For as long as we can remember, Big Tech equated to what it meant to be a part of the technology industry. We can’t help but think of the Silicon Valley “giants” such as Apple, Google and Facebook. However, the reality is that our world is constantly progressing. And these traditional tech-first companies are not the only opportunities now available to hone your tech skills. Tech roles have integrated themselves across various sectors, which explore strategies for non-tech companies to attract and nurture tech talent.
Tech Roles Defined in Different Industries
Healthcare IT is in high demand
Let’s take healthcare as an example. Tech professionals are revolutionizing patient care as we know it through telemedicine and electronic health records. While you might not have had to attend medical school, an IT job in a hospital or doctor’s office can be an option. Some tech roles in these non-tech industries include optimizing electronic systems and developing software to track patients’ history. They can also mean working alongside medical professionals to help a hospital meet infrastructure goals by designing a digital network focusing on cost management and revenue generation.
Consider the growing data privacy landscape, particularly concerning maintaining and protecting sensitive personal patient data. Data privacy experts and IT security professionals are in high demand to help safeguard data systems.
Recently, Indeed shared IT jobs in the healthcare sector that you might not have been able to catch before. Positions range from a health information technician who uses their IT skills to “record, organize, and maintain a patient’s medical history or insurance” to a chief information officer (CIO), garnering a national average salary of $126,473, who manages and maintains hospital IT systems for cost efficiency and optimal performance.
Edutech Roles
Other industries, such as education, have found many tasks transformed by tech roles, such as facilitating e-learning programs or data analytics to track student progress.
eLearning Industry states that these data analyst jobs have helped schools nationwide evaluate the overall effectiveness of any course due to the ability to understand data that shows completion rates, grades, and trends. This allows educators to determine changes to improve course selections and offerings.
Tech Talent in Non-Tech Companies Like Retail
Since a traditional non-tech company is rooted in a different industry, the “tech” they offer can also transform offerings and widen the tech network for their affiliates, opening up new opportunities for job seekers. For instance, as we evolve from only brick-and-mortar shopping to a blended, more online experience, the retail giant, but not traditionally “Big Tech,” Walmart made headlines for its digital transformations. In 2021, the retailer announced a “commercialization partnership with Adobe giving thousands of other businesses and brands access to the same type of BIPOS (buy online pickup in-store) tech that they enjoy and which also powers Fortune 1 companies.”
Working with Adobe, they integrated the successful Walmart Marketplace technology with the Adobe eCommerce platform thousands of businesses use for online selling for an optimal customer experience. Tech-skilled professionals don’t always set out to work in retail but have since revolutionized the retail industry through ingenuity.
Strategies for Non-Tech Companies to Attract Tech Talent
So how can a company not known for tech entice tech professionals to work for them?
According to LinkedIn, non-tech companies face various challenges, starting with a “lack of technical experts and outdated processes,” among other factors. This causes professionals to assume that a non-tech company can’t offer the excitement or fulfillment that a tech-first company can. We can change that perception — here’s how:
- Promote a Tech-Friendly Culture: Foster an environment at work that welcomes tech innovation to signal the importance of technology in the company culture.
- Leverage Technology When Recruiting: Employees want to see your company using tools that impress them. Even if it’s social media or tech forums, take advantage of these platforms to showcase upcoming tech projects or the type of technology the company uses/ hopes to achieve.
- Competitive Compensation: You might not have the pocketbooks of a Big Tech firm, but focus on benefits that can equate to money, like flexible work environments, health and wellness plans, retirement options, days off, performance incentives, etc.
- Offer impactful projects: Make candidates feel inspired by the work they will be doing for your company. Develop a “why” with exciting problems to solve where they can see and experience the results. This will allow people to be drawn to helping your company specifically.
At SSi People, our commitment is to create meaningful work engagements, which means putting people first. Contact our team to learn more about the growing tech roles in non-tech industries like pharmaceutical, finance, retail, and more.