If you think you have to have a tech degree to get a great job in tech, think again! A Business Insider article spells out how Aria Kim broke into Big Tech without a computer-science degree and then looked back at the advice that nearly messed her up. Turns out, some of what "experts" say to do might actually hold you back. If you're in a similar position to Aria, check out these tips!
Here are Five Fast Facts on how to get a job in tech without a tech degree:
- 💡 No Tech Degree Required - Aria had a biology degree but sniffed out non-coding roles like project management. By snagging CAPM and CSM certifications and flexing her lab skills, she landed at Google in 2022 - proof you don’t need a tech degree to crash the Silicon Valley party!
- 🔍 Focus On What You Do - She emphasized that her project-management and leadership skills (like handling teams and delivering results) counted more than flashy tech jargon. She also got wise from coffee chats and tweaked her resume to things like “lab project manager” for tech applications. Result? Her resume dodged the trash can, snagged more interviews, and got her foot in Meta’s door after Google.
- ⏩ Move Forward - Some career guidance says job-hopping is bad. Aria says what matters is skills, outcomes, and progress, not just sticking around for the “brand name.” Plus, if you're landing contract jobs, they never last that long anyway.
- ⛔ Job Portals? Hard Pass - Counselors often push applying through company websites or job portals, but after an hour-long resume tweak session got zapped by AI filters seconds after submitting, she switched to LinkedIn ninja moves like DMing managers with common ground (like same school or city) for referrals. She made real connections with real people, which opened new doors that AI had kept closed.
- 👍 Apply Anyway Attitude - Aria almost skipped the Meta gig because she lacked some “preferred” skills, but a dude-bro classmate’s “apply anyway” vibe inspired her. Applying with just 60-70% of the requirements scored her interviews and that Meta role in 2022. It turns out “preferred” is just a maybe in disguise!
🔥Bottom line: If you’re aiming for Big Tech, you don’t necessarily need the perfect CS degree, the perfect title, or to follow every piece of cookie-cutter advice from "experts." What you do need is to show you can add value, learn new things, and demonstrate you're the person they want to hire. Aria’s story proves that ignoring some "expert" advice might actually be the smart move.
Have you tried any of these tips (and how did they work)?
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