How to Work with Designers, PMs and Non-Tech Teams

For anyone entering a new field or environment, it can be challenging to integrate into spaces that are unfamiliar. Engineering is a tech-infused field, with math and problem-solving being the norm. But how does one assimilate appropriately into a non-tech field without feeling out of place?

As an engineering student, you will not always be promised to work in the environment you wish to. Sometimes, life will lead you to work alongside people with varying career paths from yours. Even in the engineering field itself, not everyone will possess the background knowledge you do. You may be teamed up with designers or product managers and expected to finish your task with them as your team.

Here are some tips to make this transition easier for you to achieve the best results:

Understand their goals

Everyone in your team will not have the same goals as you, but an engineer will. It is your job to consider that and understand where they all come from.

Designers rely on aesthetics, on how to make things user-friendly and appealing to the eye. They prioritize accessibility and usability while maintaining their brand. 

PMs prioritize on-time delivery and product usability. They take the time to understand whether the product is in demand or not, and if it is practical. 

Non-tech teams, such as marketing teams, put their efforts into seeing how products can be marketed to audiences and fit their needs. They look at the product in a way that can benefit society to increase its marketability. 

All of them have different goals for the same product, and so will you. However, in the end, it all meshes together, and each one of them requires the help of the other to truly see success in the project they’re working on. As the engineer, it is your responsibility to understand their goals and incorporate them into your task. 

Maintain clear communication

When you are so used to working alongside people in the same field as you, it is easy to forget that not everyone will be able to understand you in the way your fellow engineer does. 

When communicating tasks, plans, or your project, remember that you are speaking to people with little to no detailed outside knowledge of the tech world. Keep what you’re saying simple and to the point to avoid miscommunication, and explain further if they ask for it. If you didn’t understand something someone has said, repeat it back to them for clarification. Above all, always remember to keep the person in charge of your project updated.

Learn about their field

This is their environment. Non-tech teams are well acclimated to the atmosphere they have created, the same way you feel in a tech-based environment. It will be easy for you to get lost and feel out of place. To avoid this, take the time to learn about their world. 

See what help they need and where you can assist them with the knowledge you possess. Take the time to learn the language they speak, what software they use, and how they help the project at hand. If you feel confused, ask them questions. See what their viewpoints are from a non-tech perspective. Not only will this increase your chances of success, but it can also help build meaningful connections with your team. 

Collaboration is key

Remember that you are not a part of an individual effort, but a team. How well you collaborate can make all the difference in the success of your hard work.

In meetings, come prepared. Be on time, have your notes ready, and give your opinion and advice when the moment is right. Contribute your perspective while maintaining respect for those around you. 

When you’re part of a team project, don’t forget, it’s not just you; it’s all of you together. Your losses are their losses, just as their wins are your wins. Share the credit amongst yourselves and encourage them when they need it– it’s great motivation!

Be respectful

Being in an atmosphere and surrounded by words, software, and people you are unfamiliar with can irritate you at some point. It’s normal. However, it is crucial not to allow yourself to indulge in those feelings and project them onto others. 

Being respectful is key because this can truly make or break the hard work you’ve spent time on establishing. Respect is the foundation of trust, and you require that trust when working alongside your peers anywhere. 

Stay aware of the words you use to communicate and see how what you say will make the person feel. When you are explaining concepts to someone outside the tech field, be cautious of your tone of voice to avoid coming off as condescending. This is all important in keeping the trust, reliability, and especially the respect of your peers. 

Adjusting to new environments can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences. By staying professional, curious, and adaptable, you’ll not only find your footing—you’ll thrive and grow in ways you never expected.