Lack of experience is one of the main reasons why people are doubting their career change decisions. Especially in careers in tech–people often find it as a field best suited for coding geniuses only. It might be partly true, but the tech world is not limited to just programming. Worry not, you can also become a part of it!

That being said, here are a few examples of how some jobs can be the perfect launchpad for you to get into tech. 

Business Owner → Product Manager

A product manager is in charge of the vision and strategy for a company’s products and services. Conducting research, developing strategy, coordinating the development, and managing feedback are what a product manager deals with on a daily basis. In doing so, they receive assistance from a variety of specialists to bring a concept to life. 

Now reflect on what you’ve done as a business owner. Yep! You’ve practically learned how to do the same thing with your business. It all comes down to these key components; leadership, operational ability, business skills, and domain expertise. 

As someone who wants to get into tech, the next thing that you want to do is to apply those skills in the right context. Learn more with your programmer or designer friend about what goes behind the development of an app. After all, the best way to learn project management is to ship your own side project.

Editorial Roles → Digital Marketer

If you had experience working in the media or editorial department, you’ve probably spent a good amount of time writing content. Not to mention, you’ve most likely dealt with social media and other online platforms to gain readership online. Combine years of professional writing experience with some knowledge of social media and you already have the basics of a digital marketer!

Since digital marketing is broad, you can explore each of its kinds and learn more about the things you are not familiar with yet. Attending a bootcamp or taking a course can also become an option to increase your credibility.

Finance → Data Analyst

Data analyst role is perfect for those who are good with numbers and analyzing data. As someone with a finance background, you know this is similar to what you’re used to doing. Both turn raw data into information and insight, which then used to make business decisions.

There are a lot of areas to choose from within the field. Here are some of them:

• Market research analyst
• Business analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Operations research analyst

Find one that you’re most interested in and see how you can improve from then.

Retail → Customer Support

One thing that you’ve learned best from retail is to handle customers. Just like any other industry, tech companies need a team of excellent communicators to earn their users’ trust. Based on your experiences, you are the perfect fit!

Aside from having the skills to handle customers, most customer support job descriptions will require you to understand how CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems work. To come fully prepared, you can take CRM courses or learn it by yourself online.

Become a Tech Lawyer

Got a law degree but now you’re interested in tech? No worries, there are numerous intersections between tech and law. You can work as an in-house counsel (in a tech company) or an external counsel (to a tech company). Here are a few areas that you can specialize in:

• Product development advisory
• Regulatory advisory
• Partnerships advisory
• Investment advisory