Unlocking Industry Success: OK Hustle: Tech-Up Series Round-up
Last month we announced the launch of our first-ever OK Hustle: Tech-Up series! We had three amazing online events featuring speakers and panellists. They covered what success in the tech world entails, creativity in the world of tech, and how to transform your tech-related passion into a tangible reality.
If you didn't manage to catch it, don't worry - we have you covered! Here are three insights from our OK Hustle: Tech-Up series that will help navigate the tech world - even if you don't have a tech background.
Tech careers are non-linear, non-traditional and nonexistent - yet.
The first "It isn't all about AI: debunking myths about big tech success" featured a panel of experts: Suren Magic (Entertainment & Music Marketing Lead DECEEIL at TikTok), Tamsin Lawrence (Senior Account Director at LinkedIn) and Kymber Doroszuk, (Global Program Coordinator at Google).
The main message from our panel was that things in tech are done differently. Recruitment methods are evolving, and the process is no longer linear. Traditional 'hard skills' and experience are becoming less prioritized. Your future role or even career may not even exist yet.
The top tips from our experts were:
Diversity is key! Showcasing diversity of thought, passion, and curiosity is key - so don't be afraid to explore various career paths, roles, and company structures.
Get networking! Connecting with peers, approaching potential mentors and attending events are important. Keep your eyes peeled on our socials as we'll be announcing some exciting events in this space soon!
Time is your most valuable asset, so ensure that everything serves your career goals. One example of this is to interview the interviewer so you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunity benefits, progression, and work culture.
No hard tech skills? No worries.
Our second instalment From Finance to Fashion App Founder was a question and answer session from Eshita Kabra - the Founder and CEO of By Rotation, which is the world’s largest shared wardrobe and a global social network for environmentally-aware fashion lovers.
By Rotation started as a side hustle for Eshita and was originally a solution to a problem she was facing when packing for her honeymoon. However, By Rotation grew and Eshita took the plunge and made it a full-time gig. Now it's been featured across the likes of Vogue, Forbes and Vanity Fair, plus has recently been expanded to the U.S. market.
While Eshita did have friends in the tech and law world who helped her navigate things, Eshita didn't have the hard skills usually associated with tech such as coding, or Python. (Unless you count her experience making Neopet layouts.)
So if you're like Eshita - you have an idea, tenacity and belief, but no hard tech skills - not to worry. To find more tech-oriented people to join you on your journey, Eshita recommends networking and even going to university mixers to find people who could help you make your tech dream a reality.
Creativity and tech go hand in hand.
Our third and final event: The New IT Crowd: How Being Creative Became Crucial to Success was a panel which featured Kat Keen (Head of Social & Influencer at YouTube), Carly Plunkett (Creative Marketing Project Manager at Meta), Nicola Gunby (Founder at CLIQ) and Emily McGuirk (Content Lead at Obu).
The conversation focused on what it means to be creative, how it can be utilised, plus the difficulties that can come with creativity in tech. Also, our panel featured a freelancer, a founder and full-time employees so touched upon the different approaches used for each role.
The message from our panel was unanimous: creativity in all of its forms is important in tech. Whether it's having an idea for an app, finding different ways of writing copy, exploring how to get your message across or finding solutions to problems. Creativity used alongside different tools and skills is vital in the world of tech.
Got questions, thoughts or feedback on any of our tech events, for us or our panellists? Drop us a line - info@okmentor.me - we'd love to hear from you <3
Want to attend more inspirational events like this? Head to and follow OK Mentor’s channels to stay up-to-date with all of our online and offline events.