How to enter IT if you are not a programmer?

Interest in the IT field is growing every day. And it is clear how this is justified.

IT makes it possible to do what you love and not be tied to the workplace, constantly develop and learn something new, be on the same wavelength with the younger generation, and, of course, good earnings.

Many people ask themselves the question: “how to enter IT”? The first thing that comes to mind is to become a programmer. But the profession of a programmer is specific and not suitable for everyone. This is a special monotonous rhythm of work, where you can spend the whole working day sitting at a computer monitor and rewriting one line of code several times. And in general, writing code is the same art as writing a picture, music or poem. You need to love and burn with this business very much in order to achieve a cool result and not emotionally burn out.

But what can you do if you want to work in IT, but your heart is not in programming? Below, we'll cover the IT professions that don't require coding skills.

1. HR manager and IT recruiter.

Both professions involve communication with IT specialists, but programming is not required. In general, an HR manager and a recruiter always work together, but perform different functions. The recruiter is engaged in the search and selection of specialists, and the HR manager (we mean the generalist) is engaged in their adaptation, motivation and building a warm, right atmosphere within the team. Both directions are very interesting and multifaceted.

What is needed for this profession?

• The first and most important thing is to love communication with people. Because you will have to communicate a lot.

• The second is to be empathic and understand psychology and conflict management. This is necessary in order to be able to build relationships with colleagues, understand how to motivate them and involve them in the work process. Well, and, of course, be able to settle any conflicts with minimal losses.

• The third is creativity and flexibility. It happens that a situation requires a non-standard solution. This is where flexibility is needed in order to be able to solve the problem, maximally satisfying the interests and needs of all participants. Sometimes it's the same quest! :)

2. Project manager.

Literally, this is the project manager. That is, the main task of the manager is to bring the client's idea to implementation on time, which will fit into a certain budget, using all the resources provided. The best description of the profession of a project manager is a professional joke: managing projects is as easy as riding a bicycle. Which burns, and you burn too, and everyone burns, and you are in hell. Therefore, if you manage a team, take responsibility for everyone, solve urgent and complex tasks is your strong point, then this profession is for you.

What is needed for this?

• First, you still need to have an understanding of it technologies. That is, you do not have to be able to code, but understand what stack each team member works with and what tasks he can handle. After all, it is the PM (Project manager) who is responsible for setting tasks and deadlines for each team member (including the developer).

• Secondly, to have such soft skills as stress resistance, flexibility, time management. These skills will help prevent many mistakes in planning and the process of work itself. And if, nevertheless, there are mistakes, then it is these qualities that will help to correct them quickly and with minimal losses.

• Thirdly, of course, the ability to find a common language with people from different “worlds”. You should be able to hear and negotiate with a customer who suddenly decided to cut the budget, terms, or even got new "Wishlist"; do not faint and solve the problem when the developers “do not have time to finish up tomorrow”; to motivate and bring the team to the result.

3. Sales manager.

This is the one who represents the company in the IT services market. The person with whom they first contact or communicate when they want to use the company's service. That is, someone who actively sells the company's services and is looking for clients. Everything sounds extremely simple, but there are many nuances. Here it is important to have the talent to achieve the assigned tasks, to be able to convince and take everything into your own hands.

What is needed for this?

• First, of course, love sales. After all, sales are a special art. You must be able to do more than just sell a product or service. You must be able to meet the client's need. Do not "napar", "force", "convince" and so on. It is to satisfy the need.

• Secondly, it is excellent to know both spoken and written English. Because many companies work with foreign customers. And negotiations, naturally, will also have to be conducted in a foreign language. And more often than not, this foreign language is English.

• Thirdly, the ability to conduct business correspondence: exclude any familiarity where necessary, be able to correctly and beautifully formulate your thoughts, remember about timing and much more.

4. Designer.

It's simple: it is he who helps to realize the visual ideas of the customer. But behind this “just” there is monotonous work, perfectionism, a cool sense of taste. Well, and developed stress resistance. After all, listening to: “oh, but we can remove this square / add our logo here / change this color here” and explain that this will harm the composition and design as a whole is a real challenge.

What does it take to become a designer?

• First, reduce the design. Know and use the tools you need (photoshop, figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, etc.)

• Secondly, to develop a familiarity and have a cool sense of style.

• Thirdly, to have the skill of cool communication, because sometimes it is extremely difficult to understand the customer and explain to him why it is impossible to “insert our logo everywhere here”.

5. PR manager Yes, they are needed in IT too. Our sphere is developing by leaps and bounds: a lot of companies are created, a lot of orders and products appear. But the problem is that cool shots don't have time to appear at the same rate. That is why the IT sector is often experiencing staff shortages. And every year it only increases. It becomes more difficult to find cool and worthwhile specialists. Companies are fighting for them, as they say, not for life, but for death. This is where a competent PR manager is needed, who will help raise the level of company awareness, develop an HR brand, create an image and correct positioning in the information field, and simply interest candidates to work in this particular company.

What is needed for this?

• First, you need to have a copywriting skill: be able to write enticing posts in social media. networks, vacancies, articles about the company, etc.

• Second, know the tools you can use to engage your audience.

• Thirdly, to be able to communicate, of course. After all, you will have to communicate with various platforms, people, and divisions of the company that do not work under an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

This is a small list of IT jobs that don't require coding skills. And then there are marketers, QA, business analysts, SMM, content managers, lead generators, researchers and many others. Here everyone will find a place “under the sun”.

To better understand what works for you, follow a simple exercise: divide a piece of paper in two. In the first, write down all your strengths, and in the second those activities that bring you pleasure. Review them and compare them with the responsibilities of the professions you are interested in. Where there will be the most coincidences, most likely the business of your dreams. Start learning, looking for open positions and opportunities. Love what you do; do what you love.

We wish you good luck in your search for your life's work! :)