Technology
Despite a robust job market for careers in the technology field, securing an internship or full-time position is a very competitive undertaking that will require a commitment on your part: commitment of time in your busy schedule, as well as quality of effort.
There are many paths to a rewarding career in technology. Some of you will pursue a career with a large enterprise or a start-up, while others may prefer small community-based employment.
The best ways to affirm your career interests are to speak with others who have experience with the career roles you are exploring (family members, friends, alumni) and to do internships involving the knowledge and skill sets generally required in those career roles.
Areas of Focus
- Software Development/Engineering
- Data Science and Data Analytics
- AI and Machine learning
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
- Robotics
- All non-technical career roles within the tech industry, e.g., product management, program management, project management, digital marketing and advertising, finance
Technology is changing faster than ever, and these trends are reshaping how we learn, work, and build our careers. Understanding these developments now can help you make informed decisions about the skills you develop, the internships you pursue, and the industries you explore. Deloitte Tech Trends 2026 Report highlights the below.
1-AI is Moving Into the Physical World. Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to chatbots and virtual assistants.
Why this matters for students:
Whether you’re studying engineering, healthcare, business, design, communications, or the arts, you’ll likely work alongside AI-powered technologies. Understanding how humans and intelligent machines collaborate will become an important workplace skill.
2 -AI Agents Will Become Digital Coworkers. The next generation of AI isn’t just answering questions—it can complete projects, analyze information, coordinate multiple tasks, and make decisions. These AI systems, often called AI agents, are beginning to function like digital coworkers. AI handles routine and repetitive work.
Why this matters for students:
Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who know how to work effectively with AI. Learning how to write effective prompts, evaluate AI-generated content, and supervise AI tools will become valuable career skills regardless of your major.
3-The Technology Behind AI is Becoming More Important. As AI becomes part of everyday business, organizations must build stronger technology infrastructure to support it. This includes faster computers, cloud computing, secure data systems, and energy-efficient data centers. While many people focus on AI applications like ChatGPT, companies also need professionals who understand the systems that make AI possible.
Why this matters for students:
Students interested in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, data analytics, engineering, and business technology will find growing opportunities to help organizations build and manage AI infrastructure.
4 -Organizations Are Being Redesigned Around AI. Many organizations are discovering that simply adding AI to existing jobs isn’t enough. Instead, they’re redesigning workflows, creating new roles, and changing how teams collaborate. Future workplaces will combine human employees with AI tools and AI agents to improve productivity and solve problems more efficiently.
Why this matters for students:
Career success will depend on adaptability. Employers increasingly value graduates who are curious, comfortable learning new technologies, and willing to continuously develop new skills throughout their careers.
5 -Cybersecurity Is More Important Than Ever. As organizations adopt AI, they must also protect sensitive data, secure AI systems, and defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Why this matters for students:
Regardless of your career path, understanding digital privacy, responsible AI use, and cybersecurity best practices will be an essential professional skill.
Students don’t need to become AI experts overnight. Instead, focus on becoming an adaptable lifelong learner who understands how to use AI responsibly while continuing to develop the uniquely human skills that technology cannot replace.
Top Resources and Opportunities
On-Campus Resources
Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, startups, creative problem-solving, or building technical skills? Middlebury offers a wide range of opportunities to help you explore ideas, gain experience, and connect with mentors and collaborators.
The Innovation Hub supports students across disciplines, whether you want to launch a startup, work in tech, develop a project, strengthen your leadership skills, or simply explore new ways of thinking and creating.
You do not need to identify as an entrepreneur to get involved.
Learn more about programs, advising, and opportunities through the Innovation Hub.
In addition to the resources accessible through Handshake, check out various events, programs, and resources to help you navigate your career exploration and development path on this pathway page.
The Innovation Hub connects students with advisors, mentors, alumni, and industry professionals who can help you:
- Explore ideas and career paths
- Develop projects and ventures
- Practice pitching and public speaking
- Build leadership and collaboration skills
- Navigate internships and innovation opportunities
Students can also access public speaking and presentation coaching through Oratory Now.
Students can also take advantage of spaces designed for innovation, collaboration, and project development, including:
- The Innovation Hub at 132 Blinn Lane
- Old Stone Mill creative incubator space
These spaces bring together students from different interests and disciplines to experiment, create, and build ideas together.
Other Resources
Career pathways are an individually determined journey. This document is intended to delineate several of the traditional career pathways for students interested in technical roles within organizations across industries, e.g., software engineering and data analytics, as well as non-technical roles in the tech industry, e.g., product management, project management, etc., and can be a helpful tool for you to determine and design your first destination strategies and tactics. Contained in the Campus to Career Primer are:
- Typical Career Roles and Pathways that may be relevant to CSCI and Math majors/disciplines; Three Stages in the Campus to Career Pathway; Resources for students during their career exploration process; and CCI Career Exploration Modules.
- Shelly Palmer – Explore insights on tech, media, marketing, and data science. Recommended by an alum.
- TechGuide – Learn about tech roles, degrees, and certifications.
