Can you get tech jobs without a STEM degree?

Demand for tech skills is at an all-time high and growing, but so is competition for the best positions. It’s tough enough landing any graduate job, let alone one that inspires you and offers serious prospects. If you have an interest in following a tech career without a STEM degree, that can seem out of reach.

However, as many are discovering, not only could that dream career in tech be a real possibility, it doesn’t even matter what your degree is.

Say you graduated with a liberal arts degree, but now that you’re holding the piece of paper, you can’t see yourself doing a related job. Why? That’s not important right now. What is important is what you are attracted to. What’s in your heart

Maybe you’ve always harboured a penchant (isn’t that a nice word?) for tech but didn’t see it as a career option. Besides, your degree isn’t STEM-y – a dream tech career is a dream.

But wait! That’s not the way we think at FDM. We know you have the application and aptitude to see a qualification through. On top of that, all experience is good experience and can contribute in ways that might surprise you.

As far as we’re concerned, if tech is where you’re at – our door is open.

So, is a tech path something you can realistically consider? Ask yourself.

Are you passionate?

Chances are the signs were always there. What are those little giveaways that tell you that tech is the path you want to go down?

Perhaps it’s not enough to just use the tech we all take for granted every day, you’re curious, and you need to understand how it works. When you see challenging problems, they aren’t annoying, they’re appealing. Maybe you right-click ‘view page source’ on websites to dive into a little code.

You can see that technology touches every aspect of life and is constantly evolving, making you want to be a part of that. Yes, that sounds like passion.

What about the relevant skills you already have?

IT jobs are so much more than bashing out code on a monitor. In a tech environment, adept at interpersonal communication is crucial, especially for careers in IT such as project management.

Our Head of Graduate Talent, UK & EMEA, Fleur Laffont, explains, “We need to demystify tech. There’s more to tech than coding! It is a constantly evolving sector with immense opportunity. There’s a role for everyone. People often think it’s not the right industry or they need a Computer Science degree. It’s not the case. You can have a successful career in technology regardless of your academic background. Technology and business change all the time. You will always be learning.”

People with non-STEM degrees often have the advantage of more highly developed human-centred skills. Those who can approach problems in entirely new ways will always be in demand for technology jobs. Indeed, soft skills like organisation, communication, problem-solving, project management and work ethic are universally sought after, regardless of the industry.

Do you believe in yourself?

Mindset is everything. Well, it’s a whole lot. If you have a burning desire, armed with good critical thinking and analytical skills, nothing can stand in the way of you achieving your dream career. Many have shown the results of powerful self-confidence. The key is keeping the mindset strong, focusing and actively trying to improve yourself.

When we interview applicants, attitude is one of the key factors we assess for tech jobs. We know that any lack of technical knowledge can be more than made up for by a drive to succeed.

Love learning?

A tech role is not as the cliché goes, a destination – it is a step on a journey. If you’re hungry for continual learning, you can go as far as your appetite takes you.

Your drive to succeed is enough to get your foot in the door, and your desire to learn will open up more opportunities. It’s that self-belief thing. You’ll start within your skillset and experience level, then develop and branch out into unlimited possibilities.

Do you welcome support and guidance?

Ambition is good and vital, but no one has achieved greatness by themselves. Collaboration is the magic sauce that propels success in every step and stage of any career journey.

Our recruiters get this – they’ll help steer you on the path that best suits you.

Our Skills Lab coaches get it – they’re dedicated to your success and provide the support you need.

Everyone on the FDM team understands that together we are stronger. It’s one of our core values, it’ll be what makes the difference to your progress as a professional.