Do you need a tech degree to work in tech?
Summary
Timofeeva, principal at Oliver Wyman, a strategy consulting firm, offered insight from the perspective of a Russian immigrant that held several degrees upon her move to UK. A combination of this, and the wide variety of skills needed for many tech-related jobs, means that the specificity of a singular degree can limit one’s capabilities in the field of technology. She suggested that employers approach candidates with a holistic perspective and question: “is this solution beneficial to society?” Instead of narrowing their scope, thereby getting “wrapped up in the bubble of coding,” they need to adopt a pragmatic attitude and recognise adaptable skills. Wealls also reminded the panel that platforms such as AI and IoT are developing at a rapid speed and offer smart tools and solutions, enlarging the technological ecosystem. Whilst most recognised the value in having one, more often they suggested that degrees in such niche but evolving fields, like tech, had the potential to become outdated at a rapid rate.