Breaking into quantum: 5 tips to launch your career in AI + quantum tech

Quantum computing is a revolutionary technology harnessing quantum mechanics to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. It matters for tech careers in 2025 because the technology is moving from research labs to commercial applications, opening up new roles and driving demand for quantum tech professionals.

This technology could be the biggest leap since AI, set to transform industries from pharma and finance to logistics. But this massive shift brings a major challenge: McKinsey predicts less than half of quantum roles will be filled in 2025. That talent gap is where your next career opportunity lies.

The UN declaring 2025 the International Year of Quantum (IYQ) marks a century since quantum mechanics' birth, coinciding with a decisive momentum for the technology. Big Tech is in a fierce race to commercialise breakthroughs, from Japan's W-state teleportation to next-gen chips like Microsoft's Majorana 1 and Amazon's Ocelot. Google's latest quantum chip recently demonstrated the ability to perform calculations previously considered impossible, paving the way for the development of large-scale quantum computers. IBM is even expected to unveil the first quantum-centric supercomputer this year.

To understand quantum tech (and where you fit in) it helps to first grasp the difference between today's machines and the computers of tomorrow.

➤ What is quantum computing?

Your phone or laptop uses classical computing. Its basic unit of data is the bit, a transistor that acts as a simple switch, storing information as either 1 (on) or 0 (off). To solve a complex problem, a classical computer essentially tries solutions one after the other.

Quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits), which operate on entirely different physical rules. A qubit can be in a state of superposition, meaning it can be a 1 and a 0 at the exact same time.

This is the source of its massive speed. With n qubits, the machine can evaluate 2ⁿ possible outcomes simultaneously. It's not just running in parallel; it's exploring millions or billions of solution possibilities all at once. Think of it like testing every single path in a maze at the same time instead of one by one. This process is amplified by entanglement, a unique connection where qubits become instantly linked, allowing them to coordinate their calculations perfectly across the system.

“The impact of quantum computing will be greatest in industries that rely heavily on complex modelling or optimisation. For example, in pharmaceuticals, quantum could revolutionise R&D and simulation, speeding up drug discovery and innovation. In finance, it can increase the speed at which portfolio investments are optimised and fraud is detected, where even micro increases in speed have a significant impact on simulations and trading. Finally, quantum algorithms may help solve complex routing and scheduling problems in the supply chain sector that are currently beyond traditional computing.“

When you combine superposition (the massive scale) and entanglement (the perfect coordination), you get a machine capable of solving problems that are simply impossible for today's fastest supercomputers, such as simulating complex drug molecules or breaking current encryption standards.

For a deeper dive into qubits, superposition, and entanglement, click here to watch the video from retired Microsoft Engineer, Dave Plummer, who explains the basics of quantum computing.

🚀Quantum computing careers: What jobs are emerging?

Recent innovations in quantum computing are opening up entirely new career opportunities. The Quantum Insider predicts that quantum computing will create an estimated 840,000 new jobs by 2035, with 250,000 by 2030. This immense growth signals a major shift, but what exactly are these roles and why are they needed?

“The emerging job titles in the quantum space include Quantum Software Engineers, Quantum Hardware Engineers, Quantum Cloud Architects, Quantum ML Scientists, and Quantum Applications Researcher. In India, we’re also seeing companies hiring this talent at the entry level and internship stage. This is because they are fresh graduates from institutes with strong quantum computing courses.”

Most quantum tech positions are cross-disciplinary, meaning you’ll need expertise in both physics and computer science. But skills in cybersecurity, data analysis, and business strategy are just as useful. Here are 6 in-demand quantum computing roles:

1️⃣ Quantum Software Engineer

This role specialises in building the software environment that programmers use. This involves designing and developing the necessary software tools, compilers, and cloud platforms (like IBM 's Qiskit or Google 's Cirq) that allow developers to easily write, test, and execute code on quantum computers.

2️⃣Quantum Algorithm Developer

These developers operate at the intersection of mathematics and theory to design and optimise the core quantum algorithms (like Shor's or Grover's) that deliver the exponential speed advantage in fields like finance, logistics, and chemistry.

3️⃣Quantum Machine Learning Engineer

This hybrid AI and quantum computing role bridges classical data science with quantum power. This includes using quantum algorithms to accelerate key tasks in AI, such as model training, complex data analysis, and advanced pattern recognition.

4️⃣Quantum Hardware Engineer 

This role focuses on building, refining, and scaling the physical quantum computer. Key tasks include creating and stabilising the physical components that store information (qubits, like superconducting circuits or trapped ions) and developing robust systems for quantum error correction (QEC).

5️⃣Quantum Cryptographer

Quantum Cryptographers develop and implement quantum-resistant security methods (known as post-quantum cryptography) to protect sensitive data, digital communications, and infrastructure against attacks from powerful future quantum computers.

6️⃣Quantum Consulting Specialist

These specialists serve as the vital link between quantum technology and business strategy. They help clients understand quantum capabilities, identify profitable use cases, and translate technical potential into practical business applications.

“Quantum computing is still in the early stages but the potential and disruption to technology could be significant. I see three main areas of impact: 

Cybersecurity: As quantum capabilities grow, current encryption methods will become vulnerable. This means the industry needs to invest in quantum-resistant security methods and think differently about how sensitive data is secured. 

AI and optimisation: Quantum computing will accelerate certain types of processing, for example in AI model training. This could make advanced AI more accessible but it also raises questions about the impact on cost and infrastructure. 

Workforce evolution: There is likely to be an increase in demand for different skills, those who can bridge the gap between quantum theory and practical business applications for example, areas like data science, cryptography, algorithm design.”

Dominic Redmond , Chief Information Officer at PageGroup

Can you pivot into a quantum computing job with a software background?

Yes! The good news is that you don't need a PhD in theoretical physics to enter the quantum workforce. The industry is currently facing a massive talent gap, with some reports indicating only one qualified candidate for every three open jobs. This severe demand shortage is being filled by career switchers who can effectively bridge the knowledge gap between classical computing and quantum mechanics.

As a tech professional, you likely have several highly transferable skills that form a strong foundation:

• Advanced mathematics: Quantum computing is fundamentally rooted in linear algebra, probability, and complex number theory. If you’re comfortable with these concepts, you have a massive head start.

• Coding proficiency: Languages like Python and C++ are the current standards for quantum software development, used to interface with quantum hardware via tools like Qiskit.

• Data science and AI/ML: Professionals in these fields naturally understand complex optimisation, pattern recognition, and big data; exactly the problems quantum computers are designed to solve.

“Quantum computing could mark the next leg of exciting things in technology, alongside AI. This new era will be driven by professionals who can bridge the gap between classical and quantum computing, specialists in quantum simulations, and talent who can translate quantum advances into business strategy. While it's not mainstream yet, it is coming, and it's inevitable. This is because quantum computing uses are based on machines that don't just behave in a binary way like current computing power. Instead, they are fuelled by the power of endless possibilities based on quantum principles.” 

Pranshu U. , Regional Director Michael Page India

If you’re curious about this groundbreaking field and ready to leverage your existing expertise, keep reading for tips on how to start your journey into quantum computing.

💡How to get started in quantum tech: 5 practical tips

To kickstart your career in the quantum tech space, you need to be intentional about acquiring the right skillset and blending foundational knowledge with practical coding experience.

Here are 5 practical tips that will help you move from curiosity to competency and start your career in this field.

1. Learn the basics of quantum computing

Start with the core concepts. Focus on learning the basics of quantum mechanics as they relate only to computing: qubits, superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates. A strong foundation in linear algebra is far more important here than a full physics degree.

2. Take beginner-friendly courses

Quick, project-based upskilling is now standard. Look for specialised courses and professional certificates that focus on practical quantum programming. Some examples include:

• IBM Quantum Learning offers tutorials and courses focused on their open-source Qiskit framework.

• edX hosts university-led professional certificates, such as those from TU Delft and the University of Chicago, covering everything from fundamentals to QML.

• Udemy provides introductory and practical hands-on quantum programming courses, which often use Python and Qiskit.

3. Build your Python coding foundation

Python is the universal language of quantum computing so make sure that your Python skills are up to standard. Then, focus on applying them using Quantum Software Development Kits (SDKs). Familiarity with Qiskit (IBM) or PennyLane (Xanadu) is essential for writing your first quantum circuits.

4. Join open-source communities

Quantum innovation is driven by collaboration. Contributing to open-source projects is the single best way to gain real-world experience, build your portfolio, and network with active professionals.

Consider joining IBM's Qiskit community (which has over 600,000 members) and contributing to documentation, participating in quantum hackathons, or simply watching instructional webinars. Alternatively, PennyLane's discussion forum is a great place to directly engage with a community primarily focused on quantum machine learning (QML).

5. Follow industry updates 

Last but not least, stay ahead by constantly tracking breakthroughs, investments, and new hardware developments. Follow industry reports from firms like Deloitte and monitor blogs from key players (IBM, Google). And, of course, keep reading Tech Career Decoded for strategic career insights in this space!

The industry is at a critical turning point. According to Deloitte, talent scarcity is the single biggest barrier to quantum adoption. This means your decision to upskill and pivot could directly influence (and drive) the next major wave of technological innovation.

We want to hear from you. Have you ever seriously considered pivoting into quantum computing? If not, what is your biggest concern or perceived obstacle? Is it the complexity of the physics, the time commitment for reskilling, or uncertainty about the job market? Let us know in the comments!

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The Michael Page Technology team