Synopsis
The Indian technology sector is experiencing growth due to government initiatives, digital transformation, and investments. This has led to a demand for non-tech roles such as digital marketing, financial planning, and project management. Skills like adaptability, communication, and creativity are essential. Companies are also hiring freelancers for these roles.
The Indian technology sector is seeing a new era of growth because of factors such as government initiatives, digital transformation, a booming startup ecosystem and hefty investments. This has led to demand for tech talent. But these companies also need people with non-tech skills to sustain themselves.
As a result, the tech space is brimming with opportunities for those who wish to take up non-tech roles. Here is a look at the in-demand roles, skills and challenges in building a career path on the non-tech side of technology companies.
Non-tech career avenues in demand
The importance of non-tech roles cannot be overstated in tech companies, says Aravinda Kumar Sangubhatla, Director of Talent Acquisition at Model N. Digital marketing, financial planning, and analysis are some such roles in demand, he says.
Non-tech skills are essential because customer-facing teams like sales, demand generation, digital marketing, content and project management roles require professionals with an adaptive mindset, communication, negotiation and presentation skills, says Srikanth Reddy, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition of APJ at Progress.
In his opinion, some non-tech areas worth pursuing by freshers are digital marketing, business development, product marketing, content writing, customer support, project management, program management, finance, HR and legal.
Product managers, digital marketers and strategists are non-technical positions that play an indispensable role in driving innovation and ensuring that technology serves a broad spectrum of needs, says Mandira Sharma, Senior Manager General Management, Engineering, Publicis Sapient.
To ace these roles, she advises individuals to make use of a wealth of easily accessible online courses, boot camps and workshops. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer courses that can help individuals with non-tech profiles smoothly transition into the tech sector.
Essentials to succeed in such roles
Sangubhatla of Model N says understanding market trends, developing relevant skills and adaptability are the key factors to keep in mind while moving forward on this path. Reddy points out that to thrive in the IT business with a non-tech background, individuals should learn to code. It enhances communication with developers and provides a deeper understanding of the company’s technical products. Similarly, familiarity with big data and analytics is increasingly important. Plus, gaining knowledge in cloud computing, including application management and deployment in a cloud environment, is just as crucial, he adds.
Sharma says there is a lot of focus now on skills like creativity, problem-solving, adaptability and critical thinking. It is a combination of creative ideas and how one makes the best use of the available tools that can ensure success. A learning mindset, curiosity and creativity are essential for adapting and thriving in the ever-evolving tech landscape, she adds.
Campus hiring trends and pay expectations
Tech companies are expanding their operations and recognising the importance of non-tech roles such as digital marketing, financial planning and analysis, and operations. This is leading to a significant demand in campus hirings, says Sangubhatla. In tier 1 cities, the average campus offer for such roles is Rs 5,00,000 per annum.
Whether tech or non-tech, Reddy says these companies are always looking for skilled people who can fill the industry’s demands. The average industry standard salary range for entry-level positions is Rs 5-7 lakh per year, he says.
Along with salary packages, top graduates can expect performance bonuses, stock options, healthcare benefits and professional development opportunities.
Freelance opportunities for non-tech roles in tech
Traditionally, tech companies hired full-time employees for technical roles. However, times are changing and there is a demand for non-tech freelance and contractual roles, says Sangubhatla. Digital marketers, campaign professionals, UI/UX designers, financial analysts, and consultants are a few of such roles.
After the Covid pandemic, there are more freelancers as employees are looking for flexibility and a side hustle, says Reddy.
Despite increasing demand, Sangubhatla and Reddy say non-tech professionals may encounter a few challenges. Technical knowledge gap, cultural fit and adaptation, and continuous learning and collaboration are some hurdles that those planning to take a non-tech role in the tech industry might face. Nonetheless, networking, mentorship, training and upskilling can help individuals overcome these obstacles and establish a thriving non-tech career in the tech space, add the experts.
This article was originally published on The Economic Times.
