In-demand Tech Skills That Don’t Involve Coding

Learning how to code can be daunting. Frustrating. Perhaps even scary. However, the tech industry is huge. If you suspect that coding isn’t for you, know that there are many jobs out there in the tech field that don’t even require coding.

In this article, we’ll look at in-demand technical careers that don’t involve writing a single line of code! Here are the top tech jobs without coding skills.

1. Data Analysis

All things data are hot right now. (HBR named Data Science The Sexiest Career of the century.) This career can take lots of forms. Some data analysts do know programming languages (like R or SAS). But analyzing data can happen in a ton of ways.

A lot of data analysis is all about using tools like Microsoft Excel and even Google Analytics. Familiarize yourself with these data analyst tools, and use them to compile and study data on personal projects like your blog or social media, to see if it’s something you enjoy. (Hint: if you enjoyed math/statistics in school, you’ll probably enjoy data analysis!)

2. Software Testing

This job entails putting programs through a variety of tests to catch bugs and determine whether the software meets specifications or requirements. Some software testing is automated, but there’s still a lot of value in hiring people to test software quality manually: machines can’t gauge how enjoyable the user experience is, only actual users can!

Testers should be able to work with developers and explain what parts of the program worked and didn’t work for them, but they don’t necessarily need to be well-versed in programming terminology.

3. Technical Support

You already know what this one is: helping people use software, answering questions, manning phones. Technical support can be internal (within a large organization, helping coworkers) or external (helping customers). In many cases, soft skills like communication and problem-solving are much more important for tech support specialists than hard technical knowledge – and you probably won’t run into any situations where you need to know JavaScript or Python.

4. Rapid Prototyping

This sub-specialization in the UX/UI field is all about wireframing applications quickly. It can be as simple as a quick sketch or as complex as a full prototype: the point is to have various design options for a website or application idea, and incorporate feedback to refine the final product.

Usually, rapid prototypers will have input from the rest of their team: developers, stakeholders, business analysts, testers, etc., as well as the users the product is being built for.

5. Command of Adobe Products

Tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign allow you to wireframe websites, make blog graphics and social media graphics, and more graphic design tasks.

Knowledge of these programs is desired in design roles primarily (and ideally you’ll have them more or less mastered if you’re an aspiring designer). However, these skills can help you and increase your desirability in other fields too, like marketing and even writing. (Like, being able to make nice graphics to accompany your blog post.)

6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO helps websites rank higher in search result pages. Best practices in SEO are constantly changing: what worked a few years ago certainly doesn’t hold true today. A person with SEO know-how stays on top of the latest trends.

SEO primarily falls under the marketing umbrella. But it’s also a handy skill for web designers/developers, as well as those who write on the web. Making your website or writing SEO-friendly can increase traffic and get you more online exposure.

There are more technical aspects of SEO, which may involve getting dirty in website files. There’s also lots of data in SEO, so using some data analysis skills from point one may come in handy! On the completely non-technical side, there’s content creation: writing SEO-friendly web content or articles.

7. A/B Testing

Also known as split testing, A/B testing is essentially testing two different versions of the same web page (A and “B”), and seeing which performs better (gets more button clicks, collects more emails, makes more sales, etc.).

A/B testing is also part of marketing. Knowing how to code can help, but is not required.

8. Growth Hacking

Don’t let the hacking part throw you off: growth hacking is an up-and-coming marketing technique that focuses on acquiring users quickly. It’s all about problem solving, and combines digital marketing with web analytics.

Essentially, growth hackers combine some of the above skills (SEO, A/B testing, analytics) with social media and viral advertising in an effort to grow their company fast but keep costs low. Knowing how to code can help, but is not required.

9. Technical Writing

Being a technical writer means being able to write about complex technologies in a way everyday people can understand is a valuable skill. Technical writing may take the form of creating instructions and documentation, or it may mean writing a press release describing a new product the company is releasing. This is for the person who can understand technology and communicate effectively via writing. Two gifts to have, powerful when combined!

10. Agile Methodology

Agile is a project management methodology meant to help teams deal efficiently with unpredictable situations. It’s typically found in software development (e.g. Scrum), but now many projects managers in other industries use the methodology. There are actually entire jobs based around this, like a Scrum Coach, where the median yearly salary in the United States is $96,000.

11. Product Management

Product managers are responsible for the end-to-end development and success of a product. They bridge the gap between business stakeholders, development teams, and users. They define product features, prioritize tasks, manage the product roadmap, and ensure that the product aligns with user needs and business goals. They possess excellent leadership skills, communication skills and interpersonal skills to make a success of their role; it’s a role that doesn’t necessarily involve coding.

12. IT Support and Helpdesk

IT support technicians provide technical assistance to end-users and organizations. They troubleshoot hardware and software issues, assist with software installations, and provide guidance on using technology effectively. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are crucial in this role.

13. Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing

QA professionals ensure the quality of software through comprehensive testing. They create test plans, execute various types of tests (unit, integration, regression, etc.), and report and track defects. QA ensures that software products meet functional and performance requirements. It’s an excellent example of a tech job that doesn’t require coding or programming skills to succeed.

Conclusion

The technology industry is enormous, and it has room for all different kinds of personalities and skillsets. So even if you’ve never written a single line of code in your life, don’t assume that you won’t be able to get a tech job. There are plenty of tech jobs that don’t require coding skills. Start experimenting with some of these skills; you never know where it might take you.

FAQs About IT Jobs Without Coding