Busting 3 tech worker myths

Despite the volatility of the past year, the tech industry is predicted to continue to grow and expand into new industries, according to Deloitte. This will create a wide range of opportunities for workers at every level and from all backgrounds.

Let’s explore some of the top tech worker myths that may be keeping you from pursuing your dream job.

Myth 1: Tech is for guys

Skilled workers are in demand. Not enough are entering the talent pipeline to fill future needs. Management consulting firm Korn Ferry estimates more than 85 million jobs could be unfilled by 2030 due to today’s talent shortage. The impact is already being felt across enterprises, 82% of which were unable to pursue digital transformation due to scarce tech talent skills, according to a Couchbase study.

Women and people from other underrepresented groups are needed to fill these gaps. Talent diversity is critical to performance across industries at all levels, from entry level to the boardroom. The tech industry is no different. Diverse tech teams cultivate more engaged workers, achieve better performance, and experience higher retention.

Women have an enormous opportunity to make a big impact—yet they hold only 27% of computing and mathematical roles, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One path into tech is entry-level opportunities, where women can get in early and establish their presence.

RiseUp with ServiceNow is one example of how women can gain entry. The program offers free online courses and mentoring, as well as a partner placement program for job-ready talent.

Myth 2: You need a computer science degree

Computer science degree holders are predicted to continue to be in high demand in the coming years. The number of software developer jobs is predicted to increase by as much as 25% by 2031, according to TechTarget.

Despite that, earning a computer science degree from a college or university doesn’t necessarily shape one’s future career or guarantee career satisfaction. Conversely, those without a degree are not prevented from entering the tech workforce.

Tech companies are beginning to look at applicants’ experience and skills rather than focusing on their education. Apprenticeships, certifications, coding bootcamps, and online learning programs are increasingly common and respected doors into tech. Even those who are self-taught can get a tech job.

RiseUp with ServiceNow offers affordable and flexible learning models to lower the barrier to entry into IT. The program includes in-house skills academies and training partnerships that target underrepresented groups in tech, such as veterans. Our placement programs seek to connect newly skilled workers with jobs.

Myth 3: AI is eliminating tech jobs

History has proven that with every new advancement, jobs don’t necessarily get eliminated—they simply change. Advancements such as word processors, design software, and collaboration tools, for example, didn’t eliminate jobs but altered them. The same principle applies to AI.

Thanks to exciting advancements in AI, organizations are rethinking their workforce needs. From automating tasks in data analysis and customer service to writing code and creating promotional content, many companies are already reaping the benefits of AI.

Organizations—and workers—that can learn to work with AI and use it as a tool will be the first to benefit. AI will need intelligent and capable workers to learn it, train it, and work with it. Just as many of today’s jobs didn’t exist 50 years ago, many jobs in the future will exist because of AI.

Don’t let these myths keep you from pursuing your interest in tech. RiseUp with ServiceNow is dedicated to helping you launch your tech career. We’ve committed to skill more than 1 million people on the Now Platform by 2024. We welcome people from every background and experience level.

Find out more about RiseUp with ServiceNow.

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