TMC Newsletter | What The Tech: Your guide to Tech & Media Success

Welcome to "What the Tech," your go-to newsletter for all things technology at LBS!

This month, we've been inspired by the recent Design Week at LBS to zero in on creative thinking and innovation as another crucial skill for tech roles.

Whether you're an early career student eyeing a career in tech or an MBA looking to stay ahead of the curve as you re-enter the workforce, we are confident that nurturing creativity can add value to your profile. 

Why Creativity and Innovation Matter in Tech

In today's tech-driven world, creative thinking is more than just a desirable trait — it's a fundamental skill that can set you apart. Here’s why it’s essential to cultivate creative skills for tech careers.

• Problem-Solving: Especially in tech roles in new and emerging tech areas, you'll encounter complex challenges that require innovative solutions. Creative thinking enables you to approach problems from different angles, leading to more effective problem-solving strategies.
• Adaptability: The tech landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging at a rapid pace. Creative individuals are better equipped to adapt to change, embrace new technologies, and stay ahead of industry disruptions.
• Collaboration: Tech projects often require collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines. Creative individuals excel in collaborative environments, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, and enhancing team dynamics.
• Access to Emerging Roles: Honing these skills can enhance your profile for exciting emerging roles such as Business Designer, Innovation Lead, UX/UI Designer, Product Innovation Manager, Design Strategist, Creative Technologist, Design Thinking Facilitator, Digital Innovation Specialist, Experience Designer, and Innovation Consultant.

Bringing Creativity & Innovation To Tech Roles

Soft Skills

• Embracing ambiguity: In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, fostering an environment of innovation and creativity is paramount. Cultivate a mindset that embraces experimentation and unconventional thinking, allowing you to generate ground-breaking ideas and solutions.

• Adaptability: Tech roles demand flexibility and the ability to adapt to rapid changes in technology and industry trends. Embrace new challenges with resilience and openness, leveraging change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
• Exploration: Maintain a curious mindset, continuously seeking out new technologies, methodologies, and approaches within the tech industry. Curiosity fuels creativity, driving you to explore uncharted territories and uncover novel solutions to complex problems.

Hard Skills

• Prototyping Tools: Equip yourself with proficiency in prototyping tools such as Miro and Figma, empowering you to visualize and iterate on your innovative concepts. These tools facilitate the rapid development of prototypes, enabling you to test ideas and gather valuable feedback early in the design process.

• Project Management: Mastering project management tools like Jira is essential for orchestrating the execution of innovative projects. Develop strong project management skills to efficiently plan, track progress, and allocate resources, ensuring the timely delivery of innovative solutions.

• Data Literacy and Programming: Develop a solid foundation in data analysis and programming languages such as Python and R. These technical skills are indispensable for leveraging data-driven insights to fuel innovation and develop cutting-edge solutions in the tech industry.

Company Spotlight

Companies that Lead in Creativity and Innovation 

Here are some niche innovative companies making waves in tech that might have a role for you:

1. DeepMind: As a leading AI research lab dedicated to solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. With a focus on cutting-edge research and real-world applications, DeepMind offers exciting opportunities in AI and machine learning.
    
2. Improbable: A technology company that specializes in creating virtual worlds and simulations for gaming, defense, and other industries. With a focus on distributed systems and large-scale simulations, Improbable offers unique opportunities in gaming technology and virtual environments.
    
3. Thought Machine: A fintech company that is reimagining core banking systems with its innovative cloud-native platform, Vault. With a commitment to scalability, security, and flexibility, Thought Machine offers exciting opportunities in fintech and digital banking transformation.

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024

Can’t get enough? Fast Company has got you covered with their comprehensive round-up of the world’s most innovative companies of 2024.

Resources we Recommend

Learn more about the in-demand skills for building innovation and creativity with these resources:

1. The Innovator's Mindset: Empowering Learning, Unleashing Talent: Explore this comprehensive guide to cultivating an innovator's mindset, packed with strategies and exercises to unlock your creative potential and drive innovation in any field.
2. Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All: Dive into this insightful book by Tom Kelley and David Kelley, co-founders of IDEO, as they explore the principles and practices of creative thinking and how to build confidence in your creative abilities.
3. Design Thinking for Innovation: Discover the power of design thinking in driving innovation and solving complex problems with this practical guide. Learn how to apply design thinking principles to generate innovative solutions and create meaningful impact.

Upcoming TMC Events

Gen AI in FS Talk with Bain Expert Partner Jeff Tijssen

Tuesday May 14, 7-8:30pm

Register at: https://clubs.london.edu/TechMedia/rsvp_boot?id=39680

AI Workshop: Everything you need to understand, know and do to use AI at work

Friday May 17, 1-4pm
Register for the waitlist at: https://clubs.london.edu/TechMedia/rsvp_boot?id=39608

Stay updated through TMC emails, our WhatsApp group, and CampusGroups to avoid missing out!

We value the unique perspectives and experiences that the TMC community brings to the table. If you have any articles, tips, or personal experiences related to tech that you’d like to share with the community, please fill this form

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