Of course!! Automation is more than just AI and Robots. The industry needs marketers that know a few technical things, sales that can walk the walk, project managers, directors, CEOs the list goes on and on! Don’t be afraid to start in a role and move from there, you are NEVER stuck in one place.

Absolutely. If there's one thing this industry needs more of, it's people who can effectively bridge that gap between technical and business! I worked as an engineer for the first 5 years of my career before being promoted to PM, but just because I wore the title of "engineer" doesn't mean I didn't also dip my toes into inside sales and technical training while in that role. It will depend largely on the organization that you work for - whether you belong to a smaller company where everybody wears a bunch of different hats, or if you're part of a larger org where roles are more solidly defined and there are more formal processes for changing departments or getting cross-training. I've always worked for small-medium sized automation companies because I feel that's the kind of environment where I fit in best; as you advance in your career, you'll get a feel for what works best for you. The big advantage to me with working for a smaller org is that you have more flexibility in your role. Yes, I was an engineer, but I was also the person who started my last employer's inside sales department. Yes, I was an engineer, but I also managed my own projects and went on sales calls and started partnerships with new suppliers. There's a lot of value in having a technical background and also being able to articulate complex concepts to a wider audience. You'll find your niche within automation and I have no doubt that you'll do amazing things in this industry, it just takes time and a willingness to try or start new things.