Careers Update

QUANTUM COMPUTING CAREERS & SKILLS

Have you ever wondered about the future of computers? It’s all about quantum computing, and we take you through the basics in this article.

Two years ago, scientists talked about machines that could solve problems too difficult for even the biggest supercomputers, but most of it stayed in the lab. That’s changed. Quantum computing has moved from theory towards something you can actually study, work in, and build a career around.

If you’ve ever wondered what the future of computers looks like, what’s new, or what it could mean for you, then this blog is for you. Let’s dive into the world of quantum computing and see what all the buzz is about.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is like traditional computing but on steroids. Traditional computers store information as bits, tiny switches that are either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use something different: qubits. A qubit can be 0, 1, or a mix of both at once, a property called superposition. Qubits can also be linked together through entanglement, meaning what happens to one instantly affects another, even at a distance.

Put these properties together, and you get a machine that can process massive amounts of information at the same time, exploring many possible answers to a problem at once, rather than checking them one by one like an ordinary computer does.

The big update

The hardest part of building a quantum computer was never about adding more qubits. It was keeping them stable. Qubits are delicate, and even tiny disturbances, like heat, vibration, or stray radiation, can cause errors.

Google’s Willow chip changed all that with increasing qubits halving the error rate instead of climbing. It sounds technical, but it solved a problem researchers had been chasing since the 1990s. And with Google estimating that Willow could solve a theoretical problem in five minutes which would take the world’s current fastest super computers 10 septillion – or 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 – years to complete, it’s also a big reason employers are taking quantum computing seriously now, not just physicists.

Why should you care about quantum computing?

Quantum computers could revolutionise everything from medicine to climate change. Imagine discovering new medicines in days instead of years or creating unbreakable encryption to keep your data safe. These are just a few ways quantum computing could totally change our world.

How does that matter for careers?

The quantum computing industry is still small, but it’s growing quickly and becoming better defined. Industry tracking body QED-C reported that the global quantum workforce reached close to 16,500 people in 2025, up by 14% from 2024.

New job titles have appeared that barely existed a few years ago:

Quantum software engineers write programs for quantum hardware, usually using frameworks like Qiskit (IBM) or Cirq (Google)
Quantum hardware engineers build and maintain the physical machines, working with lasers, superconductors, or supercooled chambers
Quantum error correction specialists detect and correct errors, focus on keeping qubits stable to protect quantum information
Quantum-safe cybersecurity specialists design encryption strong enough to withstand future quantum-powered code-breaking, a growing concern as the technology matures
Quantum computing researchers work at the at the intersection of quantum mechanics and computer science working on theory as well as hands-on experimenting and testing

You don’t need to be a physicist to get involved. Universities, including the University of Chicago and Stanford, have started adding hybrid quantum-classical computing modules into existing courses rather than requiring a brand-new degree. And here in Australia the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, University of Technology Sydney, and Deakin University are some of the institutions offering modules and courses. The field draws on maths, computer science, engineering, and physics, so there are several ways in, depending on your strengths.

Skills worth building now

If anything you’ve read so far sounds like your kind of challenge, here’s where you could start:

Programming basics, especially Python. Most quantum frameworks are built on it, so it’s a useful foundation regardless of where you end up.
Knowledge of quantum mechanics. Understanding the particles that make up our universe and the way they work is essential foundation work for anything quantum.
Qiskit or Microsoft Azure. These are free, beginner-friendly platforms from IBM and Google that let you run real quantum programs, even from an ordinary laptop.
Linear algebra and probability. The maths behind superposition and entanglement is more approachable than it sounds once you’ve covered the basics.
Machine Learning. Helping adapt pre-trained models to new tasks in the quantum arena.
Algorithms. Learning what works and what doesn’t, and why. Try experimenting with Shor’s algorithm, Grover’s algorithm, and the Quantum Fourier Transform.
An interest in hybrid systems. Most real-world quantum computing today works alongside classical computers rather than replacing them, so understanding both sides is genuinely useful.

The future of quantum computing

In the next 10-20 years, quantum computing could transform industries. We might see breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and even space exploration. If you’re excited about technology, quantum computing is definitely something to watch.

Getting started

You don’t need to wait until university to explore quantum computing. Access IBM Quantum and play around with coding on real quantum hardware for free. See what platforms like Coursera and edX offer in beginner courses covering the basics. Contributing to open-source quantum projects is another way to build experience that recruiters will notice, even before you’ve finished school.

Rhian Lett the Head of Technology Strategy at Investec shares her career path and thoughts about quantum computing, the transformation work needed to get us there, and the skills you’ll need to get started.

“I think it’s important for students to know that if you don’t know what you want to be yet, that doesn’t mean you won’t become something meaningful. Keep doing what you’re passionate about and keep building your skill set.”

Her top tips are:

Don’t prepare for a single, specific profession, build qualities and skills that will transfer well across multiple industries
Start before you feel ready
Be comfortable with change
Learn how to tell a story
Be resilient
Stay creative
Work on problem solving

“Intelligence isn’t just knowledge. It’s how you think about a question in a different way.”

FINDING RELEVANT AND IMPACTFUL WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is one of the best ways to work out what you want to do with your future. It lets you try a job before you commit to it, and it helps you build skills you can’t learn from a textbook. But how do you find work experience that aligns with your interests and career aspirations? Spaces can be limited, some industries are hard to access, and not every student has the same amount of support behind them. The good news is that a formal placement is just one route in.

There are lots of ways to gain real, valuable experience, whatever your situation. We’ll help guide you through the process.

Start with what interests you

Before you go looking, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Are you someone who loves connecting people with the help they need? Or do you get a buzz from building and inventing new things? Work out your strengths and interests, using your Morrisby Career Profile provides a valuable starting point for your search. It means you can search for opportunities that actually suit you, rather than applying for anything and everything, potentially wasting your time.

Researching Opportunities

Once you have a good idea of what you want, it’s time to research opportunities. You might like to use a Work Experience Database such as the one from Study Work Grow as a starting point for finding placements or giving you ideas about what to look for and where to apply. If there’s a specific company you’re interested, head to their website to see if they offer work experience programs, give them a call, or even pop in and see them.

Don’t forget to leverage your personal network as well. Teachers, family friends, and even your peers may have local connections or suggestions that could lead to work experience opportunities.

When a placement is hard to come by

Finding a traditional placement has become tougher in recent years. That means competition for the placements that do exist is high, and many students miss out through no fault of their own. It might be particularly hard if you live in a rural or remote location, or if you are disadvantaged in other ways. If this sounds familiar, don’t be discouraged. A placement is not the only way to learn about careers and grow your skills.

Other ways to build real experience

Virtual work experience

Many organisations now run virtual work experience programmes and insight days. These let you complete real tasks, listen to talks from employees, and sometimes even take part in projects, all from your own laptop. They’re brilliant if you live somewhere with fewer local employers, or if getting to a workplace each day just isn’t practical.

Micro-placements and shadowing

Not every experience needs to last a week. Ask if you can shadow someone for a single day, or even just a couple of hours. Short bursts of exposure to a workplace can still teach you a huge amount, and busy employers are often more willing to say yes to a smaller ask.

Volunteering

Volunteering, whether in person or online, builds many of the same skills as paid work experience like teamwork, communication, and responsibility. It also shows employers that you’re proactive and community-minded, which counts for a lot.

Part-time and casual jobs

A part-time job in a shop, café, or leisure centre might not match your dream career exactly, but it still teaches you punctuality, customer service, and how to work as part of a team. These are skills every employer values, whatever the industry.

Personal projects

If you can’t get inside a workplace, bring the workplace to you. Start a blog, build a small app, design a poster for a local charity, or run a social media account for a cause you care about. Projects like these show initiative and give you something concrete to talk about in interviews.

Networking

Talk to people. Ask teachers, family friends, or family members if they know anyone working in a field you’re curious about. A short phone call or coffee chat with someone in the industry, sometimes called an informational interview, can offer insights you won’t find online, and might even lead to an opportunity further down the line.

School based opportunities

The things you do in school count too. If your school offers leadership opportunities, volunteering or mentoring roles, has a school newspaper or journal, or runs events, see how you can get involved. Just because it’s at school, doesn’t make it any less valid or valuable.

Gaining experience if you have additional needs

Every student deserves the chance to build experience, and if you have a disability or additional needs, there are options designed with you in mind.

Many virtual work experience programmes are built to be flexible, which makes them an accessible starting point if travel, energy levels, or sensory environments make in-person placements difficult. It’s also worth contacting organisations directly and asking what adjustments they can offer, such as flexible hours, remote tasks, or extra support on the day. Most employers are more willing to help than you’d expect, but they can only do so if they know what you need.

Disability organisations and your local careers service can point you towards inclusive programmes and employers who actively welcome students with additional needs. Your school’s careers advisor, as always, is your best first stop as they may know of local employers with experience supporting diverse students.

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Requesting an adjustment isn’t a weakness, it’s simply how you make sure an opportunity works for you.

Aligning Work Experience with Emerging Trends

As you’re researching opportunities, keep an eye on emerging trends in the job market. Websites like Jobs and Skills can provide valuable insights into the skills that employers are looking for and the job titles that are growing fastest. Choosing work experience that helps you develop skills in these areas could give you a competitive edge when you enter the job market.

Preparing Your Application

Whichever route you choose, you’ll usually need to apply for it, so a short cover letter or resume is worth having ready. Tailor each application by highlighting any relevant skills, even ones from school projects, hobbies, or sport. Explain why you’re interested in the role and what you’re hoping to learn. Keep it honest and specific, rather than generic, as this is what helps you stand out.

Ready to explore quantum computing?

Quantum computing sits at the junction of physics, computer science, and engineering, if that mix appeals to you, it’s worth testing the waters before committing to a full degree. Have a browse of our short courses and microcredentials page for more ideas of the kinds of things you can do that could help you start building useful skills now.

Curious to learn more? There are plenty of resources online to get you started. Websites like IBM Quantum Experience and reputable educational platforms such as Coursera offering courses on quantum computing.

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