In brief
The technology sector is increasingly attracting LSE graduates, providing a range of dynamic and innovative working environments and the opportunity to develop sought after skills. More and more organisations are accepting applications from graduates across all academic disciplines for roles within data and IT, opening up new career paths for LSE students with a passion for technology and analytics.
The growing trend for both private and public sector organisations to apply data analytics to business decision making is also a key influencer on graduate labour market trends. With the adoption of new technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing, highly analytical graduates with strong quantitative skills, are actively sought by employers.
Where can you work?
- Technology focused companies – range from global giants such as Microsoft, Google and IBM to fintech and health tech start-ups, with a huge range of IT and data focused organisations of varying sizes in between. When researching employers in this area, investigate the purpose and function of an organisation: for example, does it provide IT services to others, e.g. SAP and Hewlett Packard; offer consultancy and advisory support, e.g. CapGemini or Gartner; or develop new innovations in technology, e.g. Google and Apple? Which would suit you best?
- Large IT focused companies –such as IBM and Microsoft, offer a range of specific technical and business focused graduate schemes.
- Companies with large IT functions – including organisations across sectors such as finance and banking, business and government. Often run an ‘in-house’ graduate IT scheme as one option within a range of graduate programmes.
- Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) – while the larger employers often have a higher profile, the majority of tech focused roles are advertised by SMEs (organisations with fewer than 250 employees). For example, the digital start up scene in London is currently flourishing and there are plenty of ‘meet ups’ and networking events, such as Silicon Milkroundabout, taking place to help companies and entrepreneurs engage with potential employees.
What’s changing in the sector?
This is a sector defined by continuous change and innovation. The recent focus on big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things gives an indication of the importance and impact of technological change on societies, economies and the labour market.
The recent explosion in fintech (financial technology) companies, facilitated by developments in Blockchain technology, has created a new occupational area for LSE students to consider. It also demonstrates the rapid pace in which technological innovation is shaping the careers landscape for graduates. In job descriptions for graduate roles across the sector, innovation and creativity are increasingly required alongside technical skills. This is a field in which adaptability and openness to change is highly valued.
Useful Websites
CareerHub – jobs board targeting LSE students, including events and networking opportunities.
Jobs websites with a focus on IT and data
Indeed IT graduate jobs
Milkround IT graduate jobs
IT graduate jobs
For internship opportunities in start ups
Work in Startups - internship opportunities
Online learning sites providing courses in technical skills including coding, programming etc.
Code Academy
Udemy
Udacity
Hack Design
Mijingo
A useful listing for hackathons in London
Hackathons in London