This week, I sat down with the brilliant Christina Lovelock—business analyst, author, and champion of diverse tech careers. We tackled some of the biggest myths about getting into a tech career.
The Myth of the "Techy" Tech Job
Ask a teenager what a tech career looks like, and you’ll probably hear them mention coding.
But did you know less than 10% of tech professionals come from a Computer Science background?
And yet, we keep telling young people they need to pick computing at A-level, or ace Python at school, if they ever want to break into tech.
From UX to service design, DevOps to product management, tech is full of roles where curiosity, collaboration, communication and creativity matter more than coding capabilities.
Squiggly Careers Are the New Normal
Christina's advice to students and early-career professionals is simple: you don’t have to have it all figured out.
Forget the career ladder. Careers in tech are more like spaghetti. They twist. They turn. They squiggle.
She reminds us that many of today’s tech leaders came from non-linear paths. The job you end up loving might not exist yet.
So instead of stressing over a five-year plan, Christina urges us to make the next best decision from where we are right now.
Apprenticeships: The Best-Kept Secret in Tech
While everyone else is fixated on going to university, Christina shares insights about an alternative path through apprenticeships.
From Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) up to Level 7 (Master’s), digital apprenticeships offer a real job, a salary, and hands-on experience in roles like business analysis, software testing, DevOps and even AI.
And you don’t need to be 18. There’s no upper age limit.
More companies are adopting a "grow your own" strategy, investing in early talent through apprenticeships and grad schemes. Why? Because finding experienced talent is hard—and the industry needs fresh perspectives.
The Human Skills That Tech Really Needs
Tech companies aren’t actually looking for just hard skills.
They’re looking for human skills that are difficult to replicate through AI:
Curiosity
Communication
Creativity
Collaboration
Tech is becoming more people-focused than ever. Whether you're designing services, improving user experiences, or managing digital products—your ability to understand people will be your real superpower.
Why We Need to Talk More About Our Jobs
Christina made a powerful observation: most people working in tech don’t talk about what they do.
When asked, we shrug and say, "I work in IT" and hope there are no follow-up questions.
But here’s the problem: If we don’t talk about our roles, how can young people aspire to them?
Christina urges every tech professional to give back just one hour a year. Visit a school. Join a career panel. Share your story.
Because the career advisor sending your daughter to a generic website isn’t enough. Kids need to hear real experiences from real people in the field.
If You’re Young and Unsure, That’s OK
This episode wasn’t just for professionals—it was for anyone that is confused about the future or staring at their GCSE results wondering what comes next.
Christina’s message: you don’t need to have a plan. Just follow what you enjoy, build on your strengths, and don’t close doors too early. You can always pivot later.
Because tech isn’t a destination. It’s a space full of paths, detours, and second chances.
And Finally... A World Without Imposter Syndrome
If Christina had a superpower for one day, it would be to abolish imposter syndrome.
Because it’s not individuals who are broken. It’s the systems and workplaces that make us doubt ourselves.
Imagine what we could achieve if everyone felt they belonged.
Now that’s a superpower worth building.
📚 The Book Careers in Tech, Data and Digital: From Education to Employment by Christina Lovelock is available now via Amazon, BCS, and other retailers.
Thanks again to Christina for joining me on the Superpowers School Podcast.
Guest: Christina Lovelock
Christina Lovelock has worked in the tech sector for over 20 years and is committed to the development of the future tech workforce. She has introduced entry-level roles into her organisations and chaired the development of a UK National Digital Apprenticeship standard.
Working for a range of public sector organisations, she has led teams of up to 120 people to deliver digital transformation and organisational change. She is the author of two books, including Careers in Tech, Data and Digital: from education to employment. She lives in Yorkshire and is a consultant, writer, speaker and qualified coach. She would be delighted to connect via linkedIn!
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