Interdisciplinarity in IT: How to Build Your Career?

Even just a few years ago, to have a solid career in IT, all you needed to do is be great at programming, data analysis, or testing. Today, there’s no denying that this model is long gone, and junior devs entering the workforce don’t enjoy as easy a start as their predecessors did. But is that necessarily a bad thing? Not really. The world of technology is becoming increasingly complex, slowly blurring the lines between individual roles, which encourages learning. Companies look for specialists who possess skills from different fields – technical skills, business skills, and soft skills.  So, how do you develop your career with interdisciplinarity in mind?

Interdisciplinarity in IT: What Does It Actually Mean? Is It Really Needed?

Interdisciplinarity in IT isn’t an abstract idea; it’s often the goal of both young developers fresh out of university and those who, after a few years of stagnation, are seeking new career paths. In the context of an IT career, interdisciplinarity means the ability to navigate different fields,  from programming through data analysis to working with business clients. The era of programmers being able to ignore soft skills is coming to an end. Understanding client needs, communicating with different teams, and effectively aligning technology with strategic business goals is now essential. At j‑labs, that is precisely the mindset with which we build our team. Our specialists are interdisciplinary developers with high seniority, comfortable both behind the screen and in client meetings or the daily scrum. When recruiting, we follow the Hire4Attitude method, helping us find candidates with the right approach to their responsibilities.

This way, IT specialists are no longer just “the coding people,” and instead, they become full-fledged partners in creating solutions. A few years ago, we noticed that businesses immensely value professionals who can look at projects beyond just the technological perspective—those who understand users, grasp business contexts, and can communicate their ideas effectively.

How to Develop Interdisciplinary Skills?

Now that you understand exactly how the world of IT is evolving, here are a few steps you can take to keep up.

Shift Your Perspective

Don’t confine yourself to a single specialization. Learn about other aspects of working in IT. If you’re a developer, understand the basics of US and business analysis. If you’re a tester, explore the world of DevOps. If you work in the cloud, learn about cybersecurity. All of this will be a huge advantage in the eyes of your future employer.

Change Your Environment and Expand Your Network!

Engage with professionals outside your immediate specialization. You can join interdisciplinary teams at your company or take part in industry events. Spaces like  Talk4Devs, Talk4Recruiters or the j‑tech meetup are great networking opportunities.

PS: Stay tuned! We’re preparing a dedicated event for IT managers soon, focusing on leading interdisciplinary teams. Want first-hand updates? Then sign up for our newsletter here (bottom of the page)!

Build Your Soft Skills

Regardless of what your dream position is, you need to realize that communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills are just as important as coding. The days when programmers could focus solely on writing code with minimal interaction are long gone—and rightly so! Today, being able to communicate with business clients and collaborate with other teams can define the success of your career.

Where to Find Interdisciplinary Roles in IT?

Companies are increasingly looking for people who not only understand technology but can apply it in a broader context. If you’re looking for a role that fosters interdisciplinary growth, check out our job offers. There, you’ll find openings that blend programming with project management, DevOps with automation, or data analysis with business.

Take a look at the j-labs career page if you want to contribute to interesting (and interdisciplinary) projects like the reliable, secure, and easy-to-manage platform enabling internal clients to host APIs and applications.

Remember—IT Doesn’t Exist in Isolation from Business

Modern IT services don’t operate in a vacuum—their goal is to solve real business problems. If you want to advance your career, learn how technology impacts organizations and their clients. This requires not only technical skills but also adaptability and a willingness to learn.

Interdisciplinarity is the future of IT, not just a fad—we have no doubt about that. Professionals who combine various skills are not only more valuable on the job market; they also find greater career satisfaction. Rather than functioning as a mere cog in the machine, you can become a key driving force behind organizational growth. Is it worth it? You bet.

Ready for the Next Step? Start by attending meetups, exploring new jobs, and broadening your horizons. Interdisciplinarity could become your biggest asset! Looking for more insights? Check out our tech blog!