Is a Career in Technology Right for Me, and What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
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Careers in tech are highly innovative, ever-evolving, and fast-paced, making the industry an ideal destination for eager and driven professionals.
Technology has long stood as one of the most popular industries for business school graduates. According to the 2025 GMAC Prospective Students Survey, 39% of business school hopefuls aim to land a role in the tech space after graduation—this rises to 45% among millennial men.
Tech’s popularity is a product of the dynamic opportunities it can offer to work on cutting-edge innovations that shape the world, along with the potential to earn competitive salaries and achieve rapid career growth.
Yet, while a career in tech can be fulfilling it can also be demanding—often requiring long hours and intense workloads.
So, how do you know if you should apply for a tech role? And what skills do you need to acquire before entering the industry?
What are the Pros and Cons of a Career in Technology?
The diversity of roles available in the tech industry means there's opportunities for professionals across a range of functions. From typical post-business school positions like product management, business development, and financial roles, to less conventional paths such as AI engineering and blockchain development, the options are vast and continue to expand as technology evolves.
MBA graduates looking to enter the sector can expect to land particularly high-paying roles. For example, Amazon’s MBA Pathways Operations Manager position reports total compensation of around $220k. With such offers available, it’s clear to see why so many business school students are eager to break into the industry. For those fortunate enough to land a job at a Big Tech firm such as Apple or Amazon, employee benefits are also often extensive—ranging from unlimited annual leave to access to on-site well-being facilities. Characterized by rapid change and development, tech is an attractive career route for ambitious professionals ready to embrace change and work at the forefront of innovation. "One of the benefits with tech is that it's never the same thing; it's always changing—so even if you end up doing the same thing or you're in the same role for 20 years, what you get to work on in that time will change because of the way the tech sector evolves," explains Dami Alajogun, product manager at Microsoft and graduate of the Harvard Business School MBA. However, like any industry, a career in tech also comes with its challenges. Career progression in tech is highly meritocratic, emphasizing performance and skills development. This can be perceived as either a pro or a con—many may relish this environment, while for others, the lack of a rigid, hierarchical structure may be unappealing. Those working in the tech industry may also report high levels of stress due to long working hours, heavy workloads, and a high-pressure atmosphere. Though, these factors are generally more present in other key post-business industries such as finance and consulting. Crucially, for those averse to risk, working in tech may not be a strong fit, with the sector often vulnerable to significant layoffs. For example, Microsoft laid off 10,000 staff in 2023 while a wave of headcount reductions swept the industry. And, more recently, language-learning app Duolingo offboarded 10% of its contractors in the wake of AI developments.
What are the Key Technical Skills for Tech Professionals Today?
The key skills required to work in the technology sector will depend on the specific role you seek; however, there are a few technical skills that are broadly in demand across much of the technology sector.
Many roles require tech professionals to work with large datasets, drawing actionable insights to help improve overall company performance and support more informed decision-making. As such, skills in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization are highly beneficial for success in the field.
"Data analytical skills are pretty much table stakes for most tech roles, particularly product manager roles,” says Wilson Darko, a Microsoft product manager with an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Aditi Nair, an MBA graduate from London Business School, currently working as a product strategy and operations manager at Rakuten Viber, also emphasizes the importance of this skill set:
“Data literacy… is the number one thing I tell all grads and interns to have, because technology is one of the most measurable businesses out there.”
Awareness of AI and machine learning is also becoming increasingly important across the board, as the technological landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Individuals joining the tech space should be able to demonstrate some level of understanding of emerging technologies. Doing so will also help future-proof their careers, ensuring longevity in the field.
While not essential for most roles, proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Java, as well as tools like Tableau, is also highly valued.
Are Soft Skills Like Communication Important for a Career in Tech?
While technical expertise is crucial, soft skills like communication play a key role in today’s fast-paced, collaborative tech environment. The combination of both soft and technical skills is what enables someone to truly thrive in the industry. Strong communication and leadership abilities are essential for managing relationships that often span a range of stakeholders and clients. Tech professionals—such as product or operations managers—are often expected to present product strategies, negotiate budgets, and manage teams effectively. “Be prepared for difficult conversations,” advises Vinni Gosain, head of product at ASOS.com and an MBA graduate from London Business School. “Working with multiple stakeholders, sometimes there can be an emotionally charged environment. You will be challenged on why you are making a certain decision or not making one.” In an industry that is consistently evolving with new innovations, such as AI, having an inquisitive mindset is fundamental to success. Tech professionals should stay one step ahead by keeping up to date with the latest news in their sector. Falling behind can be difficult to recover from, given the pace at which the industry evolves. In line with this, individuals entering the field need to be able to think on their feet and navigate technological disruption—an ability that 40% of recruiters say Gen Z business school graduates are already well known for, according to the latest GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey. Additionally, being able to think creatively can help tech professionals stand out, supporting innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in the industry.
Courses to Build Your Tech Skills
The types of courses you need to take to build your career in tech will depend entirely on where you are in your academic or professional journey. While certainly not a prerequisite, an MBA can be highly beneficial for ambitious professionals looking to enter the dynamic world of tech. The generalist degree helps provide the business acumen crucial for navigating the complex tech industry. The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University even offers a Technology Management Pathway as part of its MBA program, allowing students to focus more time on acquiring the necessary tech skills. Completing a tech-related master’s degree is also a route to consider for aspiring tech professionals. For example, Imperial Business School offers an MSc in Financial Technology, while Henley Business School offers an MSc in Digital Innovation. Both programs are designed to prepare students for various careers in technology, while Master in Management programs can prepare you to take on roles in areas such as product and program management. Alternatively, if you already hold a graduate degree, a specialist short course or certification from a well-respected institution can help you learn new tech-related skills or strengthen your existing ones. For example, Harvard Business School Online offers a Professional Certificate in Data Science, which teaches data visualization and data analysis, fundamental aspects of working in technology. For those looking to fill a specific skill gap, there are various targeted short courses available. LinkedIn Learning, for instance, offers numerous technology-focused courses, including Tech Trends, which provides a rundown of the latest developments in the industry. Whether you choose a master’s program or a free short course, be sure to do thorough research to ensure the course aligns with your career goals.
Not sure where to begin your journey in tech? We’ve curated a list of technology-focused business programs to help you get started through Advancery. Start your free trial to assess your strengths, get matched with the right programs, and compare options so you can take your next steps with confidence.
