By Zoe Ntlemeza

But it’s not just technical professionals like Ayabulela who can find their place in the tech industry. Graduates in communications, marketing, and journalism also have a growing role to play in tech companies, which increasingly rely on strong storytelling, brand communication, and audience engagement to succeed. The demand for professionals who can communicate technical concepts in an accessible way and market tech products is growing, and graduates with these skills can make a significant impact.

Why Tech Needs Communications and Marketing Experts

As technology becomes more user-focused, the ability to communicate complex information clearly is crucial. Graduates from non-technical fields possess the storytelling and communication skills tech companies need to bridge the gap between engineers and users. From crafting product launch campaigns to running social media strategies, marketing and communications professionals are essential in tech.

For example, journalism graduates can leverage their research and storytelling abilities to create compelling narratives about products and brands. Meanwhile, communications and marketing graduates can help companies optimize their digital presence through content strategy, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and digital marketing.

Building on Your Skills

Communications, marketing, and journalism graduates already possess strong writing, public speaking, and creativity skills. However, to thrive in the tech industry, it’s beneficial to expand into digital tools and platforms. Courses in digital marketing, SEO, and Google Analytics can provide critical skills in measuring user engagement and improving content strategy. Similarly, understanding content management systems (CMS) like WordPress can be useful for roles focused on content creation.

Ayabulela emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, as it played a crucial role in his career progression. Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer affordable or free courses and certifications in tech-adjacent skills, making it easier for non-technical graduates to build on their expertise.

Alternative Paths into Tech for Non-Technical Graduates

There are many ways non-technical graduates can break into the tech industry. Digital marketing certifications from Meta or Google can teach essential skills like creating social media campaigns and analyzing marketing data. Building a portfolio with blogs, content strategies, and other digital assets is also a great way to showcase expertise to potential employers.

Similarly, contributing to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub can provide valuable experience and visibility. For instance, marketing professionals can help tech communities manage their online presence, create marketing materials, or organize digital campaigns.

Internships are also a vital gateway into tech. Like Ayabulela’s internship at Amazon Web Services (AWS), these opportunities provide hands-on experience and industry connections. Many tech companies offer internships across various departments, from public relations to digital marketing, that allow non-technical graduates to gain practical experience.

Final Thoughts

Ayabulela’s journey highlights the opportunities available for those pursuing alternative routes to tech careers. Whether through certifications, internships, networking, or self-learning, graduates in communications, marketing, and journalism can find fulfilling careers in tech. By embracing continuous learning and actively seeking opportunities, non-technical graduates can thrive in an industry that values their skills in communication, storytelling, and audience engagement. Tech isn’t just for engineers; it’s a space where diverse talents can thrive.