It takes all different kinds of people to make the world go ’round. However, in an industry that relentlessly pushes collaboration and teamwork, it can be hard for introverts to find their footing. Some of us thrive when working alone. We don’t like offices, meetings, and chatty coworkers. Give us a nice quiet corner with a hot cup of tea and watch us create magic.
If you’re one of these people trying to find a career in tech, here are some solid options to consider:
Research Scientist
Research scientists spend most of their time designing, executing, and reporting on controlled tests. Big Tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon drive developments in artificial intelligence and deep learning as well as find new ways to provide more value to customers. These positions often require P.h.Ds in the specific field, as well as prior experience in a research environment. However, if the idea of spending your days researching and testing advanced technology gets you excited, you could be perfect for this lucrative career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the median salary in 2018 for computer and information research scientists was $118,370.
Technical Writer
It’s never been a better time to be a technical writer. Tech companies big and small need strong writers to create clear and user-friendly documentation for their platforms, software, and processes. If you’re an excellent writer who can quickly grasp complex topics, a technical writer role might be just right for you. According to the BLS, technical writers “prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.” They also get paid well to do it. Their median salary in 2018 was $71,850.
Software Engineer
This one may come as a surprise to some, but software engineers spend a lot of time alone. While engineers will meet with teammates to discuss the direction and strategy for a product, they often retreat to their personal bubbles to do the bulk of their coding work. So, if you can handle the periodic design meetings in between long coding sessions, a software engineering position could be a good fit for you. Additionally, you probably won’t even need a degree for this job. More and more companies are eliminating degree requirements in favor of skill-based evaluations for positions. Plus, with a median salary of $105,590, you could be getting paid to harness your introverted nature.
Computer Systems Analyst
The U.S Department of Labor describes a computer systems analyst as someone who studies an organization’s current computer systems to find more efficient solutions. They also reported that $88,740 was the median salary for a computer systems analyst in 2018. So, if you love solving problems and making bank for it, this just might be the role for you. These positions often require at least a four-year degree in computer science or equivalent knowledge and skills.
Marketing Content Writer
Tech companies know the value of having a well-designed online strategy for pulling in customers. To that end, many companies invest heavily in crafting high-quality copy, as well as engaging long-form content for their webpages. If you have a flair for words and a passion for tech, you can help tech companies create outstanding content for their target audiences. As a bonus, marketing content writing is one of the most common remote jobs. The BLS reported a 2018 median salary for writers and authors of $62,170.
The tech industry can be challenging for those of us who enjoy lots of alone time but don’t despair. There’s a role out there for everyone. If you haven’t seen something you like on this list, keep looking.
