In this career story, Emma shares her journey transitioning from absolutely no tech experience into a tech-focused role at Softcat, and shares advice for anyone looking to do the same.
Have you ever been in a meeting where the technical jargon flies over your head like a drone on a mission? Or maybe you’re stepping into a new role where you’re working closely with tech experts, and it feels a bit… Overwhelming? Don’t sweat it, you’re not alone. Trust me, if I can navigate the tech world, so can you.
Let me take you back to March 2019, when I took on my first “technical” role. To set the scene: I didn’t follow the traditional academic path. I left school at 16, worked in a pharmacy for five years (picking up a few certifications), moved on to a nursery, then jumped into customer service and management roles. Tech? It wasn’t even on my radar. Fast forward to today, and I’m thriving as a Service Development Programme Manager for Hybrid Platforms, with three technical certifications under my belt. If that sounds like a big leap, you’re right. But here’s the thing, you don’t need to be a technical wizard to succeed in a technical environment. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how I bridged the gap – and how you can too.
Bridge the gaps
Having a mix of technical and non-technical people on a team is pure gold. While tech experts can dive deep into the complexities of a problem, sometimes they (unknowingly) make things more complicated than they need to be. Meanwhile non-techy folks can help keep things simple and practical. It’s a balancing act.
It’s also important to understand the value both sides bring. Technical experts can anticipate issues and offer brilliant problem-solving skills, but they thrive when working alongside non-technical minds. Together, you can create a more well-rounded, efficient, and innovative team.
Ask all the questions
Yes, all the questions. There are no such things as stupid questions, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory. If something sounds like gibberish, ask someone to break it down in plain English because here’s a little secret, most of the time others are wondering the same thing but are too afraid to ask. Be the brave one! Remember, anyone who mocks curiosity doesn’t deserve to be the smartest person in the room.
Get certified
Passing several cloud examinations was a significant confidence booster for me. It not only provided me with the knowledge and skills required to contribute more effectively to technical discussions but also reinforced my experience with solid know-how. When I started, I knew next-to-nothing about cloud services. However, after taking a few certification courses such as AWS Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals, I found myself contributing more meaningfully to technical conversations.
Bag yourself a buddy
Having a technical mentor can be incredibly beneficial. They can share their expertise, knowledge and experience with you, as well as provide career guidance, networking opportunities and motivation.
Be curious
Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay curious and continue learning. Attend technology days, whether internal or external, read industry blogs and take online courses to keep your skills current.