Combining Business and IT – Why Being a Hybrid is in Demand

Melisa Popanicic is a fashion and lifestyle blogger currently studying at Copenhagen Business School. Catch up with her on allaboutmelisa.com, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

I’m a fashion and lifestyle blogger with a particular interest in e-business and the technology behind it. I have a BSc. in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Southern Denmark and am now continuing my MSc. in Business Administration and E-business. I speak five languages, (+ two programming languages on a basic level - SQL & Java).

Imagine the following scenario: It’s a typical Monday morning – you’re sitting in the office with a cup of coffee when your new colleague walks in. You’re excited to get to know them, but little do you realize that not only can they do all your tasks, they can also provide your boss with additional valuable skills. You realize that soon enough your services might no longer be needed. Terrified yet?

Our world is evolving fast, and so are job requirements. Employers are increasingly searching for multifaceted employees who have hard skills within IT, along with soft skills within business. Think about it. From an employer’s perspective, it is more effective to hire somebody who knows how to produce a traditional marketing plan and can code a simple program to support it, at the same time. Why would you pay two employees when you can kill two birds with one stone?

Hybrids are in demand, now more than ever, especially when it comes to creating a bridge between the business and IT worlds. There are several ways to brace yourself for this change.

Choose a hybrid education

Many universities have recognized the increase in demand for hybrids and have developed new programs that bring together two or more disciplines. One example is the Master of Science degree in Business Administration and E-Business at the Copenhagen Business School. The program combines technology with business and law and offers courses such as Java Programming, Strategic Tools, and E-Business along with EU Internet Law – nudging you in three different directions. If you are about to choose your studies, you might want to consider a multidiscipline program such as this.

Choose different electives

If you’ve already enrolled in a “regular” program, you might want to look at any chances for diversification when it comes to your electives. If this possibility exists, try to find some courses intended for other programs and hence gather knowledge from various fields. Business schools understand the need for flexibility and will allow you to tailor your learning to your own requirements, so take advantage.

Use your free time on online courses

If you finished your studies a long time ago, don’t worry. The internet is at your service, providing you with the possibility of millions of online resources, free as well as paid. You are no longer dependent on professors teaching you things, you can simply learn from peers who have shared their knowledge on online platforms.

Surround yourself with different people

Being friends with people from different backgrounds is beneficial in many ways and can provide you with different perspectives. It’s important that you pay attention to your circle and show keen interest in their areas of expertise. That way, you not only get to look at topics from different angles, but also learn new things to combine with your already specialized knowledge.

Familiarize yourself with IT related news

Be ready to embrace technology and any new trends related to IT. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with certain terms from the IT world and to know what is happening in it. The same way it is crucial for you to read news related to business. Being up-to-date will help you engage with people you wouldn’t normally talk to, due to a lack of knowledge.  

Whichever way you choose to go, keep in mind that having several intermediate skills is considered more valuable than one advanced skill. After all, when dealing with stocks you diversify your portfolio to increase your chances of success or to minimize risks. Why not do the same with your life?