Careers

In addition to being able to specify, design, and implement software systems and employ modern computer languages and platforms in the workplace, students in one of Arts and Letters’ Technology and Digital Studies programs will also develop a sophisticated understanding of non-computing fields throughout the liberal arts and how they can impact technology or technology impacts them.

Jay Dettling '93, the CEO of Hero Digital and a former executive at Adobe and Accenture, said he foresees graduates of A&L technology-focused programs standing out on the job market because of their ability to approach problem-solving from a broader perspective.

"Today's business challenges require that future leaders be versed in the art of storytelling — and the liberal arts background is invaluable in forming those skills," said Dettling, who majored in economics and computer applications at Notre Dame. "Diversity in thinking is really important in the formation of teams, and the students who complete this degree will have those qualities coupled with a foundation in computer science."

No matter what field you enter after graduation, it is likely being revolutionized or upended by technology. Every company and organization will need technology-savvy contributors and experienced critical thinkers to accomplish their missions, make important decisions, and reach those they seek to serve. By pairing a Notre Dame liberal arts education with training in a Technology and Digital Studies program, you're developing a valuable skill set that will have you ready to help transform the world.

How can I apply my technical and digital skills?

A recent survey of employers across a wide range of industries listed these characteristics as what they valued most when hiring college graduates — and all of these are developed through Notre Dame's liberal arts and technology and digital studies programs:

1. Ability to work in teams
2. Critical thinking 
3. Ability to analyze and interpret data
4. Application of knowledge in real-world settings
5. Digital literacy

Industry

Every industry needs leaders and nearly every industry is being re-imagined by technology. This means you do not have to go into a “technology company” to have a fulfilling career changing the world the way you want to. The Technology and Digital Studies programs help prepare you with the key characteristics employers need including a keen understanding of how technologies work and can be developed to meet your business goals. Knowing both how the human and technological world works gives you the extra edge.

Government & Public Service

For centuries, legal agreements have been written down specifying rules for governing a physical world. Now a world of digital communication, record keeping, and activity present a broad range of challenges and opportunities for governing. How do we govern in a dynamically changing world of financial, security, and communication technology? What does 200 years of law regarding physical search and seizure tell us about digital rights? How can we serve our constituents better with more detailed data regarding how cities run and people live? The technology and digital studies programs are here to help you start to see the challenges and opportunities in this new world and give you the foundation to dive in.

Graduate School and Academic Life

In graduate school, you will become a specialist with deep knowledge of a particular field. The Technology and Digital Studies programs prepare you to lead scholarship of the future by giving you a foundation in how computing technologies work, how they can reshape our perspectives in our disciplines, and how technology can give us a leg up on research and analytics of many kinds.