Tech and Data Science

The tech and data science industry utilizes computing to create, store, exchange, and leverage information using hardware, software, services and infrastructure. Further, the data science field has evolved over the last two decades. According to IBM, it "combines math and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with specific subject matter expertise to uncover actionable insights hidden in an organization's data."

This industry is a rapidly growing one, with job opportunities within and outside the United States which span across engineering disciplines. The top five states for firms in the industry include California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Virginia.

While tech and data science makeup an entire industry, nearly every employment sector has a need for IT professionals which makes up a large percentage of technology jobs.

Industry summary sourced from FirstHand Vault Guide and IBM Topics article.

RECRUITING TIMELINE

Depending on the type of employer and the role, recruitment timelines vary. Governmental organizations, large companies, and manufacturers recruit most heavily in the fall for positions starting in the spring or summer. Opportunities still exist beyond the fall but are often more niche opportunities with smaller companies. Additionally, companies will hire throughout the year depending on the needs and demands of their projects or government contracts.

Seek opportunities to connect with employers at fall events such as the fall Engineering Career Fair, as well as at employer table talks, employer-in-residence, Ask Alumni Anything chats and student organization meetings. Search for posted opportunities on Handshake and other sources referenced below.

Internships + Co-ops

With sample hiring organizations and companies recruiting through

• Engineering Career Fairs & Industry Days
• Handshake job platform

Meet with an Engineering Career Coach for more information about accessing opportunities + strategizing your search for co-ops, internships, research, and more.

Screening & Security Clearance

Some roles within the data and tech industry require screening for specific qualifications, particularly those associated with military, space, and government contracts. Following the interview process, candidates are often offered a conditional job offer that is subject to completion of a suitability and security clearance process, designed to examine your life history to measure your loyalty to the United States, strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, and soundness of judgment. The security clearance process is lengthy and previously obtained clearances make full-time candidates even more desirable. Be mindful of how your behaviors and online presence and interactions can impact your candidacy for roles within this field.

Technical Interviews

Technical interviews present the interviewee with a problem or case to solve. Your answer is not as important as your analysis of the problem and how you communicate your approach. Resources include AU Alumni in the Industry, HackerRank, TopCoder, Cracking the Coding Interview, and Programming Interviews Exposed.

ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY

• Allyson McKinney, '16 Electrical | Co-Founder & CEO | Solopulse
• Brad Cink, '12 Industrial & Systems | Director of Strategic Partnerships | Nuro, Inc.
• Chad DePue, '97 Computer Science | Co-Founder & CEO | Unusual Circumstances
• Emily Traylor, '10 & '21 Wireless & MBA | Director of Data and Cybersecurity | Fullsteam
• Darryl Trousdale, '87 Mechanical | Senior Manager of Torch Advanced VIZLAB | Torch Technologies
• Jerry Carter, '95 & '97 Computer Science | VP of Engineering | Dell Technologies
• Jeremy Woods, '16 Software Engineering | Senior Software Engineer | Google
• Peter Chamberlin, '81 Mechanical | Director - Alliances | Digitate
• Rose-Gaelle Belinga, '09 Software Engineering | Vice President | Morgan Stanley
• Sean Cook, '05, '06 Software Engineering & Computer Science | Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer | Exer Labs, Inc.
• Taric Jain, '19 Computer Science | Senior Software Engineer | Panacea Biotec

You can access alumni such as these to learn about career paths, skills for the industry, and build your network through LinkedIn. Create an account and build your profile, then search for Auburn alumni by major, company, location, or other criteria on the Auburn University LinkedIn page. Chat with an Engineering Career Coach on strategies for networking and reaching out to connect.