Beyond Computer Science: Surprising Degrees and Skills for a Career in Tech
The idea that someone needs a computer science background to work in the tech industry is a huge misconception. The tech industry employs millions of people with all sorts of backgrounds, many of whom majored in areas totally unrelated to the world of technology. Take me for example. I majored in history, with my senior thesis focusing on early American captivity narratives. Never did I think my background would be interesting or relevant to companies focusing on self-driving cars or cryptocurrency. Which goes to show… you don’t know what you don’t know. And once you do know, it then becomes your job to explore your interests and skills to determine what kind of role you are interested in.
So now that we know roles in tech ARE available to non-computer science backgrounds, let’s dive further into what those degrees might be and how to translate your degrees into sought-after skill sets for employers.
Writing-heavy majors: History, English, Communications. In my opinion this is one of the easiest degrees to translate into an array of super valuable (and employable!) skills. When you write, your brain is thinking through how to best communicate your ideas including how to analyze information and organize your thoughts. SO much of the corporate world involves communicating your ideas effectively, whether it’s for your reporting chain or for consumers that your company wants to purchase their products. If you can write well you can probably also generally communicate well through speaking, too.
Analytical and quantitative majors: Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Philosophy. Majoring in any one of these fields means that you’ve likely developed strong analytical, logical, and problem-solving skills. You can sift through data and find invaluable insights, as well as strategically plan a product’s road map based on those data points and insights. Looking for more confirmation? Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s most preeminent investment banks, announced in April 2024 they wanted to hire philosophy majors to then train as engineers because… those philosophy majors will have been trained to “debate stubborn AI.” The AI revolution calls for sharp, analytical minds – and those who can out-think the algorithms are now more valuable than ever.
Human behavior and society majors: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Religious Studies. Graduates from these majors bring a deep understanding of human behavior, societal structures, and interpersonal dynamics—insights that are invaluable to companies in a competitive market. After all, it’s humans who decide where to spend money, and companies need experts who can analyze the whys and hows behind consumer choices. With strong research, analytical, and empathetic skills, these graduates are well-equipped for roles in user experience, community building, and customer relations.
Artistic expression majors: Art History, Fine/Studio Arts, Theater/Performance Studies. These degrees are all about creativity, visual storytelling, and bringing a brand’s personality to life. Let’s be real—we’ve all savored the delight of navigating a gorgeously designed app, and we’ve all suffered through the torture of clunky, uninspired ones that just don’t get us. That’s where these grads come in. With their knack for aesthetics and storytelling, they’re a perfect match for roles like UI/UX design, digital content creation, and brand strategy. They bring unique perspectives and imaginative flair to tech, making sure users not only love the look but actually enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Your major isn’t just a fancy label—it’s your calling card. Your professors and their assignments have trained your brain to think in ways that can bring incredible value to tech companies. Whether you’ve mastered storytelling, data-crunching, or human behavior, the tech industry thrives on those diverse perspectives to create the next big thing. The key? Knowing how to advertise yourself and recognizing where you’ll thrive. So don’t let your degree box you in!
Keep an eye out for my next post, where I’ll dive into nontechnical jobs in tech and show you how to translate your unique skills into a career you’ll love in this ever-evolving field.