Can you build a successful tech career without coding skills or a computer science degree?
In this candid conversation with Hannah Cooke, Head of Growth at Charlie Oscar, we explore the often overlooked paths into the tech industry that don’t require traditional technical backgrounds.
Hannah shares her fascinating journey from beauty brand marketing to tech leadership, revealing how transferable skills like problem-solving, project management, and communication became her secret weapons.
For anyone feeling intimidated by the prospect of breaking into tech, Hannah offers refreshingly practical advice: start where you are. Rather than viewing the transition as one giant leap, she encourages identifying how tech already intersects with your current role and building from there. Whether it’s collaborating with tech-adjacent teams, shadowing colleagues on projects, or utilizing free online learning resources, small steps can lead to meaningful career shifts.
We dive deep into the concept of becoming a “T-shaped professional” – developing deep expertise in one area while cultivating broad knowledge across different disciplines. This versatility proves invaluable in tech leadership, where connecting specialized teams and translating ideas across disciplines becomes essential.
The conversation also tackles the crucial distinction between diversity and inclusion in tech workplaces. While companies often focus on hiring diverse talent, true success comes from creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. Hannah emphasizes that diverse perspectives lead to stronger decision-making, better problem-solving, and more innovative solutions – exactly what tech companies need to thrive.
Ready to transform how you think about your tech career potential? Listen now and discover why you shouldn’t wait for permission to pursue your tech ambitions – and why believing in yourself might be the most valuable skill of all.
