Getting technical

"We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn" ~Mary Catherine Bateson

Navigating the world of tech can be intimidating, especially for those who don't consider themselves "technical." Working at a big tech company, I’ve often heard the phrase "well, I'm not that technical" thrown around by people in non-technical roles. It's easy to feel like you're not cut out for a "techy" role, but it's important to remember that no one is born with innate technical knowledge. It's a skill that can be learned and developed with practice.

If you're currently in a non-technical role but aspire to transition into a technical one, you're not alone. I've been there too, and I want to share three things that helped me make that transition:

1) Embrace the Learning Process: Everyone is a beginner at some point in their lives and along that same line; nobody starts out having all the technical know-how. It's a journey of continuous learning. Embrace the fact that you're on a path of growth, and each step you take is a valuable part of your progress. I've always been a learner but when it came to understanding the technical side of things, I knew I needed to embrace the learning process since tech doesn't come super easily. One actionable piece of advice? Never skip over a word or concept you don't understand. If you do, you'll pretty much be stopped in your tracks and will be uninterested or distracted from being able to move further along. Once you've understood a concept, only then can you move on to the next thing. Trust me, learning will be easier and more enjoyable.

2) Find a Mentor: Look for someone who does what you'd like to do who can serve as a mentor. A mentor can provide valuable insights, guidance, and a firsthand perspective on the challenges and opportunities in a given field. Don't hesitate to set up a coffee date and ask for advice and learn from their experiences. I sought a few mentors for various roles I was considering and it was the best use of my time to understand what it's really like to be in that role and identify the gaps I needed to fill to get to the next level. I still seek mentorship in my current role to uplevel my skills and further understand my career trajectory.

3) Take on Relevant Projects: Identify a project that aligns with your technical interests and skills. Whether it's a personal project or one within your current role, taking on tasks that get you closer to your technical goals is a key step in building proficiency. Before I transitioned to my current role, I took on lots of side gigs in the work I was interested in and it was a huge learning experience. Not only did I get to 'try before you buy', I gained relevant experience which was super useful in the interview process.

Getting technical is totally doable if you embrace the learning process, seek mentors, and dive into projects - a few simple steps that can have a massive impact on getting you into a more tech-savvy role.