National Careers Service Computing Technology and Digital
Busting tech career myths
Common misconceptions disproved.
#1 The tech sector is only for maths/technologically inclined geniuses
You don’t have to be a tech genius to work in the sector. It doesn't matter if technology isn’t your thing - the sector needs more than developers and programmers. It needs people with skills from across the board, including those with creativity, critical thinking, and more, meaning that there is something for everyone. Whatever you’ve studied or trained for, there is a place for you to grow within the tech sector.
#2 Tech jobs need a university level education
It’s possible for anyone to get into tech – a university education is not a must have. There are a number of vocational and academic pathways, including initiatives such as T Levels, Apprenticeships, Graduate Schemes that companies may have for you to access jobs.
#3 A tech career means being stuck at a desk
If your worst fears include being stuck behind a desk and fluorescent lights, your worries can stop here. The UK’s tech sector is fast outpacing the rest of the UK in terms of economic growth. With the number of job opportunities on the rise, the types of careers and working styles have never been higher. This could include hybrid working such as working from home to working on project sites. Being on the cutting edge of tech means that anything is possible.
#4 Women are not interested in working in tech
Women are interested in tech. They just don’t make up a large enough part of the workforce. Women are underrepresented across the STEM sectors, in particular the tech industry where women make up only 17% of the workforce. But the sector is extremely self-aware of its diversity problem and employers and non-profits are working hard to remedy this. With greater awareness and the rise of organisations such as The Tech Talent Charter, WISE campaign and Tech She Can, working towards better access and promotion of STEM to young girls, we can change this. Together we can challenge stereotypes in the sector.
#5 Automation will make jobs in tech obsolete
As new technologies emerge and parts of jobs are more likely to be automated, the nature of work will change. New industries and roles will be created so steps need to be taken to prepare the UK’s workforce to adapt to this change. While some people will be able to ride the wave of change without much support – by continuing to update their skills and knowledge – many will find this much more difficult and will need active support to re-skill. It’s true that automation will redefine key areas of work but that it will also create new areas of work. We don’t know exactly how automation is going to continue to shape the world of work, but by upskilling and retraining, we can remain ready for new opportunities within the tech sector and beyond.
#6 People from diverse backgrounds don't work in tech
The tech sector is doing its upmost to attract and recruit people from different backgrounds. The industry supports a number of initiatives that promote diversity in tech, whether that is doing outreach work to ensure that young people regardless of their background are inspired into tech and can see role models that look like them, or initiatives that help build more inclusive workplaces for those with different accessibility needs.
( Source: https://www.techuk.org/shaping-policy/jobs-and-skills/pathways-into-digital-careers.html )