Not all of us come from engineering backgrounds, and not everyone is interested in technical job roles like coding. Although technology is undoubtedly the industry to be in if you want a job with significant growth, careers outside of IT should be considered. Due to the rising need for a number of top non-technical job roles, even IT companies are hiring for positions in sales, marketing, business development, human resources, and finance, to name a few.

Let’s check and investigate further the most in-demand non-technical skills and the most well-liked online courses that students are considering for a non-tech career. Let’s investigate further to learn more.

Non-technical undergraduate degrees

BBA: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) provides students with the professional management training they need to advance into positions of business leadership.

BSc: A bachelor’s degree in science, sometimes known as a BSc, takes three to five years to complete. BSc degrees are granted in a variety of fields, occasionally even in fields outside of science. Different nations confer Bsc degrees in different ways. The majority of scientific students obtain bachelor’s degrees in the field.

B.Com: A bachelor’s degree in commerce, also known as a B Com, requires three years of study. B Com degrees impart analytical abilities, financial literacy, business acumen, an awareness of business regulations, taxation comprehension, and other skills with the aim of preparing students for work in the industries of banking, accounting, insurance, and finance.

B. Ed: For students who want to become teachers, an undergraduate programme called Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.) is available. For secondary (classes 6 to 10) and higher secondary (10 2 or classes 11 and 12) teaching, a B. Ed. degree is required.

MBBS: A Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery are denoted by the acronym MBBS. Those who are interested in working in the medical field can take up this degree.

Also read: Why BBA? Top reasons to choose BBA

Non-technical postgraduate degrees

MBA: Master of Business Administration, or Online MBA is the original graduate degree offered by business schools worldwide and was first offered by Harvard University Graduate School of Administration (now Harvard Business School) in 1908. It is the best post graduation degree for those looking for a career in business management.

M.Com: MCom, or Masters of Commerce, is a two-year postgraduate course that is perfect for individuals who want to work in the accounting, banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) industries. The two-year study looks more deeply into how the economy works, as well as capital, revenue, commerce, taxes, and other topics.

MA: A postgraduate programme in the arts is called an MA or Master of Arts. Students who have earned their bachelor’s degree can pursue an MA. At numerous colleges and universities in India and overseas, the degree is provided in a number of specialisations.

M.Ed: MEd, or Master of Education, is a master’s degree programme that focuses on the investigation of cutting-edge instructional strategies and educational research. The programme focuses on a variety of educational topics, such as curriculum design, counselling, leadership, and educational technology.

Non-technical certifications

Project Management Certification: The Project Management Institute (PMI) awards the PMP certification, often known as project management professional certification, to those who complete specific educational and professional experience requirements. Before applying for certification, professionals must fulfil a number of conditions.

Business Consultant Certification: Business Consultant Certification provides essential skills that can help individuals become business consultants. A business consultant assists businesses in achieving profits through strategy, planning, and problem-solving. They create a business model or marketing plan to determine which marketing techniques to employ and how they should be applied to the project.

Human Resource Certification: Through courses, assignments, and exams, HR certification enables you to demonstrate new knowledge, abilities, and experience to your (possible) employer. It is a well-liked method of job progression for HR specialists.

Content Writing Certification: Anyone who has a solid understanding of ideas in digital marketing, such as keyword strategy and research, site analytics, SEO, and so forth. It is ideal to hire someone with a degree in journalism, literature, or any other subject and additional digital marketing qualifications for a content writing role.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management: The supply chain’s movement and storage of goods are the focus of logistics. More broadly, supply chain management (SCM) includes all partner coordination involved in this network, including sourcing, manufacturing, transporting, storing, and selling.

The various sectors a non-tech candidate can work in

A non-tech candidate can work in various sectors and take up various job roles. Working professionals in fields like management, product design, and marketing are in high demand and are needed across various industries. With the job market expanding, various new non-technical job opportunities are emerging and provide skilled professionals with alluring compensation packages. Look at the various sectors mentioned below where professionals from a non-tech background can work in:

Marketing/Advertising: Marketing is the overall strategy for communicating with customers about a brand. Advertising is one aspect of marketing which is typically a paid form of marketing that is intended to lead to sales. Marketing and advertising have openings for various non-tech roles and are emerging with new job roles every day because marketing and advertising are needed across various sectors. 

Chartered Accountant (CA): A chartered accountant, usually referred to as a certified public accountant or CPA, is a licensed professional accountant who can handle a variety of accounting-related tasks. Implementing accounting systems, creating monthly financial reports, and submitting business tax returns are all tasks performed by a chartered accountant.

Sales and Business Management: The job responsibilities in sales and business management include establishing a company strategy that addresses the control of sales, revenue, and expenses, reaching the projected sales targets, establishing personal sales goals with the sales team, tracking sales targets and providing updates as needed. This sector provides employment opportunities to non-tech candidates with various job roles.

Healthcare: Healthcare professionals assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, illnesses, and other bodily impairments. Additionally, successful decision-making, good communication, and time management skills are essential in this field of work. This field provides a wide range of job opportunities for various non-tech jobs.

Retail Management: Planning, controlling profit and loss, handling cash at the store, and compiling daily sales and other relevant reports are all responsibilities that fall under retail management. Retail management is a newly emerging sector that provides various non-tech job opportunities to individuals.

Fashion Management: Fashion management oversees the marketing, merchandising, and retail of fashion products, as well as the development of brand awareness and image among the general public. The fashion management industry provides a series of non-tech jobs to innovative and creative individuals interested in fashion.

Interior Designing: Interior Designing is the planning and supervision of the design of interior spaces and execution of architectural interiors and furnishings according to the requirement of the clients. It is a newly emerging field providing various non-tech job roles.

Check out: Best Career Options After B.Com

Top 10 non-technical skills to develop in 2024

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence has evolved from a buzzword to a critical professional competency. In 2024, this skill transcends personal interactions, becoming a strategic asset in workplace dynamics. Developing emotional intelligence means cultivating the ability to recognize, understand, and manage not just your own emotions, but also effectively navigate the emotional landscapes of others.

Imagine emotional intelligence as an internal GPS that helps you:

• Understand your emotional triggers
• Communicate with empathy and clarity
• Manage stress and conflict constructively
• Build deeper, more meaningful professional relationships

2. Adaptive learning

The rapid pace of technological and professional transformations demands a new approach to learning. Adaptive learning is about developing a flexible mindset that allows you to:

• Quickly absorb new information
• Unlearn outdated practices
• Pivot skillsets in response to emerging challenges
• Maintain intellectual curiosity across different domains

Think of adaptive learning as mental cross-training – just as athletes develop versatility by practicing multiple disciplines, professionals can build cognitive flexibility by embracing continuous, diverse learning experiences.

3. Critical thinking

In an era of information overload and complex global challenges, critical thinking has become more than an intellectual exercise – it’s a survival skill. This involves:

• Analyzing information objectively
• Questioning assumptions
• Synthesizing insights from diverse sources
• Making nuanced, well-reasoned decisions

Critical thinking is like being a detective of information, carefully examining evidence, challenging narratives, and constructing robust, logical conclusions.

4. Creative problem solving

Creativity is no longer confined to artistic domains. In professional environments, creative problem-solving means:

• Generating innovative solutions
• Breaking traditional thought patterns
• Approaching challenges from multiple perspectives
• Combining seemingly unrelated concepts to develop unique strategies

Consider creative problem-solving as mental jazz – improvising solutions by experimenting, riffing on existing ideas, and creating something entirely new.

5. Digital communication & collaboration

With distributed and remote work becoming standard, digital communication skills are paramount. This goes beyond technical proficiency, focusing on:

• Clear, concise digital messaging
• Understanding nuanced online communication
• Building virtual relationships
• Maintaining team cohesion across digital platforms

6. Intercultural competence

Global connectivity demands a sophisticated understanding of cultural nuances. Intercultural competence involves:

• Respecting diverse perspectives
• Navigating cross-cultural communication
• Understanding global business dynamics
• Developing genuine cultural empathy

7. Mindfulness and resilience

Mental health and personal sustainability are crucial professional skills. Mindfulness and resilience training help professionals:

• Manage stress effectively
• Maintain focus in distracting environments
• Recover quickly from setbacks
• Sustain long-term performance

8. Personal branding

In a competitive global marketplace, personal branding is about authentically presenting your unique professional value. This includes:

• Crafting a compelling professional narrative
• Leveraging digital platforms strategically
• Demonstrating consistent professional values
• Creating meaningful professional networks

9. Systems thinking

Understanding complex interconnections is increasingly vital. Systems thinking involves:

• Recognizing intricate relationships between components
• Anticipating broader implications of decisions
• Understanding organizational and global dynamics
• Making holistic, strategic choices

10. Ethical decision making

As technological and ethical boundaries blur, principled decision-making becomes crucial. This skill encompasses:

• Understanding complex ethical frameworks
• Balancing organizational goals with moral considerations
• Making transparent, accountable choices
• Developing a robust personal ethical compass

Integrated skill development strategy

These skills are not isolated competencies but interconnected capabilities. The most successful professionals will approach skill development holistically, recognizing how these abilities complement and enhance each other.

Practical development approach:

• Commit to consistent, intentional learning
• Seek diverse experiences
• Reflect on personal growth regularly
• Embrace vulnerability in the learning process

By cultivating these non-technical skills, professionals can build adaptive, resilient, and meaningful career trajectories in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Career prospects for individuals with a non-technical degree

The job market for non-technical job roles is expanding, and the need for skilled individuals in non-tech roles is growing. There is a growing demand for non-tech professionals across various sectors, and individuals can choose a role according to their skills and interests.

Why are non-technical online courses important?

In today’s fast-paced world, the landscape of education is constantly evolving. While technical skills like coding and data analysis are crucial, non-technical online courses play an equally vital role in personal and professional growth. Here are several reasons why these courses are important:

1. Expanding on skill sets: These non-technical courses are in areas that are not technical in nature, such as communication, leadership, marketing and creativity among others. This makes you relevant in the market since you are versatile and able to work in any field that is offered to you. More and more, organizations seek employees that can wear many hats and manage different aspects of a business.
2. Enhancing soft skills: Some of the skills that are not emphasized in the traditional school systems include emotional intelligence, team work and problem solving. Non-technical courses focus on these soft skills that are crucial for establishing good interpersonal relations and working in groups efficiently. They help me to equip to deal with the dynamic nature of the workplace.
3. Flexibility and Accessibility: Online courses provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. This accessibility makes it easier for busy professionals or those with family commitments to pursue education without sacrificing other responsibilities.
4. Promoting creativity and innovation: Such courses include arts, design thinking, or creative writing that promotes unconventional thinking. This creativity is not only for the artists, but it is very important in marketing, product development and even in project management. Creative thinkers are a key factor to growth within any type of organization.
5. Boosting career advancement: It is also essential for the employers as they look for the candidates who not only have the required technical skills but also have good non-technical skills also. Going for courses in leadership or project management for instance will give you an edge over other applicants in the job market, putting you in good position for promotions as well as other jobs.
6. Building a professional network: Online courses often bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds. You will be able to participate in discussions and group projects, which will enable you to interact with other people from different fields. This network can be very helpful in the future when it comes to collaboration or job hunting.
7. Personal development: Apart from the career aspects, non-technical courses tend to emphasis on the personal development of an individual. Whether it is to enhance your communication skills and learn how to be a better public speaker or to deal with stress in a healthier way, these courses can have a positive impact on one’s life.

How do online courses help you learn at your convenience?

The advantages of taking an online course over a traditional classroom setting are undeniable. Here are some of the main benefits of online learning.

Career development and interests

You have more freedom to study online. Even more so, if you are enrolled in an asynchronous class, an online course where you are not required to log in at a specific time for a live session but can study and interact with your classmates and instructor at your own pace through, for example, the discussion forum. You can fit your work schedule (and your hobbies) around your coursework more easily.

Flexible studying environment

With online learning, you can study anywhere you want to – in your study, in the coffee shop down the street, or even at your neighborhood gym as you work out on the treadmill while listening to your instructor’s lecture podcast. 

Comparatively cost-effective

When you study online, you must pay for tuition, potentially for textbook materials, an online application fee, and not many other things. However, because you don’t pay for housing or transportation, you have less debt and more money in your savings.

Can choose from a wide range of courses

A number of online courses are available for you to choose. Select the degree or certification of your interest and pursue it online. You just need to ensure that the institute providing the degree has the required recognitions and accreditations.

Actionable tips to find the right online program

• Identify career goals: Select classes related to your chosen industry or abilities that would be useful in obtaining tangible objectives, such as promotion to management or becoming a good negotiator.
• Read reviews and ratings: Search for the course on platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning and see the reviews and ratings as a way of evaluating the content.
• Check for certification: Make sure that the course offers a certificate upon completion, which can be included in the resume or LinkedIn profile.
• Assess course structure: Organize courses based on learner type, whether they prefer self-taught courses or ones taken under the tutelage of a teacher. Self-paced offers open-time schedules that students must utilize, and instructor-led courses have more structure for students.

Read more about finding the right online program.

Top platforms for non-technical online courses

To help you get started, here’s a curated list of some of the best online learning platforms offering non-technical courses:

Platform	Description
Online Manipal	Offers degree programs and Post Graduate Programs (PGPs) in fields like Arts, Commerce, and Management.
Coursera	Provides courses and specializations from top universities worldwide.
edX	Presents high-quality courses from institutions like Harvard and MIT.
Udemy	Shares a wide variety of affordable courses on soft skills, productivity, and more.
LinkedIn Learning	Provides specialized courses in leadership, communication, and professional development.
Khan Academy	Offers free foundational courses to build essential skills.

Get an accredited online degree from Manipal University Jaipur

As a multi-disciplinary university, MUJ provides courses in a variety of streams at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher levels that are career-oriented and prepare individuals for the professional world. Online undergraduate and postgraduate graduate degrees in the fields of human resources, marketing, computer applications, and many more are offered by Manipal University Jaipur. Since Manipal University Jaipur is UGC-recognized, the online graduate programs that MUJ offers in India are on par with any other traditional on-campus degree. 

Non-tech undergraduate and postgraduate degrees offered by Manipal University Jaipur

• B.Com – The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for careers in commerce and industry by providing them with financial analysis skills and knowledge. It is a 3-year degree programme that is divided across 6 semesters. The total course fee is INR 80,000/-.
• BBA – One of the most sought-after and employable undergraduate degrees is the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). The degree teaches the nuances of businesses, business administration and other related topics. The BBA is a 3-year undergraduate programme divided into 6 semesters. The total course fee is INR 1,20,000/-.
• M.Com – The Master of Commerce (M.Com) is a postgraduate master’s degree focusing on subjects related to commerce, accounting, management, and economics. The duration of the degree is 2 years, and the curriculum is divided into 4 semesters. The total course fee is ₹ 1,00,000/-.
• MBA – The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a master’s degree that provides a broad-based business learning experience that focuses on teaching skills that can help you succeed in any business area, from economics and marketing to financial management and social responsibility. The degree is a 2-year programme divided into 4 semesters. The total course fee is INR 1,50,000/-

Conclusion

Non-technical skills are significant because they improve the efficiency of processes in a business. When used correctly, these abilities are crucial in preserving system security and guaranteeing smooth operations in business processes. With the growth of the job market, various non-tech job roles have been emerging across various sectors. So, to start your non-tech career choose the appropriate course relevant to your career goals and land your dream job.