai’s story, his tips, and pieces of advice provided by our other team members, now we will build a non-tech IT career roadmap to clearly show what steps are best taken to achieve the goal.
Step 1. Clearly state your goal and draw a path to achieve it
The first step to success is a clear understanding of what you want. Formulate, or better, write down everything you want to get as a final result. Review the entire list carefully. Based on it, clearly articulate your ONE main goal. You must understand that the path to achieving it will not be easy and cloudless. So try to imagine in as much detail as possible all the stages of achievement and their time frame. Materialization and planning are the beginning of a successful path.
Step 2. Start learning
Choose the most suitable training program. This is an easy task in the modern world because the choice is enormous, ranging from simple video lectures on YouTube to workshops on online platforms and courses from leading companies in the niche. Study every detail. Check programs, examine schedules, and read the reviews of those who have already taken these courses. You might be able to find student success stories. After all, you are at the beginning of a new path that will radically change your life.
Step 3. Become part of a professional community
When you have a basic idea of what you will be doing and what its specific features are, do not be afraid to communicate with professionals in this area. Find and join communities, study the materials provided by their members. Don’t be terrified to ask questions and share your fears and doubts. This kind of live communication can help you quickly master a new profession and understand its nuances. Also, find online professional platforms like LinkedIn and sign up. In this case, finding the desired career and support will be easier.
Step 4. Practice, practice, and more practice
Start thinking about your skills already at the training stage. Only practice hones skills and makes them more perfect. Try your hand on your own, deal with typical projects, consider real cases, and calculate possible risks, mistakes, and ways to solve them. So, you will have something to show when applying for a job and be mentally prepared for various professional scenarios.
Step 5. Be patient and learn to wait
Career changes are always stressful. It is impossible to jump from one area to another with one snap of your fingers and immediately become a high-level professional. It takes time and a lot of energy. Besides, you have to be mentally prepared for this. Don’t try to grab everything at once. Gradually, step by step, move towards your goal. Even if it seems you are moving like a snail, and your opponents are flying past at the speed of light, don’t panic! Remember, this is just an illusion. Be patient, have a clear plan, and stick to it. Systematicity, time management, and self-discipline can do wonders.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, the modern world and the pace of its development dictate their terms. If we want not just to stay afloat but to develop and enjoy what we do, we should not be afraid to change our careers radically and master new specialties. Based on a practical example, the Powercode team has demonstrated that everything is possible for a person. The main thing is a great desire, an awareness of the need to move forward, and an understanding of your goals and ways to achieve them. The rest is the background that you set for yourself. And what it will be like depends only on you. It can be gloomy and depressing like the expanses of Mordor or bright and full of colors like the plains of The Shire. If you are looking for advice or want to learn more about the possibilities in IT, we will be happy to help you with this. Let’s stay in touch! We are waiting for your messages
here.
