IE Talent and Careers Hosts Tech & Innovation Day to Connect Students with Industry Leaders

IE University´s Talent and Careers hosted its annual Tech & Innovation Day on Tuesday, bringing together over 70 students and industry professionals to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of technology and careers. The event featured panel discussions with experts from leading companies, addressing shifts in hiring trends and the skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market.

Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of the IE School of Science & Technology, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.

The agenda included panels on tech consulting, healthcare innovation, and the role of chief data officers, with speakers from companies such as BCG, AWS, Roche, and Idealista. Diego Arespacochaga, Lead Data Scientist at BCG, and Pelayo Arbués, Head of Data Science at Idealista, were among the professionals providing insights into industry developments.

A key theme throughout the event was the increasing demand for adaptability in tech careers. Pedro Martínez Diez, Head of Tech at Talent & Careers at IE University, said the event was designed to reflect that shift.

"Tech & Innovation Day stands out from other career-focused events because it goes beyond traditional company presentations," Diez said.

Diez further underscored the key skill that students must embody – adaptability.

"It immerses students in real-world discussions with industry leaders across multiple sectors. The evolving job landscape in tech and innovation demands adaptability, and this event reflects that by providing direct access to professionals who are shaping the future,” explains Diez. 

Beyond the panels, students participated in networking sessions with recruiters and talent acquisition specialists from companies such as EY, Boehringer, Payoneer, and Verisure. These sessions provided direct interaction with hiring managers, offering students a clearer view of industry expectations and job market demands.

Discussions also covered the impact of artificial intelligence and data science on business and healthcare, with panelists highlighting the growing need for professionals skilled in these areas. Sessions like "Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Data Science and AI" and “Data-Driven Future: Managing Data at the Highest Levels" outlined how organizations are adapting to technological advancements and what skills are required for future roles.

Diez went on to explain that the tech industry requires not only networking skills, but also proof that you can excel in the skills required.

"Beyond networking, students gain first-hand insights into the skills, challenges, and opportunities defining modern careers, making it an invaluable experience for anyone looking to break into these industries."

As companies continue to navigate digital transformation, events like Tech & Innovation Day serve as a critical link between students and the workforce, shedding light on emerging career paths and the realities of the tech job market.