Technology, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence

From software engineering and app development to data science and artificial intelligence, these rapidly evolving fields offer a wide range of career opportunities across industries. Whether you’re interested in building systems, analyzing data, or designing user experiences, there’s a path for you. 

Key Technical Areas: 

  • Software Engineering & Development – Build and maintain scalable software systems
  • Data Science & Analytics – Use data to uncover insights and inform decision-making
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Develop intelligent systems that learn and adapt
  • Mobile & Web Development – Create responsive, user-friendly digital experiences
  • Product Management & UX/UI Design – Shape the strategy and usability of tech products

Finding Internships

Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, which you can develop through: 

  • Coursework and academic projects
  • Hackathons and coding competitions
  • Independent or open-source contributions
  • Industry internships at startups or big tech companies 

Tip: While many large companies focus on juniors for internships, some also offer early engagement programs for first- and second-year students to explore tech career paths. 

Finding Jobs

For technical roles, employers typically look for: 

  • Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++) 
  • Familiarity with operating systems and development tools 
  • Strong problem-solving and algorithmic thinking 

Some roles, such as data science or AI engineering, require specialized skills like statistical modeling or machine learning. Technical skills will often be assessed during the application process, usually through a technical interview. 

There are also many non-technical roles in tech companies, including: 

  • Marketing 
  • Human Resources 
  • Business Development

Graduate and Professional Programs

Considering graduate school? Your decision may depend on your long-term goals: 

  • Ph.D. Programs – Best suited for academic or research-focused careers.
  • Professional Master’s Degrees – Ideal for building specialized skills in areas like AI, data science, or cybersecurity. 

While not required for most entry-level roles, advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and open doors to more specialized opportunities.  

Employers Hiring in Tech, Data, & AI:

Many companies across industries are actively hiring for roles in technology, data analytics, and AI. Examples include: 

  • Tech & AI: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, NVIDIA, OpenAI, IBM
  • Finance & Consulting: JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, BCG 
  • Biotech & Healthcare: Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Flatiron Health 
  • Startups & Innovation: Stripe, Databricks, Hugging Face, Perplexity, Scale AI 
  • Government & Research: NASA, Department of Defense, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, MITRE 

How Can Engineers Break into Tech Policy?

Curious about careers at the intersection of tech and public policy? This firsthand reflection from a former security engineer turned TechCongress intern breaks down what tech policy really looks like—how to find your niche, build expertise, write with confidence, and …

By Guest or External Blog
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Harvard Undergraduate Technology Innovation Fellows Program Application Open!

Are you interested in startups and entrepreneurship? Are you a “builder?” Do you want to take classes at Harvard Business School and learn from top professors in entrepreneurship? Learn more about the Harvard Undergraduate Technology Innovation Fellows Program! 

Made …

By Meaghan Shea
Meaghan Shea Assistant Director, Technology, Data Analytics, Life & Physical Sciences & Entrepreneurship
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4 things to know about the Startup Fair (Friday, Feb 13 1-4pm ET @ the Harvard i-Lab)

Most MCS in-person career fairs follow a similar format: employers host booths, and students circulate to speak with representatives. This makes it easy to compare opportunities and meet potential colleagues. You’ll see this setup at the February Startup Fair; but …

By Deb Carroll
Deb Carroll Executive Director, Mignone Center for Career Success
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Transitioning to Product Management

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The Data Science of Healthcare, Medicine, and Public Health

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