6 Perfect People-Person Jobs in Tech
By Megan Ruesink on 01/05/2017
With your passion for computers and technology, you’ve always considered pursuing a career in the technology field. But one thing is holding you back: You’re an extrovert.
You thrive in social environments and don’t want to be stuck working solo all day long. All tech pros do is sit in isolated cubicles in front of a computer screen, right? Wrong! It’s a common misconception that jobs in tech are only for introverts.
In reality, there are plenty of positions that would allow you to capitalize on your charismatic personality and leverage your love of interacting with others. We compiled a list of six people-person jobs for extroverts like you. Familiarize yourself with these jobs in tech and see which option best suits your skills and interests.
6 ideal jobs in tech for extroverts
1. Information technology project manager
Information technology (IT) project managers ensure that a company’s IT initiatives are completed effectively, within financial boundaries and on time. These individuals typically oversee a diverse team of specialists, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working toward one goal. They provide guidance, motivation and leadership for their fellow employees, which means strong interpersonal skills are a must.
If you’re the type of person who likes to delegate and enjoys maximizing people’s strengths to collaborate, you may have the makings of a great IT project manager.
2. Help desk technician
If you’ve ever had a problem with a computer software or program, you’ve likely had a help desk technician come to your rescue. Whether working internally (assisting co-workers and fellow IT professionals) or externally (helping users via phone or internet), these individuals spend much of their days interacting with others to help them solve problems.
If you are a great listener who enjoys the challenge of helping others overcome obstacles, becoming a help desk technician might be your ideal tech career.
3. Web developer
When you think of web development, you might picture a lonesome soul working long into the night to generate seamless websites. In reality though, web developers are in constant communication with others, collaborating with designers, content writers, program managers, marketers and other employees. Collaboration with stakeholders throughout the company is incredibly important as well. Web developers need to ensure that the end product meets the client or organization’s desires.
If you’re the creative and collaborative type, someone who enjoys brainstorming with others and executing on that vision, you just might be destined to become a web developer.
4. Software sales
This is an often-overlooked tech career, but it is nonetheless essential to getting products into the hands of companies and consumers. Those who thrive in any sort of sales position generally possess an outgoing, persuasive personality and excel at developing a rapport with others. Software sales representatives must have all of that and more. In addition, they must be familiar with the products they are selling and be able to explain complicated technical information into easily understood terms.
If you want to capitalize on your passion for technology but would rather be out and about meeting people and building relationships, consider a position in the software sales industry.
5. Computer systems analyst
The “middle-man” between the business folks and the tech folks, these individuals are practiced in both analytical and communication skills. Computer systems analysts work with others to determine the role of IT systems within an organization and apply their analytical skills to devise new ways to increase its effectiveness. When new systems are in place, they often help with training and may even provide additional instructional information to help overcome communication gaps.
If you are the type of person who loves to explore how things work and figure out how they can be enhanced, and you enjoy finding common ground with diverse groups of people, you might be cut out for a career as a computer systems analyst.
6. UX designer
The field of user experience (UX) design is all about ensuring computer programs and applications are enjoyable and intuitive for people to use. Whether on a website or a mobile device, good UX design may not be noticed, but it’s certainly felt. Poor UX design will frustrate and irritate users.
UX designers focus their attention on how people respond to and interact with technology, so you better believe they need to work with people. Whether it’s interviewing people, conducting focus groups or other user testing, it’s all about people. If you consider yourself to be an empathetic, intuitive person who has the ability to read people, UX design might be right up your alley.
Capitalize on your charisma
You don’t have to sacrifice your love of people in order to launch a career in the growing tech industry. It turns out, there are tech positions that need the outgoing, interactive skills you bring to the table.
So what’s the next step to landing one of these people-person jobs in tech? Being properly prepared and qualified. And the good news is you don’t have to choose just one before that happens. Learn about the versatile tech education that could lead to several of these positions in our article: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
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