Breaking into Tech

The tech industry is often associated with engineers, coders, and data scientists. But the reality is far more inclusive and diverse.

Non-technical professionals play a crucial role in shaping technology and ensuring its implementation and effectiveness in the real world. These roles are not just support functions—they are integral to creating impactful, user-friendly, and sustainable solutions. If you’ve ever thought a tech career was out of reach because you’re “not technical,” think again.

Let's explore how roles like Service Designers, Business Analysts, and Organisational Change Managers are key players in the tech industry and how you can carve out your path in the Tech space.

Why Non-Technical Roles Matter in Tech

Non-technical professionals act as the bridge between technology and its users. They ensure that innovation is aligned with business goals, user needs, and organisational objectives. For example:

• Service Designers

  Focus on creating seamless and meaningful experiences for users by looking at the bigger picture, not just individual touchpoints. They bring human-centred design into the development process.

• Business Analysts

  Connect business needs with technical capabilities, ensuring that solutions meet both user expectations and organisational objectives. They define requirements, identify opportunities, and help teams deliver impact and value.

• Organisational Change Managers

  Drive adoption of new technologies and processes, ensuring that teams are ready and equipped to embrace the transformation. A role fully focused on people, and supporting them, leveraging both data and psychology.

These roles are about problem-solving, communication, and strategy. Building a holistic picture of the project, and not just low-level development activity. If we were to build apps and deliver solely with straight-up Techies we add significant risk that what we are building is something that operates, and serves a purpose but perhaps not the one that solves the original business problem. 

Non-Technical Roles That Shape the Tech Industry

Let’s take a closer look at three non-technical roles that are making waves in tech.

Service Designer

A Service Designer is a master of systems thinking and human-centred design. They analyse how users interact with a product or service, considering their journey from start to finish. By mapping out touchpoints and identifying pain points, Service Designers help ensure that products and services deliver cohesive, user-friendly experiences.

Key Skills: Empathy, design thinking, systems mapping, user research.

Impact: They make services intuitive and accessible, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Business Analyst

The Business Analyst (BA) is the ultimate translator, acting as a bridge between business teams and technical developers. They ensure that requirements are well understood, feasible, and aligned with business goals. A BA doesn’t just elicit requirements—they analyse them, prioritise them, and validate solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Skills: Analytical thinking, communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and patience!

Impact: They help tech teams build the right solutions FIRST TIME, minimising risks and maximising value.

“Measure Twice, cut once”

Organisational Change Manager

Introducing new technology can be a cultural shift as much as a technical one. That’s where the Organisational Change Manager (OCM) shines. These professionals guide businesses through transitions, ensuring employees understand, adopt, and embrace new tools or processes. OCMs focus on the human side of change, helping companies mitigate resistance and maximise ROI on tech investments.

Key Skills: Change management frameworks, communication, leadership, empathy.

Impact: They align people with processes and technology, creating sustainable transformation.

How to Get Started in Non-Technical Tech Roles

Getting started really is the hardest part.

The good news is that you don’t need a computer science degree to break into these roles, or in many cases, any degree at all.

Here’s how you can get started:

• Leverage Your Existing Skills

  Skills like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are highly valued in tech. Highlight them in your CV and during interviews.

• Upskill Strategically

  Consider certifications or courses tailored to your desired role, such as service design, business analysis, or change management.

• Build Your Network

  Engage with professionals on LinkedIn or join communities like The BA Project. Attend events, webinars, and meetups to learn and connect.

• Gain Relevant Experience

  Volunteer for projects that allow you to practice skills like process improvement, stakeholder engagement, or user journey mapping. Gaining invaluable real world experience.

Final Thoughts

The tech industry is far more than code and algorithms—it’s about solving real-world problems and delivering value. Non-technical roles like Service Designers, Business Analysts, and Change Managers are at the heart of these efforts.

If you’re passionate about innovation and have a knack for understanding people, there’s a place for you in tech. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the drive to make an impact.

So why not start today? You belong here…