Professional Guide

 

Entering the World of Technology

This guide serves as your introduction to entering this professional field, providing you with the resources and knowledge needed to take proactive steps toward your future.

 
 

Introduction to Technology

Ideal Candidate for the Tech Sector

Opportunities & Musts at IE

Application & Recruitment

Alumni in the Tech Sector

Additional Resources

Introduction to Technology

This guide has been designed to guide you through the specificities of the Technology Sector:

  • Insights into the sector, its sub-sectors, key players, and emerging trends.
  • Key job roles, hiring locations, in-demand skills, and tips for landing a job or internship.
  • Must-have professional certifications to enhance your skills and help you stand out.
  • An overview of top global tech companies, their hiring needs, and available programs.
  • A breakdown of the application process, recruitment stages, and interview preparation.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The tech sector is composed of companies focused on the research, development and distribution of technological products and services, both for final consumers and for businesses.

2026 Sector Landscape: The global technology sector is being reshaped by widespread AI adoption. Companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and automation. Traditional software companies are under pressure to demonstrate clear ROI and integrate AI capabilities, while innovative AI-native companies are challenging established players. Cybersecurity has become a board-level priority as AI-driven threats grow more sophisticated, and automation is transforming how work gets done across all roles.

It is a huge sector that embraces a vast array of sub-sectors. However, we can classify them into seven main industries:

SUB-SECTOR OPPORTUNITY SNAPSHOT
Artificial Intelligence Fastest-growing area in tech, focused on machine learning, generative AI, and automation. Strong opportunities for junior professionals in AI operations, data analysis, product management, and AI implementation roles.
Cybersecurity Critical sector protecting organizations from cyber threats and data breaches. High demand for junior analysts, security consultants, compliance specialists, and risk management professionals.
Hardware Encompasses semiconductors, computing devices, networking equipment, and data center infrastructure. Junior opportunities in operations, supply chain, product management, engineering support, and semiconductor-related roles.
Internet & Marketplace Includes e-commerce, digital platforms, online advertising, and marketplace ecosystems. Attractive entry points in business development, growth, operations, digital marketing, and strategy.
IT Services Provides consulting, outsourcing, implementation, and technology support to enterprises. One of the largest recruiters of junior talent through analyst, consulting, project management, and technology transformation programs.
Cloud Delivers computing infrastructure, platforms, and services over the internet. Growing demand for junior professionals in cloud operations, solution consulting, customer success, and cloud project management.
Software and Digital Platforms Develops applications and enterprise solutions across industries. Offers diverse opportunities in product management, business analysis, customer success, sales, and software development.
Telecommunications Provides connectivity through wireless, broadband, and network infrastructure. Junior opportunities in network operations, business development, project management, and digital transformation initiatives.

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TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY

MARKET FORCE WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Tech advantage ≠ technology Competitive edge comes from how technology is applied, not from owning it. Business understanding + tech fluency beats pure technical depth at junior level.
Hybrid profiles outperform Business + Data + Product profiles scale faster. You don't need to code, but you need to understand what engineers and data teams are doing and why it matters.
AI is a productivity layer AI is embedded across all roles, not just AI teams. Using AI tools effectively (prompt engineering, Copilot, ChatGPT) is now a baseline expectation, not a differentiator.
Speed beats perfection Execution velocity differentiates more than innovation depth. Companies reward adaptability, MVP mindset, and rapid iteration. Show you can move fast and learn.
Skills are sector-agnostic Transferable skills (data literacy, sales, project management, communication) travel fast. Tech expertise in one domain opens doors across fintech, edtech, healthtech, and more.
Regulation shapes products Compliance is now a design input (EU AI Act, GDPR, cybersecurity regulation). Knowing the basics of digital regulation gives you an edge in governance and product roles.

What you can expect from a tech company:

  • Extensive training & continuous learning
  • International environment & geographical mobility
  • Career diversity: vertical and horizontal growth
  • High salary & benefits
  • Work-life balance

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MAIN ROLES IN TECH

Working in tech offers entry points across technical, hybrid, and non-technical tracks. Tech also crosses into other sectors: fintech, edtech, healthtech, consulting, so your first tech role may be at a company that isn't a pure tech firm. That is equally valid and increasingly common. For more details on these other sectors, see our other Professional Guides on the Career Orientation page.

Technical Roles

ROLE KEY SKILLS ENTRY PATH
Data Analyst / BI Intern SQL, Python or R, Tableau / Power BI, Excel Intern → Analyst → Senior Analyst
Software Engineer Intern Python / Java / JS, Git, APIs, Agile Intern → Junior SWE → Engineer
Cloud / DevOps Intern AWS/Azure/GCP basics, Linux, CI/CD concepts Intern → Cloud Associate
Cybersecurity Intern Network basics, SIEM tools, compliance awareness Intern → Security Analyst

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Non-Technical Roles

ROLE KEY SKILLS ENTRY PATH
Sales Development Rep (SDR) CRM (Salesforce/HubSpot), communication, resilience Internship → SDR → Account Executive
Customer Success Associate Product knowledge, stakeholder management, data basics Intern → CSA → Customer Success Manager
Associate Product Manager Agile/Scrum, user research, basic SQL, roadmap tools APM Program (Google, Amazon, etc.)
Business / Data Analyst Excel/Google Sheets, SQL, Power BI / Tableau Intern → Analyst → Senior Analyst
Operations Intern Process thinking, Excel, project management (Notion/Jira) Intern → Operations Analyst
Solutions Engineer (Junior) Cloud basics, communication, demos, SaaS knowledge Intern → Junior SE → Solutions Engineer

Applied Math Students A math degree opens far more doors than academia alone. Popular paths include data science, actuarial science, quantitative finance, financial analysis, machine learning engineering, and operations research. Learn how to translate coursework and projects into CV language recruiters recognize in the What Can You Do With a Math Degree? career guide.

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PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Now that you've gained a deeper understanding of the different career paths within the Tech sector, it's time to take action. Start by creating a list of your top 10 dream companies. Consider this your first step toward building a focused and intentional job search strategy.

Before you start: what type of company suits you?

  • Startup: Dynamic, fast-paced, high ownership, less structure, and potential equity.
  • Scale-up: Still fast-moving, with more resources, maturing processes, and clearer growth opportunities.
  • Established company: Structured programs, global mobility, and a strong employer brand that can enhance your CV.

Remember, landing the right opportunity takes effort, persistence, and planning. Treat your job search like a job itself. The more intentional you are with your target companies, the better positioned you'll be to identify relevant opportunities, prepare for interviews, and connect with professionals in the field.

Get started:

  • Visit each company's website to learn more about its business, products, and culture.
  • Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated on news and job opportunities.
  • Connect with at least three alumni working in your area(s) of interest. You can reach out through LinkedIn or your personal network.

For each company on your list, identify:

  • The sub-sector it belongs to.
  • Two roles you would like to apply for. Search on the IE Career Portal, the company's careers page, LinkedIn, and other job search platforms.
  • One technology trend the company is applying. This will be especially useful when preparing for interviews and applications.
  • Interview insights and candidate experiences on platforms such as Glassdoor or WikiJob.

LinkedIn tip: save your job searches to receive notifications when new opportunities are posted.

Once you've finalized your target company list, expand your research by downloading and completing the accompanying spreadsheet. It will help you organize your internship or job search, track the opportunities you're interested in, and prepare effectively for each stage of the application process.

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS

These programs last 1 or 2 years and are designed for high-potential candidates that can join companies in different areas. They are an amazing option if you are about to graduate, and many companies have options in several countries. Some of them are rotational, meaning you can spend 4 to 6 months in each department. Others can be more focused on one particular area such as sales, marketing or finance, for example.

Previous experience is not mandatory but having an internship in the industry/area is highly valued. Keep in mind that Graduate Programs are very competitive and have a longer and more selective hiring process as they are considered a “Fast-track” option to middle management positions.

Timing: Most programs start between summer and September after graduation, but you need to apply almost 1 year before. Applications vary depending on the company, but you should start looking into applications in the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year before it starts.

You may find more info on the companies offering Graduate Programs here.

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Ideal Candidate for the Tech Sector

DESIRED STUDENT PROFILE

Companies look for candidates that share their beliefs and values, but they also look for diversity of thought and experience to drive the company forward. See what tech companies usually look for in a candidate:

  • International background
  • English fluency (local language is a plus)
  • Culture and values fit
  • Digital mindset and passion for technology
  • Good knowledge of company's product
  • Leadership & Teamwork
  • Results-oriented / Business driven
  • Flexible/adaptable
  • Open minded, creative
  • Growth mindset

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DESIRED TECHNICAL AND SOFT SKILLS

Below you can see the main technical and soft skills that tech companies look for in a candidate:

SKILL DESCRIPTION
Foundational Tech & Data Literacy — The baseline toolkit for any tech-adjacent role
Excel / Google Sheets Data cleaning, formulas, dashboards
Power BI or Tableau Data visualization and insights
CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot) Essential for any sales or operations role
Basic SQL Understand how data is stored and queried
AI literacy Prompt engineering, Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot
Intro to Product & Technology — How modern tech products are built and sold
Cloud basics AWS Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Fundamentals (beginner)
SaaS business models How software subscriptions work and are sold
Agile & Scrum Frameworks used in almost every tech company
APIs How systems connect (conceptual, not necessarily coding)
Digital transformation concepts Automation, cloud, cybersecurity, AI
Human Skills — Increasingly critical in an AI-driven market
Communication Explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Critical thinking & structured problem solving STAR method
Adaptability & learning agility Willingness to pick up new tools fast
Collaboration across teams Engineering, product, legal, operations

Key Insight70–80% of offers come from referrals and networking, not cold applications.

Interested in Data Analysis? Data Visualizations? UX/UI Roles? Create a Portfolio of your work, following these guidelines (see the Data Profile How-To Guide in the Application Materials section).

Important Recommendations

  • Ask yourself: Why this company? Why this technology? Why this role? What value can I bring to the organization?
  • Research the company through its website and social media channels. Understand its mission, values, corporate culture, and how they align with your own goals and values.
  • Carefully review the job description and tailor your CV accordingly.
  • Demonstrate genuine interest and enthusiasm for the Tech sector.
  • Network, network, network!
  • Last but not least, before applying, check with Talent & Careers to see whether we have contacts within the company. Referrals through IE alumni or recommendations of your profile to the HR team can increase your chances of being invited for an interview.

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UPSKILLING YOUR PROFILE

Highly Recommended: Upskilling GuideStrengthen your application, enhance your profile and sharpen your skillset through targeted courses and certifications. See full guide.

Make sure to also check out this playlist to stay updated on the latest technologies, like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, and Big Data.

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PRACTICAL ACTIVITY 
CV Customization

This is your opportunity to apply what you've learned in the previous sections and strengthen your job applications.

  • Use the IE CV Template. You can also find it on Blackboard > Courses > Career Development Training.
  • Tailor your CV using keywords and key insights relevant to your sector or area of interest. Review the skills and qualifications listed in the job description and reflect them in your CV whenever applicable. Use the information from the Desired Student Profile chart and the skills highlighted in the Entry-Level Career Paths section under Main Roles in Tech.
  • Use VMock with your IE student email and aim for a score of 80% or higher.
  • Upload your CV as a one-page PDF to the IE Career Portal so you can apply for opportunities through the platform.

If you are studying a technical degree and prefer to code your CV, you can use our LaTeX templates on Overleaf. Click here for JMR or EC.

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Opportunities & Musts During Your Time at IE

Starting from your first year of studies, you can begin gaining professional experience that will help shape your future career. Top tech companies usually offer long-term internships to students in their penultimate or final year, as these programs often serve as a pathway to full-time roles. However, there are many valuable opportunities available to students in the earlier stages of their degree.

Focus your search on summer or part-time internships at smaller companies, virtual internships that offer flexibility and practical exposure, and personal AI/app/software development projects. These experiences can help you develop key skills, build your resume and begin exploring your interests.

Formal internships are just one way to gain professional experience. You can also explore our exclusive IE Early Careers Programs, join student clubs on campus, participate in events, and get involved in initiatives that align with your interests. For more ideas on how to build experience from the start explore the resources below and watch our webinar on "How to Get Experience When You Don't Have Experience."

Extracurricular Activities

  • Events, Webinars, Seminars

    Participate in events such as the IE Careers Forum, TECHie Conference, company presentations, and recruitment events, and stay up to date by checking IE Connects every week.

  • IE University Labs

    Labs are IE University’s alternative to traditional work placements which provide hands-on, internship-like experience on campus to students that wish to start gaining professional experience.

    Some examples are the Tech Lab, Innovation Lab, Startup Lab, and Marketing Lab. For further information, visit the web: ieulabs.ie.edu or send an e-mail to: labs.university@ie.edu

  • Virtual Work Experience Programs

    • Forage: this virtual platform gives students the chance to experience what it’s like to work in a range of world-leading companies remotely and gain practical skills to add to their CVs.
    • Extern: IE has partnered with Extern, a leading professional development platform, for this newly launched initiative. The Externship Program offers exclusive part-time, remote professional opportunities in each edition for students in their final year of one of these specialized bachelor's or master's programs. Students will collaborate online with global companies, gaining hands-on experience and valuable industry insights.

  • Young Corporate Program

    For first-year single-degree and second-year dual-degree students interested in gaining real-world corporate experience from an early stage and for the entire duration of their degree. The YCP General Program Path typically includes the following activities: company insight, mentoring, shadowing, internship, and the final thesis, but every company can tailor it in a different way. Get more info.

  • IE Student Clubs

    The main ones related to Tech are the Big Data & AI Club, Technology & Innovation Club, Coding Club, Robotic Club, and the Google Developer Students Club. For further information, visit the web or send an e-mail to: campus.life@ie.edu

  • Networking

    Networking with IE Alumni via LinkedIn and IE Generations, to gain insight into a company of interest. For tips on how to find alumni and how to reach out to them, check out our guide on Networking with IE Alumni on LinkedIn.

  • Talent & Careers Communications

    Make sure to check out opportunities promoted in our Talent & Careers Newsletter sent to you by email. It's our top source to share all the latest career-related events and opportunities.

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Application & Recruitment Process

WHERE TO APPLY

Here is a list of just a few tech companies, grouped by company type: Top Tech, Unicorns, Scale-ups, and Startups. Explore their careers pages to discover internship opportunities, graduate programs, and entry-level positions.

Careers Webpages of Different Tech Companies

JOB SEARCH ENGINES

PLATFORM WHAT YOU'LL FIND COVERAGE
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/jobs 		Professional network with rich job search, recruiter outreach and referrals for tech roles everywhere. Global
JobTeaser
jobteaser.com 		Campus-focused platform with internships and graduate jobs across Europe, widely used by Spanish universities. Europe
Indeed
indeed.com (country-specific) 		The world's largest job aggregator. The domain ending changes by country: indeed.com for the US, indeed.es for Spain, indeed.fr for France, and so on. Swap the ending to match the market you are targeting. Global
BuiltIn
builtin.com 		Tech-focused board for startups and tech companies, strong on engineering, data and product roles across major hubs. US (tech)
Hiring.cafe
hiring.cafe 		Fast, filter-rich aggregator that pulls listings straight from company career pages worldwide. Global
Wellfound
wellfound.com/jobs 		Startup-focused platform (formerly AngelList Talent) with internships and early-career roles at venture-backed companies. Global (startups)
beWanted
bewanted.com 		Madrid-based talent pools that match students and recent graduates with first jobs and internships. Spain + LATAM
InfoJobs
infojobs.net 		Spain's leading general job board, with high volume across tech and entry-level positions. Spain
HigherEd (EFMD)
IE login instructions (PDF) 		Business-school career portal offering international internships and graduate programs through EFMD member schools. The link opens IE's login instructions for the portal. Global
Recruiting Erasmus
recruitingerasmus.com 		Connects multilingual students and graduates with companies recruiting international young talent. Europe
Bright Network
brightnetwork.co.uk 		Graduate network with internships, schemes and early-career tech roles, UK-centred with European reach. UK + Europe
Studentjob.es
studentjob.es 		Spanish board dedicated to student jobs, internships and first roles. Spain
Talentoteca.es
talentoteca.es 		Spanish platform aggregating internships and junior openings from companies and partners. Spain
Trabajando.com
trabajando.com 		Job portal covering Spain and Latin America with internship and entry-level sections. Spain + LATAM
Universia
universia.net 		University-linked network with internships, scholarships and graduate opportunities across the Spanish-speaking world. Spain + LATAM

Extra tips for your applications

  • Create a “target list” of the companies you're interested in, check the requirements and, if applicable, apply directly through their career websites.
  • Referral program: some tech companies have a referral program, which is a deliberate recruitment strategy rewarding staff for referring suitable and qualified candidates from their pool of contacts. Learn more about getting a referral with T&C's support here.

Use Talent & Careers resources:

  • Careers Newsletter: A weekly or monthly email from Talent & Careers featuring events, competitions, networking opportunities, internships, job offers, and more.
  • IE Career Portal: Talent & Careers' job platform, where you can upload your CV and apply for opportunities with companies looking to hire IE students.
  • Careers Forum: Held twice a year (every fall and spring), along with other recruitment events organized both virtually and on campus. Stay up to date by checking IE Connects for upcoming events.
  • Weekly Talent & Careers Workshops: Attend sessions designed to help you prepare your application materials and succeed throughout the recruitment process.

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STEPS OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

As soon as you’ve been invited to an interview, reach out to your Career Coach for interview resources and advice to help you through the process. Below, you can see a general overview of key points during the recruitment process.

Highly Recommended: Technical Interview PreparationHere, you'll find a curated collection of resources grouped by topic to help you strengthen your technical skills, practice interview questions, and build confidence. Simply click on each resource name to access it directly.

Recruitment Process

  • 1. ONLINE APPLICATION

    First of all, you need to prepare your application package (CV, Cover Letter, LinkedIn Profile) in the best way possible.

    Remember that you always need to tailor your CV and Cover Letter based on the job description of the vacancy you are going to apply for.

    We have different resources to help you boost your application materials. Check your Career Development Training on Blackboard and, of course, contact your Career Advisor!

    • Use the IE CV Template (also in your CDT).
    • Upload the document to VMock for an automatic feedback. And remember, the CV needs to be a maximum of one-page long!
    • Use the IE Cover Letter Template and watch this webinar. Once it's ready, share with us the document for a final review!
    • Boost your LinkedIn profile by checking it through VMock: LinkedIn Optimization. Again, you can always contact us for a final review.
    • Attend one of our CV Workshops. Usually hosted every Tuesday, check availability on IE Connects and register!

  • 2. APTITUDE TEST / ONLINE ASSESSMENT

    It’s common for companies to ask you to complete an online aptitude or technical assessment as part of their recruitment process. These tests can vary depending on the company, sector, and function. For extra practice on these assessments, see the following resources below.

    • JobTestPrep
    • Aptitude Tests
    • Watch this useful webinar to get more insights about Online Assessments
    • You can also do your research online (the web is plenty of aptitude tests.

  • 3. VIDEO INTERVIEW

    Video interviews are becoming a common part of the recruitment process as some companies use this step for the first screening of candidates. They can either analyze the videos manually or choose to analyze them using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    AI analyzes and scores verbal and non-verbal content – i.e. what you say and how you say it. It uses speech and facial recognition technology to track and assess your choice of words – i.e. use of powerful and desirable keywords along with your eye and facial movements, your body language, your tone and your intonation.

    Check these links:

    • VMock Elevator Pitch for Video Interviews: this tool helps you practice your minute-long Elevator Pitch and uses AI to give you specific feedback for improvement. Read this guide to learn how to use it and access it through vMock.
    • If you have LinkedIn Premium, you can also use this link.

  • 4. HR INTERVIEW

    The style of this interview may vary depending on the recruitment process of the company. In general, the following topics may be explored:

    • Overview of the company and the position: Be sure to research the company website and the position. Understand the company’s mission and goals, recent developments or news, and how these align with you. Tech companies seek candidates who are enthusiastic about the company’s culture and mission.
    • Motivation: Think about the following questions: Why are you interested in the company? Why are you interested in this position?
    • Competency-based: These kinds of interview questions will focus on understanding your soft skills and how you applied them in past situations. Make sure you prepare concrete examples of past situations where you demonstrated and applied key soft skills relevant to the role. For these questions, use the STAR Method to help structure your responses.
    • Technical questions: In general, people working in HR will not have a technical background. However, they may ask some general technical questions related to the job description. Make sure to prepare a few examples that demonstrate your technical skill set (e.g., projects you’ve worked on, times when you applied a technical skill in a previous internship or academic setting to produce results, etc.).
    • Additional Details: Your willingness to relocate, availability, and salary expectations.

    Check the following materials to get very well prepared for this step:

    Once you're prepared, you can also join our Interview Preparation Session to perform a simulation of your next HR interview. Check the availability and register through IE Connects.

    And of course, let us know when you have a HR interview as we can provide you with even more tips!

  • 5. TECHNICAL AND/OR CASE INTERVIEW

    This is one of the last steps of the recruitment process and it's useful for the companies to test your technical knowledge and experience. It can be (one of the two or both):

    • A Case Study: access CaseCoach to practice! Also, remember that this is a very common step in Consulting. Please check out the Consulting Professional Guide for more details on case interviews.
    • A Technical interview with the Dept. Manager. It is very important to be very well updated on the area of the company. Tell us about this step as we can study the possibility to give you access to a Mock Interview with a technical advisor.

    Remember to ask interesting questions when given the opportunity. This can be something that can make the difference between you and another candidate!

    You should review our Technical Interview Preparation guide for additional resources.

  • 6. ASSESSMENT CENTERS

    Assessment Centers may evaluate your candidacy through interviews, tests and group dynamics. Read this document and watch this webinar to learn more.

PROCESS FOR SOME SPECIFIC TECH COMPANIES

Below you can find more details on how to apply, the recruitment process, and tips for interview preparation for the following companies:

Amazon
How We Hire 		Google
Interview Tips 		LinkedIn Meta
Salesforce MuleSoft Microsoft
Interview Tips 		TikTok
Shopify
Start Your Journey 		Snowflake Infosys Celonis
Glovo
Yellow Book 		Pinterest
Candidate Hub

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Alumni in the Tech Sector

These links showcase IE alumni thriving in the tech sector. They provide valuable insights into their career journeys and the skills they developed at IE. Enjoy exploring!

More stories at drivinginnovation.ie.edu

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work behind the scenes at TikTok? Alexandra Martinez Molinello, a Dual Degree in Business Administration + Laws student at IE University, spent her summer interning at TikTok’s Madrid office!

In our latest #DrivingInnovation article, Alexandra shares her exciting journey, the lessons she learned, and the challenges she faced while working at one of the world’s leading tech companies. From pitching to major brands to supporting content creators, she gained invaluable experience that will shape her future career.

Check out the full story here.

More Alumni Stories

Alicia Clara Rojas
at Amazon Web Services
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Lukas Macner
at LinkedIn
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Eduardo Gonzalez Canal
at Wayra
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Tess de Gregorio
at Google (New York City)
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Luis Martinez de Carvajal
at Cisco and Google
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Daniel Ricardo
at MongoDB (Dublin)
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Philippine Domange
at Salesforce (Dublin)
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Matheus Paro
at Amazon (London)
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Manuela Gómez Kure
at Global Savings Group (Madrid)
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Alumni Testimonials from the Career Reports

Career Report 2024

Career Report 2024

Career Report 2024

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Additional Resources

Open Office Hours For Tech
The first Tuesday of each month, online during the academic year, at 11:30–12:30 and 16:00–17:30. Connect through the following Zoom link at any time during these hours.

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