Are you a student, recent graduate or someone looking to pivot into a tech career in Ireland?
If you find yourself in one of the above categories, you’re in luck; Ireland’s technology industry is thriving and experiencing a surge in demand for skilled professionals.
With so much promise and potential for future success, there has never been a better time to launch a career in the field of technology.
Let’s explore how to confidently put yourself in the running for your ideal role.
The rapid growth of Ireland’s tech sector
In recent years, Ireland has emerged as a global leader in the field of technology.
Not only is this country home to five of the top global software firms, but there are said to be at least 1,000 digital brands with a global presence rooted here.
Given that the digital sector on this little island is reportedly worth somewhere in the region of $50bn, there is every chance that Ireland could soon become regarded as the Silicon Valley of Europe.
The reason we are on a steady route to claiming this status can be pegged to a number of key factors.
These include the country’s strategic location within the EU, our low corporate tax rate, the availability of a skilled workforce, and the government’s ongoing support of the industry’s growth.
The latter was further established with the release of Budget 2025, which included plans to unlock €1.5bn from the National Training Fund to support “the rise of AI, and the potential creation of high-skilled, high-paying jobs associated with the technologies”.
This spells more good news for those embarking on a career within this booming sector.
Our tips for starting a tech career in Ireland
Employers within the tech industry are currently experiencing a record skills shortage, which is proving detrimental to their recruitment efforts. However, while this is problematic for hiring companies, it represents a huge opportunity for those looking to get a foothold on the tech career ladder.
Whether you’re a graduate or a skilled candidate looking for a new challenge, here is how to maximise on being in the right profession at the right time.
1. Define what you want from a tech career in Ireland
The tech sector offers a wide spectrum of roles, from software engineering and cybersecurity to green tech, product management and data science.
To ensure you choose the right area of expertise, it’s vital to first explore:
- What sparks your interest? Maybe you enjoy problem-solving and working with numbers, or perhaps managing projects is more your forte.
- Which industries excite you the most? If your interest lies outside of traditional tech firms, it’s possible to explore career opportunities across other areas that rely heavily on tech integration. These include finance, healthcare, insurance and more.
The most important thing is to clarify your interests so you can focus your skills on the right opportunities for you.
2. Build your action plan
Creating a career roadmap is vital, particularly when entering the workforce for the first time or exploring more senior opportunities. This should include a number of strategies to keep you focused and generate results.
A thorough action plan should resemble the following:
- Choose a tech niche by matching your passion with market demand.
- Create a portfolio that includes real projects which showcase results.
- Upskill effectively by enrolling in a bootcamp or online course focused on core tech skills.
- Network to increase your visibility by leveraging LinkedIn, tech forums, meetups and community groups.
- Engage with a specialist recruitment agency that understands both your strengths and the local market.
The above will create the foundation for a burgeoning career in tech.
3. Upskill continuously as you pursue a tech career in Ireland
Tech has now become embedded across industries. This has opened up new doors for aspiring professionals, with employers placing significant value on those who showcase the ability to grow both for and with a role.
Here are some practical ways to portray this:
- Focus on building micro-credentials by taking online courses that offer affordable introductions to coding, cloud computing and data analysis.
- If structured learning is your preference, try a coding bootcamp to receive hands-on experience and career support.
- Consider YouTube tutorials, GitHub projects and open-source communities for self-paced learning.
- Work on small projects such as building a personal website, creating an app idea, or analysing a dataset to effectively showcase your skills.
Try not to be overwhelmed by this step on the journey – simply start small with a view to building your skillset consistently over time.
4. Don’t underestimate the importance of experience
According to a recent report, IT and data skills are the hardest-to-find skillsets for the fourth consecutive year. With such a shortage of desirable competencies, employers will naturally look to candidates with the potential to quickly acquire these skills.
Showcasing experience in relevant areas is a great way to pique interest in this context.
This could be achieved by something as simple as taking part in a hackathon or volunteering with small businesses that may need basic tech support. Exploring internships with a company that offers student and graduate opportunities is also a great way to build experience while still studying.
All of these efforts will stand out in your resume and present you as a candidate worth investing in.
5. Work with a specialist recruiter
A recruitment agency that specialises in hiring for the tech sector and other related fields can be an invaluable partner in your journey.
Aside from providing access to roles you may not find on public job boards, recruiters with this specialist knowledge understand the market and can offer career guidance to help you identify your strengths.
At 360 Search, we provide such support as we work closely with graduates, students and career changers, particularly those looking to move into tech roles within finance, insurance, pensions and compliance.
Explore a tech career in Ireland with the help of 360 Search
Whether you’re studying, seeking a career change, or just exploring your options, Ireland’s tech sector is full of opportunity. With growing demand across startups and global firms alike, the time to prepare is now.
Our tech recruitment expertise, which is bolstered by deep roots in regulated industries, ensures we understand the unique challenges and opportunities candidates face. This is reflected in the customised recruitment services we provide.
If you’re ready to kickstart your tech journey, we’re on hand to help you navigate the right path.
Contact us today; your future in tech starts here.
