Considering tech’s impact on your non-tech career

We are living in a digital age, and the use of technology across all industries will only continue to grow. Even if you are seeking a career in a non-tech-related field, you will undoubtedly have interactions with tech in some way and will even potentially be required to have some technology-based experience and skills.

Before entering the professional workforce, it’s important to understand the types of technology you may encounter in your field to better prepare yourself. And if you are already working in a certain field, it can be helpful to know how tech will impact your industry in the years to come so you can also plan ahead and prepare for whatever changes may occur.

Technology trends in the workplace

Most workplaces are quickly changing and adapting to implement new tools and systems that make use of advancements in tech. Even fields of study that seem the complete opposite of science and technology are adopting new practices that use advanced tech to optimise their business and run more efficiently.

It’s highly beneficial for those preparing to start a new career or even those looking to change fields to study up on the latest innovations and trends to prepare for the tech you may have to understand and interact with. Some of the innovations you can expect to see include:

• Project management tools

Project management tools like Asana or Trello are nothing new, but you can expect similar tools with more advanced features to come. And for those who have no experience with this type of tech, it’s a good idea to download the applications to familiarise yourself, as you will likely have to use them when you enter the workforce.

• Advanced payroll systems

While simple direct deposit is certainly still a thing, more advanced tools and digitally awarded payroll perks are on the rise. Sites like Bamboo and Gusto enable employees and employers to better manage and keep track of things like contracts, work-related tax forms, pay stubs, and more.

• Biometric security

Workplace safety and data security is also advancing with innovations like biometric sign-in systems that use facial recognition or fingerprint scans to allow access to the office.

• An entirely digital process overall

Generally, you can expect most companies to start moving away from paperwork processes to go fully digital. Most manual processes can now be done digitally, so if you’re used to more conventional methods, it’s a good idea to start teaching yourself to become adept with technology if you don’t want to get left behind.

Non-tech careers being impacted by technology

Most industries these days use some sort of technology in their daily operations. You’d be hard pressed to find one that doesn’t. Even small businesses use tech to help them run more efficiently and keep up with the latest trends to stay ahead of the market. Sales, marketing, education, retail, public relations, finance, construction—all of these industries and more use technology in some way, shape, or form to enhance their capabilities.

The freight industry is an example of a sector that has been behind on the tech curve but is quickly making headway. For years those in the trucking industry, particularly the drivers, enjoyed this type of work because it was a simple, no-fuss industry. That’s not to say that truck driving isn’t hard work, but it isn’t an industry that requires a ton of education or experience with computers and technology.

Now, however, the freight industry is quickly advancing with the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Today, many trucking companies use AI to help automate their front and back-end operations, such as robotic machines that manage cargo and inventory and advanced systems that help drivers navigate their routes and keep track of shipments.

Another field that is being impacted by technology in an interesting way is law practice. Not only has technology opened up new areas of study within law practice—such as cyberspace law that handles issues such as data and cybersecurity—but it has also led to the implementation of virtual court hearings. Virtual reality is also being used to simulate accidents and incidents to help lawyers and others in the courtroom see what happened more clearly.

Non-tech jobs in the tech field you should consider

Even if you aren’t interested in a tech job, there are many other tech industry positions that don’t require you to be highly proficient in STEM subjects. The tech industry is booming and will only continue to grow, meaning it is a great industry to work in, and it’s better to get in now before these jobs become even more competitive.

Some popular non-tech positions in the tech industry include:

• Sales manager
• Sales representative
• Human resource positions
• Marketing positions
• Public relations positions
• Content writer
• Customer service rep
• Accountant
• Social media manager

Wrapping up

Whether you are preparing to enter the professional workforce or considering a career change, it’s beneficial to research all the ways tech is impacting or will soon impact your chosen field of study or industry.

These days, most highly sought-after applicants have tech experience. So if you want to improve your chances of landing a job, it is essential to gain as much experience with technology as you can and familiarize yourself with the specific tools and systems used in your chosen industry.

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