Google exec explains why tech firms aren't just looking for coders anymore

CNBC ^ | June 7, 2018 | Ryan Brown

[2ndDivisionVet]

Some people looking to secure a career in the technology sector might fear they are at a disadvantage if they lack technical skills like programming.

But according to the head of Google's co-working campus in London, technical skills are not a prerequisite.

"When I first came into tech, I was like, 'Isn't that just coders?'" Sarah Drinkwater told CNBC in an interview this week. "And that perception is just not true. When I look at a great company, they've got an amazing business development person, they've got marketers, they've got sales people, they've got technical people — great companies need all those skills."

Google's London campus houses several start-ups, giving them a space to work in and develop their business. These are start-ups that have nothing to do with Google; instead, the project is aimed at helping early-stage tech firms of all stripes mature.

The tech giant has taken more than 85,000 start-ups under its wing in the U.K. capital, and those companies have raised over £194 million ($261 million) since its campus building opened in 2012....

[GingisK]

I like assembler. My favorite machine for assembler was the 68000. Of course, assembler is needed these days only to write HOT device drivers, interrupt service routines, or something like a BIOS. I enjoy that low-level stuff.

[Oldhunk]

I remember it all. Started playing with the Intel 4004 first. I was designing electronics back in those days, but couldn’t put a microprocessor into a product until the RCA 1802 came out. Our stuff had to operate in harsh environments, and that was the first one that had the power and temperature specs we needed.

[reg45]

Yes, Yes, and Yes.

[dfwgator]