Tech Recruiting
Interested in breaking into tech? Considering a field like software engineering, data science, quantitative finance or product management? If so, then we have some tips to help you position yourself to succeed in the upcoming 24-25 recruiting season.
Application Timelines
While it is too early to highlight specific application deadlines, the general hiring timeline for the tech industry starts in late summer and extends through the fall. Often financial service organizations and prop trading groups will hire for technical roles including quantitative trader/researcher roles in an earlier summer timeframe. “Big Tech” employers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon tend to open applications in early fall, but it can vary so it is recommended to check company websites frequently and set up Google alerts. Like this past year, we anticipate a focus on intern hiring among big tech with the goal of converting intern hires to full-time. Many other tech employers will hire in the fall and will be on campus for our Technology, Science and Data Fair on Friday, September 27. While most established companies will recruit early, students can find opportunities in tech across industries including finance, media, and government. There is also a lot of tech hiring at startup organizations, which tend to do more “just-in-time” hiring. We hold the Harvard Startup Career Fair in the spring semester to highlight these later hiring timelines.
Application Prep
- See the MCS resume & cover letter page for resources, including MCS resume templates. Reference the MCS Tech Resume template.
- Have your resume or cover letter reviewed by an advisor when drop-ins resume in the fall Monday-Friday from 1-4pm. See the “Talk to an Advisor” portion of our website for more information.
Referrals and Making Connections
Tech companies sometimes incentivize current employees to recommend or refer candidates for open roles. However, getting a referral may not be as impactful on your application as it has been in the past. Companies such as Google and Amazon will accept referrals, but the feedback from recruiters is that they are most impactful if the person knows you well and can speak to your technical skillset and experience. Whether or not you have an existing connection, talking to someone at the organization to which you plan to apply helps to provide insight into opportunities and prepare you for the application and interview process. To pursue a referral or build a new connection, start by setting up a career conversation with an alum, fellow student, or other professional. You can utilize the resources below:
Tech Interview Prep
- What is it? The technical interview usually involves solving problem-based coding challenges in a programming language of your choice, while being evaluated by an engineer. For software engineering, this is mainly data structures and algorithms based. Other technical roles, like product management, data science and quant finance will have different types technical assessment.
- What are they looking for? They are trying to assess your technical knowledge as well as your reasoning and analytic skills.
- How do I prepare? We recommend practicing over the summer both on your own and with friends, and alumni.
- Review the MCS Technical Interview Prep resource to find recommended resources categorized by technical role.
- Sign up for a mock interview with an alum in MCS Firsthand Advisors.
- Prep with Big Interview—Review expert video lessons with AI-based virtual practice interview tools, record mock interviews with instant AI feedback
Special Programs
There are some tech programs designed for first year and sophomore students who have less computer science coursework and/or technical experience. Read more about these special programs on the MCS Technical Internships for First Years and Sophomores resource. For more information about the product management internships and entry level programs, check out the APM list. We also recommend you review our blogs recapping recent alumni panels discussing various technical career paths. And stay tuned for new versions of these programs in fall 2024!
- Data Science and AI Career Pathways
- Mapping the Product: Career Pathways in Product Management
- Quantifying Quant Finance Careers
Review the recording of the Tech Recruiting Job & Internship Success webinar for more detailed information. For updates as well as tips to prepare for the recruiting process, be sure to update your Email Preferences. Under “Build Career Skills”, select “Engage with Employers” to join the Recruiting and Employer email list.
