The tech industry may appear as a glamorous sector to many observers, influenced by portrayals of Silicon Valley and media coverage of Big Tech. However, in reality, it is a diverse ecosystem encompassing various fields such as product development, marketing, strategy, business expansion, and data analysis. Breaking into this industry for professionals with non-STEM backgrounds often involves more than just learning to code; it requires understanding how to leverage existing experience, acquire relevant skills, and navigate a fiercely competitive job market.
A significant Bangladeshi community in the US is employed in the tech sector. Individuals from Bangladesh holding Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhDs in STEM fields typically find it easier to enter the industry directly compared to those with business backgrounds. For the latter group, obtaining an MBA from a reputable US university can be beneficial. An MBA provides access to on-campus recruitment opportunities and valuable networks. Lamia Aroni, who pursued business studies in Bangladesh before earning an MBA in the US and establishing a career in the American tech industry, emphasizes the high-risk, high-reward nature of the tech sector. She notes the intense competition in tech recruitment, citing recent industry layoffs that have displaced numerous capable professionals. With a surplus of experienced candidates available, employers currently hold the upper hand in the job market. Lamia also highlights that many US tech companies may not be familiar with Bangladeshi educational institutions and employers, making a globally recognized MBA advantageous for business graduates seeking credibility and progression into business or managerial roles within tech companies.
For mid-career professionals, an MBA serves not only as a qualification but also as a means to make a career transition more understandable to recruiters. Such transitions can revolve around three key aspects: geographical location, job function, and industry sector. Abreshmee Haque, who shares a similar career trajectory from business education in Bangladesh to an MBA and a tech career in the US, advises maintaining consistency in at least one of these dimensions. For Bangladeshis aspiring to relocate to the US, this may involve shifting job functions within the same industry (e.g., moving from data science to product management in tech) or changing industries while retaining the same function (e.g., transitioning from FMCG marketing to a tech marketing role). Highlighting the adaptability signal that an MBA conveys, Abreshmee notes that MBA graduates are often perceived as quick learners capable of navigating unfamiliar environments methodically.
When attempting to transition into the tech sector, prior work experience can be valuable but must be reframed to showcase transferable skills effectively. Candidates typically need to demonstrate how their previous roles have prepared them for the positions they are pursuing, unless they are seeking a similar role in a comparable organization. According to Abreshmee and Lamia, various technical and interpersonal skills can be effectively transferred to tech roles if presented strategically during the recruitment process.
Cross-functional collaboration is a crucial transferable skill required across various tech positions. Roles like marketing and product management emphasize interpersonal interactions and necessitate adept stakeholder management, particularly in product roles that entail close collaboration with engineers. Reflecting on her professional background, Lamia highlights her experience working predominantly in brand management at a multinational company, which provided ample opportunities to engage with stakeholders across the value chain, including creative agencies, sales teams, and supply chain partners. Abreshmee underscores another highly valued skill by tech recruiters: the ability to navigate uncertainty and manage stakeholders adeptly. She notes that multinational corporations offer numerous chances to develop and exhibit these competencies.
In many cases, strategy or business roles serve as entry points to the tech industry, with technical upskilling occurring on the job. Candidates from diverse backgrounds must familiarize themselves with emerging technologies and cultivate a strong understanding of product landscapes. Companies recruiting from MBA programs seek individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, possess strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrate sound business acumen.
Abreshmee emphasizes the increasing importance of data literacy, highlighting skills like SQL and Tableau as essential qualifications. Strengthening competencies in Scrum, Agile methodology, product management, and cloud fundamentals can further distinguish a candidate’s profile. She also points out the growing significance of AI expertise, indicating that any experience with AI, whether in daily activities or as a hobby, can be advantageous in demonstrating forward-thinking capabilities valued by employers.
Lamia stresses the significance of grasping B2B tools tailored for business audiences. She notes a deficiency in Bangladesh regarding the maturity of B2B operations and limited adoption of customer relationship management (CRM) systems, emphasizing that tech predominantly revolves around B2B transactions globally.
Numerous companies recruit directly from university campuses, facilitating networking opportunities for students. In cases where a target company is not actively recruiting on campus, candidates often rely on their networks to have their resumes referred to hiring managers. Lamia underscores the importance of leveraging all available networks, including educational and professional circles, as well as broader community networks, to enhance chances of securing job referrals.
Candidates typically undergo multiple interview rounds and assessments