Busting IT Career Myths: Insights from Apliteni’s PM, Alisa Khurtina

The IT industry is often seen through a lens of misconceptions that can discourage people from pursuing careers in the field. To shed light on these myths and offer a realistic view of working in tech, we spoke with Alisa Khurtina, a seasoned Product Manager at Apliteni. 

Alisa has spent more than a decade in the industry, transitioning from technical support to project management, mobile development, and systems analysis. Throughout her career, she has seen many of the common myths firsthand and will help us debunk them based on her experiences.

Myth 1: You Have to Know How to Code

Alisa, one of the biggest myths in IT is that you have to know how to code to have a successful career. What are your thoughts on that?

(laughs) Well, I’m a great example of why that isn’t true. I don’t know how to code at all! I did think about learning Python at one point, but honestly, it wasn’t necessary for my role as a product manager.

So coding isn’t required for all IT roles?

Definitely not. There are so many roles in tech that don’t require coding. Positions in project management, human resources, UX design, and marketing—these are just a few examples. In my job, I focus on bringing people together, organizing tasks, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Coding is just one part of the tech ecosystem. Not everyone needs to do it.

Myth 2: You Need a Computer Science Degree

Another common belief is that you need a computer science degree to break into tech. You’ve had a different path, haven’t you?

Yes, absolutely. I don’t have any formal IT education. I actually started out in accounting and tourism management. I learned everything on the job. Many of the best developers and IT professionals I know are self-taught. They gain their skills through hands-on experience, curiosity, and learning from others.

So, you think traditional education isn’t the only path?

Exactly. There are so many alternative learning paths today—coding boot camps, certifications, or even self-study. Employers care more about your ability to solve problems and bring practical skills to the table than whether you have a computer science degree.

Myth 3: You Must Be a Math Wizard

Let’s talk about math. There’s a perception that you need to be a math genius to work in tech. What’s your take on that?

(laughs) Oh, I’m terrible at math! I can’t even multiply 8 by 12 without grabbing a calculator. Honestly, most tech roles don’t require advanced math skills.

What about other roles? Do your colleagues agree?

I talked with two of my colleagues about this. Ivan Roslov, one of our developers, says that most programming doesn’t involve math at all. It’s only in fields like machine learning or game development that math really comes into play, and even then, a lot of it is hidden behind frameworks. Vitaliy Shessler added that while math can give you an edge in certain fields like AI or game development, it’s not something that should hold you back. Logic and problem-solving are far more important than being great at math.

It’s more about how you think, not how you count, right?

Exactly. It’s about finding solutions, thinking creatively, and using the right tools—like a calculator if needed! (laughs)

Myth 4: The Tech Industry Is Male-Dominated

Another myth we hear often is that the tech industry is male-dominated, making it harder for women to break in. Has that been your experience?

Honestly, I’ve never felt held back because I’m a woman. If anything, working with men has been great. Respect comes from competence, not gender. The tech industry has changed a lot. It’s becoming more inclusive, and women are taking on leadership roles and contributing significantly.

Do you encourage women to enter the field?

Absolutely. What matters is your skills and what you bring to the table. There are opportunities for women who are willing to step up and make a difference.

Myth 5: Tech Jobs Are Only for Young People

There’s also a myth that tech jobs are only for young people. Do you think age is a barrier?

Not at all. I’ve seen people in their 40s, 50s, and older transition into tech. With the rise of remote work and access to online learning, it’s easier than ever to enter the industry at any age. It all comes down to curiosity and motivation. If you’re passionate about learning, there’s no age limit.

Myth 6: Creativity Isn’t Needed in Tech

Alisa, one myth that seems to never go away is the idea that there’s no room for creativity in tech. What do you think about that?

Oh, that’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there! Tech is incredibly creative. No matter what role you’re in—whether you’re a designer, developer, or project manager—creativity is always at the core of what we do. It’s not just about following steps; it’s about finding innovative solutions to problems.

Can you give an example of how creativity plays a role in your work?

Sure! As a PM, my job involves constantly brainstorming with my team, figuring out how to streamline processes, or even troubleshooting unexpected issues. Creativity is needed to approach these problems from different angles. Sometimes, the solution isn’t straightforward, and you have to think outside the box. It’s not just about technical skills but also about how creatively you can solve those challenges.

So, is it fair to say that creativity is highly valued in tech?

Absolutely! There are so many ways to approach a problem, and coming up with the best solution is often the most creative part of the job. Whether it’s designing user-friendly interfaces, coding efficient systems, or managing teams, creative thinking is embedded in every aspect of the process. It’s about innovating and improving, and that requires a lot of creativity.

It sounds like creativity is just as important as technical skills in IT.

Exactly. In fact, sometimes, the most creative solutions are the ones that save the most time and resources. It’s all about finding the right approach for each unique challenge, and that’s what makes tech so exciting!

Myth 7: All Tech Jobs Are Outsourced

Let’s talk about outsourcing. Many believe that all tech jobs are outsourced. What’s your perspective on that?

While outsourcing exists, especially for specific tasks, many critical roles are kept in-house. At Apliteni, for example, we keep most of our development, design, and project management roles within the company. Collaboration and teamwork are vital, and having local teams ensures smooth communication and project continuity. Outsourcing is just one tool, not the backbone of the industry.

Myth 8: IT Workers Spend All Day Alone

Another stereotype is that IT workers spend all day alone, glued to their screens. Is that your experience?

(laughs) Not at all! We’re constantly communicating. Even though I work remotely, I’m in meetings and discussions all day. Tech is very collaborative, whether you’re working with developers, designers, or clients. Sure, there are moments when you work alone, but you’re always part of a team.

Myth 9: Tech Workers Always Work Long Hours

How about the myth that tech workers always work long hours? Is that true in your case?

It can happen, but it’s not the norm. If you’re consistently working long hours, it usually means you need to manage your time better or optimize some processes. At Apliteni, we focus on work-life balance. We believe in working smart, not just long. Overworking is often a sign that something isn’t working efficiently.

Myth 10: You Can’t Switch Career Paths Easily

Let’s discuss career flexibility. Some people think it’s hard to switch career paths in tech. What’s your take on that?

I completely disagree. The tech industry is very flexible. I started in technical support and transitioned into project management and analytics. Many skills—like problem-solving and critical thinking—are transferable. As long as you’re open to learning, switching roles is very achievable.

Myth 11: All Tech Jobs Will Be Automated Soon

Automation is another hot topic. Do you think all tech jobs will eventually be automated?

Automation and AI are great tools that can assist us, but they won’t replace the creativity and problem-solving that humans bring to the table. Certain repetitive tasks may be automated, but tech roles that require judgment, innovation, and oversight will always need a human touch.

Myth 12: Tech Jobs Don’t Pay Well / Pay a Lot

There’s a common belief that tech jobs either don’t pay well or pay a lot. What’s the reality?

Both myths are oversimplifications. At Apliteni, our salaries are competitive, which allows us to focus on our work without worrying about finances. Entry-level positions may not pay a lot at first, but the growth potential is significant. On the flip side, not all IT jobs come with six-figure paychecks, especially in smaller markets. As you gain experience and specialize, your salary will naturally increase.

Any other myths you’d like to debunk?

(laughs) Oh, yes! I’ve heard people say that all developers are unsporty or socially awkward and that you can become a developer overnight after a course. None of that is true. Many of my colleagues are into fitness, and continuous learning is key in tech—you don’t just become an expert after one course. And not all IT people are gamers! We have all kinds of hobbies, like gardening and knitting.

Thank you, Alisa, for sharing your insights and helping debunk these myths!

My pleasure! It’s important to know that tech is a diverse, inclusive field with room for everyone—whether you code or not.