Are There Exclusive Benefits of Working in Tech?

• Tech workers used to enjoy unique work cultures, but Corporate America has caught up.
• Now, many workers can take advantage of easy-going workdays.
• But tech workers still have a few unique advantages over the rest of the workforce.

The early days of being a tech worker were unmatched. Free office meals, casual attire, and flexible work schedules were things you couldn't find anywhere else.

But times have changed. Silicon Valley's non-conformist attitude has spread through Corporate America, making work cultures at many companies more easy-going than they were in the past.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also further leveled the playing field. Now flexible workdays are a given at many companies, as remote and hybrid arrangements have become the norm.

So, what makes working in tech — either for a tech company or as a tech worker — special these days?

Here, we highlight three exclusive benefits of working in the tech industry.

1 Tech Workers Are In High Demand

Tech's impact on the world is undeniable. It's what glues together most everyday life, from remote learning to smartphones. It's no surprise, then, that the industry that provides these services is booming.

The demand for tech workers is so great that some call it the "tech talent war," meaning there's a shortage compared to the need. The demand won't change anytime soon, either.

2 Ever-Changing Tech Leads to Upward Mobility

Change is constant in the tech industry. New technologies are always emerging, shaking up how companies do business and how tech workers do their jobs.

The ever-changing demands of the field also create a path to upward mobility. As companies evolve with each innovation, so do tech workers' skills and experiences.

Nahia Orduña writes in the Harvard Business Review that she changed tech jobs four times in 17 years to keep up with the times. Her career shifts reflect how technology and job demands change with the times:

But the fast pace helped advance her career and diversify her training, eventually leading to a leadership role at Amazon Web Services.

Orduña adds that tech workers, including recent graduates in entry-level roles, often see fast growth at startups and big tech corporations because of the need for continuous training.

"In this industry, an internship may very well lead to a permanent job," Orduña writes. "Companies want to retain the people they've invested in training, as well as compete to attract new talent."

3 You Don't Have to Be a Tech Whiz

There's a myth that you need to be a whiz at science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to work for a tech company. You don't.

A 2018 study by Glassdoor found that 43% of jobs at tech companies are non-techie. Many roles are available for people with skills in sales, communications, writing, and other areas.

The most popular non-techie roles and base salary ranges include:

The tech industry offers a job market appeal that few others can match, considering the growing demand for tech jobs, and the wide availability of non-techie roles.

Feature Image: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images