14 IT jobs that don't require programming knowledge

Is it possible to work in the IT industry without programming? Of course. Although coding is one of the most desirable skills in the field of technology, many exciting jobs do not require it. These include leadership, marketing and other peripheral positions. Here is a list of 14 IT jobs that don't require programming skills. 

IT jobs that don't require programming:

1. Data analyst

The professional studies big data sets in order to identify critical patterns and trends. They communicate their findings and forecasts to the company's management, helping them plan future activities and predict revenues. As a result, it is to serve the purpose of increasing profits, reducing costs, expanding the market, etc.

Data analysts use a variety of automated primary and secondary data extraction and statistical tools to identify, analyse, and interpret patterns and trends. This position requires knowledge of the following: 

• statistics and statistical packages for analysis of data sets, such as SPSS, MS Excel, SAS;
• data visualisation software, such as Tableau, ClickView, Power BI, Qlik, Data Studio; 
• data processing platforms such as Hadoop and Apache Spark. 

A data analyst must have basic maths skills in fields like probability, linear algebra, vectors and matrices, multidimensional calculus, and econometrics. 

2. System administrator

They manage the physical components of networks and computer systems in companies. This specialist ensures their proper functioning, efficiency and safety.

They do this by setting up systems for employees, troubleshooting software failures, configuring servers, installing and maintaining network routers, cables and accessories, and backing up files.

To hold this position, they must have an excellent understanding of available operating systems, networking concepts, system security, databases, etc. Basic knowledge of programming is helpful, but not essential.

3. UI/UX designer 

The UX designer is responsible for applying the principles of computer science, psychology, marketing and technology to the digital products’ functions. The specialist's primary role is to design software and platforms to make it the most usable for users. Basic coding knowledge may prove helpful in cooperation with programmers during the prototyping phase, but it is optional.

In turn, the UI designer bears special responsibility for designing the entire interface and layout of the product from the visual side. 

Both positions require an understanding of graphic design and web technologies and a working knowledge of wireframing tools such as UXPin, Figma, and Adobe XD. In addition, basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, heuristics, and the software lifecycle may be helpful. It often happens that companies hire one specialist to handle both tasks. 

4. Graphic designer 

They perform a profession on the border of artistic creation and computer science, using a computer and other technological solutions.

An integral part of their work is using specialist design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. With them, they create images and other visual representations for companies and customers. These can be logos, banners, websites and advertisements. 

5. SEO specialist / Content marketing manager 

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) specialists test and analyse websites to optimise them for search engines. In addition, they work on generating website traffic and increasing the number of leads. 

This professional should have knowledge of how search engine algorithms work and how to choose SEO strategies. Their responsibilities include: keyword research, metadata, and monitoring performance metrics using analytical tools such as Google Analytics. In addition, it is worth keeping them up to date with the latest SEO trends. 

They work with the website development and marketing teams (especially content specialists) to ensure that SEO practices are correctly followed throughout the website.

The content marketing manager, in turn, is responsible for web content (including emails, blogs, landing pages) and social media content. They conduct A/B tests to determine the most effective strategies and identify user profiles. Sometimes the specialist oversees department team members such as graphic designers, copywriters, and editors.

6. Technical copywriter 

This person converts or compiles complex information into a concise, simple and easy-to-understand document. IT companies are required to write or update product or service documentation such as design specifications, user manuals, resource guides, white papers, etc.

They create technical content both for users and for internal communication with the help of relevant teams. In addition to excellent writing skills, they must have good research and exploration skills.

7. Software quality tester (manual) 

The tester plays a vital role in software development – they complement the work of programmers, ensuring the highest quality of the final product. The specialist tests the operation of software/sites to look for errors that interfere with their usage. They document errors and submit them to developers for removal. 

Unlike an automated tester, they do not need to know specific programming languages ​​or dedicated tools (although this knowledge can be helpful). In this job, meticulousness and the ability to think analytically and find solutions are the most important. Experience in QA and project management, knowledge of Agile frameworks and regression testing can come very handy in this profession. 

8. Specialist in sales of IT technologies and services 

This is someone who sells IT solutions – hardware, software, ICT infrastructure as well as implementation, design and after-sales care (service). They can also deal with activities in the area of ​​SaaS (Software as a Service), i.e. providing software in the cloud. 

They must possess the specific skills of a good salesperson – responsible for generating leads, negotiating contracts and concluding transactions, and managing relationships with customers and suppliers. 

9. IT recruiter (Technical recruiter) 

A tech recruiter is someone who discovers, interviews and presents candidates for IT positions. Like any person in this role, they should demonstrate excellent interviewing and interpersonal skills.

But in this industry, that's not enough. In addition, the specialist must know of individual IT positions and their responsibilities, knowledge of industry terminology and fundamental technical and technological expertise. 

10. Employer branding specialist 

Until recently, it was an HR, communication or marketing employee. Over time, the position of a specialist responsible for building the company's image began to be separated. Branding can be divided into two areas: 

• Internal employer branding – focused on the company's existing employees. Persons in the role concentrate on creating a friendly working atmosphere, starting with the proper recruitment process and introducing a new employee, as well as development opportunities in the form of training and integration activities. They can also publish company newspapers. 
• External employer branding – targeted at potential employees. Their activities aim to create the company's image as an attractive employer. It involves participation in job fairs, the active promotion of the company at universities and taking care of an effective recruitment advertisement that reaches the target group. Specialists in the field often have higher education in human resource management, public relations, marketing or sociology. 

11. Project manager 

They oversee the planning, implementation and completion of a specific project. The specialist ensures that all team members perform appropriate work, design tests and meet deadlines and that work meets company and regulatory standards. More: Product manager vs. project manager – different roles in IT projects

12. Product manager  

This specialist oversees the entire life cycle of a new product, from concept to launch. They work closely with all departments, including development, design, marketing and management, to ensure that a specific product meets specific customer needs, quality standards and is on schedule. More: Product manager vs. project manager – different roles in IT projects  

13. Product owner 

They are responsible for defining the product vision and priorities within the team's backlog. They act as the client's internal experts for development teams. In an agile environment, they are responsible for daily scrum meetings and sprint management.

Product owners sometimes take on several roles – business strategist, analyst, liaison with stakeholders, but also a product designer and project manager. More: Product owner – what are their key competences in a project?

14. Scrum master 

Scrum masters perform a subordinate function to the Scrum team developing the product – they deal with the information exchange process in it. This specialist helps the product owner create and improve the story and removes distractions from the work so that the team completes it on time.

Scrum master is someone with leadership qualities, outside of the authority of anyone on the team, who is supposed to lead people in the right direction, and at the same time, serve and help them. More: Scrum master – what is their role in a project?.

IT jobs that don't require programming – summary 

Your interests and skills match one of the positions listed? Perhaps we are looking for someone just like you! Check our website: WEBSENSA Career to read more about our projects and work culture. Don’t hesitate to apply, if you think you will be a good match for our company.