Global IT spending reached ~$5.5T in 2025 and is projected to grow ~10% in 2026, with Data Center Systems and AI Software leading growth. The sector is being reshaped not just by new technology, but by how that technology is applied — making business acumen as valuable as technical depth.

Today's tech players blend platforms, enterprise solutions, and specialized services. Traditional segments are converging, making adaptable hybrid profiles increasingly attractive to employers.

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.

You do not need to be an engineer to break into tech. But you do need to demonstrate that you understand how tech works and that you are actively building that knowledge. Certifications signal commitment and provide a common language with employers.

Following layoffs and restructuring in 2022–2023, the tech sector stabilized by mid-2025. Early 2026 saw another round of targeted reductions as companies continued optimizing around AI, but overall hiring is growing modestly and concentrating in high-value areas.

Landing the right opportunity takes effort, persistence, and planning — treat it like a job itself. The more intentional you are with your targets, the better positioned you will be to identify roles, prepare for interviews, and connect with the right people.

Start by deciding what type of company suits you:

• Start-up: dynamic, fast-paced, high ownership, less structure, potentially equity
• Scale-up: still fast-moving, more resources, processes solidifying, clear growth paths
• Established company: structured programs, global mobility, stronger brand for your CV

For each company on your list, identify:

• The sub-sector they belong to
• Two potential roles you would like to apply to
• One tech trend the company is actively using or responding to (use this in your interview)
• Employee and interview feedback on Glassdoor and Wikijob

Use this Application Tracker spreadsheet to stay organized.

• Company websites — bookmark career pages of your target list and monitor for new postings
• LinkedIn, Indeed, Bewanted — set job alerts for your target roles and locations
• Referral programs: IE alumni, personal contacts…

Graduate Programs directory: iegraduateprograms-edu.com

70–80% of offers come from referrals and networking. Here is how to tap into that:

• Network with IE Alumni via LinkedIn: connect before you see a job posted, ask for insights
• Attend IE events: Careers Forum, TECHie Conference, Tech and Innovation Day, etc.
• Reach out to hiring managers directly on LinkedIn — not just HR

Use the IE CV Template:

• Customize your CV to each internship/job
• Sign up on Vmock with your IE student email and aim for a 75%+ score before contacting your Career Advisor
• Keep it to 1 page maximum
• Upload to the <a href="https://ie.12twenty.com/Login" style="color:#000066;" target="_blank"><b>IE Career Portal</b></a> once your CV is approved

Many tech companies use online aptitude tests (psychometric, numerical, reasoning) and technical assessments for more technical roles. Prepare in advance — do not wait until you receive the invitation.

JobTestPrep (IE-sponsored, 1 year free access): jobtestprep.co.uk/ieu-privacy-policy

• Accept privacy terms and enter code: <b>IEMADRID2026-1F477756</b>
• Register with your IE email (XXX@ie.edu)
• Search by company, test provider, or test type

Case study practice (IE-sponsored, free): CaseCoach Interview Prep — sign up with @ie.edu, coupon code: CIN-ICWX0M

Coding practice: TopCoder  |  HireVue practice: practice.hirevue.com

Video interviews — including AI-analyzed ones — are standard in tech hiring. AI tools assess verbal and non-verbal cues: word choice, tone, eye movement, body language, and consistency.

Preparation guide: Video Interview AI Algorithms — How to Get a Yes (Hilt)

How recruitment works in tech: Watch video

Most tech interviews combine fit/motivation questions with behavioral/competency questions. Some roles also include case studies or technical assessments.

• Structure all behavioral answers using the <b>STAR method</b>: Situation &rarr; Task &rarr; Action &rarr; Result
• Interview Preparation Guidance (IE doc)
• Practice with a mock interview: ask your Career Advisor to connect you with a professional in your field
• Research the company&#39;s latest news, tech trends, and products before every interview

Top Global Tech Companies

Unicorns & Scale-ups

These companies often have more flexible hiring processes, offer high ownership from day one, and are where many IE juniors land first roles:

Startups — IE Ecosystem

Talent & Careers Tools

IE Career Portal (12Twenty): ie.12twenty.com/Login — upload your CV and apply to opportunities

IE Connects (events): ieconnects.ie.edu/events — check weekly for networking and recruiting events