There are a lot of mistaken beliefs surrounding working in the field of technology. This has made some youths reluctant to venture into careers in tech.
To help you better understand jobs in the tech industry, this week’s column will debunk some of the common misconceptions that you might often hear about tech careers.
Misconception 1: It’s all about math, science and coding
Unless you specialise in data analysis or cyber security, you do not need to excel in math, science and coding, as there are plenty of jobs in the tech field that do not directly involve the application and development of technologies.
Among jobs in the tech sector that do not require you to be a programming genius include graphic designer, project manager, system administrator and technical writer.
Instead, these jobs require you to have ‘soft skills’ such as good communication skills and organisational skills.
Misconception 2: Tech is not a field for women
While it is true that the tech industry is predominantly dominated by male workers, more and more women are beginning to pursue careers in the industry.
This is probably due to the waning myth that women are not as good as men in math and technology, as equal opportunities have enabled more women to be represented in the field.
In fact, today’s tech field is made up of a diverse group of individuals with different sets of skills and specialities.
And with access to the right technology, education and opportunities, women can challenge that perception by showing what they can do in the field.
Misconception 3: There is no creativity in the tech field
Strangely many people assume that working in this field requires no creativity. In reality, however, creativity is needed for a successful career as the industry requires workers to have creative ways of solving problems as well as creating new products and applications.
Misconception 4: You will work in a tech company
When pursuing a tech career, you might think that you need to work in tech companies to be relevant. However, technology has created vast opportunities in plenty of other fields such as business, sports, fashion, medicine and art.
As more companies begin to rely on different technologies, you might find that there are numerous opportunities to work in various fields by focusing on the technological aspects.
In the age of technology, the tech sector is booming and there are plenty of opportunities for youths to grab and explore. As the fourth industrial revolution continues to expand, demand from companies seeking employees with various sets of skills will continue to soar.
This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
This article first appeared on The Borneo Post, published in the print version on Saturday, April 14, 2018.
