How to get a job in tech with an arts degree

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With technology developing at such a rapid pace, you may have heard that the future of jobs is in the tech industry…

Though this might very well be the case, this definitely doesn’t mean that you’ll be out of a job if you’re currently pursuing or wanting to pursue an arts degree. In fact, you might be exactly what many companies in the tech industry are looking for!

Whether you’re hoping to work in a tech start-up or in an established tech company, you’ll undoubtedly need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment with lots of innovation and change. Employers will be looking for people who can think critically, solve problems, work in groups and communicate effectively.

Jobs for those in marketing

Marketing is a pillar for any company, even those in the tech industry. The marketing field is incredibly diverse, meaning that if you’re studying marketing, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy doing. If you’re a junior, you’ll benefit from getting exposure in different areas through doing work experience, internships or developing your skills online.

The list of different marketing roles and strategies is always growing. Tech companies, in particular, might be looking for people in digital marketing, social media marketing or email marketing. There are also roles such as in SEO or SEM where they might not be exclusively marketing-based but are still options for marketing students.

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Jobs for those in writing

You might be surprised to find out that even those in writing can find a role in the tech industry. Often a part of marketing, many companies are looking to get into the eyes of consumers through content such as blog articles, social media videos or emails. These all require writers and content experts.

Jobs for those in design

Design jobs are in high demand in many tech companies. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are needed to build websites, apps, devices etc. Tech start-ups might be looking for people to take the company from the ground up. More established companies might need a designer to maintain and improve the current UX and UI.

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To land a role in UX or UI design, you’ll need technical skills and experience. For instance, skills in interface design, wireframing and testing and experience in industry-standard tools such as Sketch and Invision. Employers might also be interested in seeing a portfolio on something like dribbble.

Jobs for those in communication

Those studying communication have a range of different paths they could take, many of which can be in the tech industry. For example, you could end up as a Public Relations Specialist, Media Planner, Social Media Manager, Human Resources Specialist, Internal Communications Manager or Brand Manager.

Final words

The key takeaway here is that your degree does not have to restrict your job opportunities. You can highlight how your skills and experience could work in the role you’re applying for (skills are transferrable for a reason!). If you’ve always wanted to pursue your passion, you don’t have to give that up. There’s often a middle ground between what you want to do and the industries where there are currently the most jobs.

On top of this, the job market is changing so rapidly that after a three or four-year degree, the jobs on offer might be completely different from when you first started. It’s important to stay educated on what’s happening in the workforce so that you can continue to develop your skills accordingly throughout your degree and your career.

 Guest author: Ellen Orton is the Head of Business Operations at OpenAgent.com.au, an online agent comparison website helping Australians to sell, buy and own property.