As the quantum computing industry rapidly expands, so too do the opportunities for rising professionals looking to build a career in this emerging, multi-faceted field. Giancarlo Hirsch, managing director of Glocomms, a talent firm specializing in quantum roles, emphasizes the increasing demand for skilled individuals. Current employees are a mix of career changers. Their journeys might inspire you to see the myriad avenues you can pursue in order to find your place in this innovative industry.
Relatedly, experts have offered big picture advice that can help you thrive in today’s increasingly dynamic labor market. Experience Daniela Florentina Bogorin, a research engineer at IBM Quantum and John Barnes, founder of the quantum talent agency Entangled Positions, were two of the people sharing their experiences. Their journeys demonstrate how advanced degrees can prove valuable assets in the quantum industry. They are not always necessary for every occupation.
The Role of Education in Quantum Careers
Daniela Florentina Bogorin stands out as a prime example of how education plays a crucial role in the quantum workforce. Bogorin has a Ph.D. in physics, with emphasis on low-temperature physics and solid-state superconducting materials. This well-rounded experience and deep knowledge make her a significant asset to IBM Quantum. For research-heavy roles, especially those that will work on quantum hardware, a Ph.D. is still the industry standard.
The landscape is changing. Giancarlo Hirsch points out that outside of those baseline qualifications, skills from other sectors can be adapted successfully into quantum roles. For instance, some artificial intelligence (AI) specialists possess valuable experience in building scalable, low-latency ecosystems—a core competency in quantum computing. This crossover potential is a boon in that it means many aspiring candidates can break into the field without a Ph.D. Instead, their current skill sets can be leveraged to see them move into quantum roles.
Indian ecologist Neereja Sundaresan is a case in point. Immediately after graduating with her Ph.D in electrical engineering she got an incredible job as a research scientist at IBM Quantum. Her journey is a testament to the importance of deep technical expertise. It’s a testament to how everyone from different intellectual disciplines can chart their own pathways to success.
Diverse Backgrounds Fueling Quantum Innovation
It’s no surprise that the quantum industry is incredibly diverse. Antoine Martin, who spent his first decade working across robotics, semiconductors, and crypto before transitioning into quantum computing as a software engineer at Alice & Bob, illustrates this point well. His diverse experience has made him an innovator with a unique interdisciplinary skill set—one that makes his work highly applicable to the field of quantum technology.
Moreover, Daniel Higginbotham, senior director of human resources at QuEra—a startup focusing on advanced neutral-atoms-based quantum computers—notes that many professionals come from interdisciplinary backgrounds. This diversity strengthens STEM as a whole by bringing unique perspectives to the workplace while promoting innovation and equity within the profession. As companies increasingly seek innovative ideas to address multifaceted challenges, candidates from these disciplines can bring new ways of thinking.
So how can you prepare for a successful career in public service? People will be able to pinpoint the positions they want to pursue within the quantum workforce. By identifying the skills needed for those roles, they can develop a skills-first roadmap to their introduction. This strategic, cyclical, candidate-centric approach ensures that candidates spend their time learning the competencies employers need most today.
The Future of Quantum Hiring
Undoubtedly, as the business and government demand for quantum talent grows, organizations of all types are finding it hard to get qualified candidates. Giancarlo Hirsch, Managing Director of Glocomms has stressed that companies such as Glocomms are leading the charge to close this skills gap. They help employers find the right hires with the right skills and knowledge. Mutual collaboration and engagement between talent firms and private companies is imperative. It underscores the growing need for focused recruitment initiatives within this dynamic profession.
Additionally, the pace of change brought on by technology means that practitioners must constantly learn and adapt. If you’re building tools like AI or other technical fields, your skills easily translate. Second, they are extremely important towards the development of quantum technologies. As the industry continues to advance, continuing education and skills development will become increasingly important for remaining competitive.