Professional Guide
This guide serves as your roadmap to a successful career, providing the resources and knowledge needed to take proactive steps toward your future.
This Tech Guide has been designed to guide you through the specificities of the Technology Sector:
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.
It is a huge sector that embraces a vast array of sub-sectors. However, we can classify them into four main industries:
Below you can find some of the main roles demanded in the Tech sector.
If you would like to develop the necessary skills for a specific job role, know more about top companies to apply to and understand how to make an outstanding CV, please check out the recommendations below:
NON-TECHNICAL ROLES
TECHNICAL ROLES
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 in building a focused and intentional job search strategy.
Remember, landing the right opportunity takes effort, persistence, and planning, treat it like a job in itself. The more intentional you are with your targets, the better positioned you'll be to identify roles, prepare for interviews and connect with professionals in the field.
To do so:
For all the companies on your list, identify the following:
Once you have the target list, expand your research. You can download this spreadsheet and fill it out! This will help you get started on your internship/job search and start preparing for the application process, by tracking all the opportunities you are going to apply for.
Graduate Programs (relevant for different sectors)
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.
Watch the following video for more information about Graduate Programs. You may also find more info on the companies offering Graduate Programs here.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Tech Company?
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.
Below see what tech companies usually look for in a candidate:
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Below you can see what are the main technical and soft skills that tech companies look for in a candidate:
CERTIFICATIONS AND COURSES
These are the main certifications currently required by Tech Companies:
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.
COURSES
This is your moment to apply the knowledge acquired in the previous sections and boost your applications.
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, as well as virtual internships that offer flexibility and practical exposure. 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."
Participate in Events, Webinars, Seminars
IE Careers Forum, TECHie Conference, Company Presentations, and Recruitment Events: keep yourself updated by checking IE Connects on a weekly basis.
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
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. Check out more info here.
Join relevant 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
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.
Here is a list of just a few tech companies divided by company type: Top Tech, Unicorns and ScaleUps and Startups. Check out their career webpages to explore internship opportunities, graduate programs and entry-level positions.
Top Tech Companies
Unicorns and ScaleUps
Startups
INTERNSHIPS AND ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS WORLDWIDE:
INTERNSHIPS AND ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS IN SPAIN:
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.
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!
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.
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:
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:
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):
Practice of coding challenges:
- topcoder.com
- nuwe.io
Remember to ask interesting questions when given the opportunity. This can be something that can make the difference between you and another candidate!
6. ASSESSMENT CENTERS
Below you can find more details on how to apply, the recruitment process, and tips for interview preparation for the following companies:
AMAZON | GOOGLE | LINKEDIN | META | SALESFORCE | MULESOFT | MICROSOFT | TIKTOK | SHOPIFY | SNOWFLAKE | INFOSYS | CELONIS | GLOVO/GLOVO Yellow book
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.
IEU 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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