ITMB and the human side of business
If you grew up watching Disney shows (like I did), you are probably aware of Bridgit Mendler. She starred in programmes like Good Luck Charlie, and many others, and I saw her as another promising young actress. Turns out, when I read the news in 2024, she had gone off to form a startup called Northwood Space, which is now valued at more than $100 million USD.
Naturally, you would look at this and go: hold on, how does someone from the arts jump into something like that? Here's the secret I discovered: You don't need to be a coding or business prodigy to thrive in the complex world of technology. In fact, coming from that “non-traditional” background might just be your biggest superpower!
Before I explain how that's true, my name is Oliver! This year, I am about to graduate from the Alliance Manchester Business School with a BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB), having also done a year-long industrial placement internship at the Swiss investment bank UBS. Sounds like I have quite the technical background, right? Would it also surprise you if my path was not technical at all? Like Mendler, it was on the stage and screen.
When I was 8 years old, living in Singapore, I acted in my first-ever school play. After that, I began a fascinating 12-year journey into Theatre, Film and Performing – starring in films, adverts, plays, and even teaching people about public speaking. If you asked me the most important thing I learned from that journey, I'd say it's that understanding and performing for your audience is key.
Throughout this, I always held an interest in the world of technology. I always watched Apple announcements to see whether the latest iPhone had any new features. I was my family's resident tech support, helping my father log in to his account when he never knew how to. When it came time to jump into University, I thought of finding a degree in technology, but naturally, I felt my background would hold me back against others. Happily, that was far from the truth.
So, why choose the ITMB degree?
My time in the Theatre made me develop my connection to people. We told stories to teach, cheer up, enlighten and entertain people from far and wide.
When I read into the ITMB degree, I realised it was not just about syntax, data structures and building software; it was about the “human” side of technology, helping to be the bridge between the Technology and Business worlds. It was at this point I realised my background may come in handy.
One of the biggest misunderstandings I have heard about IT degrees is that you need to have been this tech wiz since you were young. I like to think that I am living proof that isn't true. I started with no coding background, and with the support of everyone around me, I managed to walk away with First Class in several technical subjects.
Understanding the tech is one thing, but what is just as equally important is being able to communicate with people and to showcase the wonders of technology to them. Have you ever had to explain to your family what ChatGPT is? If so, that is not much different from what we do in ITMB!
I learnt a lot during my time in the degree and during my time at UBS. I realised that the technical work we do in ITMB, such as Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Project Management and Software Development, follows a specific blueprint:
- Listen to what your client wants
- Translate that into requirements that you can build from
- Present your work (with confidence) back to that client
Thinking back to my acting background, I realised this was the exact same blueprint for when I approached my performances:
- Get your script (listen)
- Turn your script into directions and cues (translate)
- Perform (present)
In my time getting to know ITMB students, teachers, and employers across the country, one thing stands out: everyone talks about how “performance” is just as important, or sometimes more important, than the underlying technology you make.
Perhaps Bridgit Mendler's strength as a CEO is being able to present her work confidently and tailor her performance to the needs and interests of her audiences. That was the key lesson I had from the Performing world, and here it is in the faraway world of Tech.
If you are sitting there thinking, “I'm a creative person, I don't belong in a Tech degree”, I would ask you to think again. I have learnt that ITMB is not just for coders, it is for the communicators, the organisers and future leaders who want to see how the world works and have a hand in how it is going to be built.
I know people in ITMB from all kinds of backgrounds, from around the world, and from a range of fields, including humanities, creative, scientific, and technical. What unites us is our passion for technology, our ability to work and support one another and our confidence in presenting that to the world.
Now, that doesn't sound like you need to be an expert coder, does it?
Take it from Mendler and me, the jump is not simple. There is a lot of learning and hard work, but it is a learning journey that this course supports you through, and one you take alongside everyone else in your class. However, if you are sitting there itching to jump into the ever-evolving world of technology and want to get hands-on experience with emerging technologies such as AI, ITMB is the place for you. All you need is a passion for tech, a willingness to learn, and a love to work with and learn from others.
But always remember this: your unique background isn't a hurdle, it's the exact thing that will make you stand out in a sea of CVs when you apply for your future job. If I, an actor, can end up working at UBS' Technology division, so can you! All you need to do is take that first leap of faith, and you are on your way.
