Pursuing a Tech Career in Israel: What You Need to Know

Israel’s tech industry is one of the most lucrative, and is the highest paying industry in Israel. There are a variety of careers that both Olim and Israelis pursue in the industry, although Olim often face unique obstacles when trying to break into the tech sector. There are some key tips Olim should know before entering the Israeli tech industry. In this guide, we'll look at key elements of the tech scene industry in Israel and how to get your foot in the door.

What to expect in the Tech Industry in Israel 

Tech jobs in Israel do have their perks. Yes, city life in the central regions can be pricey, but a tech salary can help balance the scales. More than just the paycheck, the industry is diverse and evolving, offering room for growth. Whether you're into ad tech, food tech, or legal tech, there's probably a spot for you to fit in and thrive.

Israel’s Tech Industry

Israel’s tech industry is the result of a combination of factors. First, there’s the country’s history as an innovation hub. Israel has long been known for its innovative research and development in areas such as robotics, aerospace engineering, and artificial intelligence. Second, the government has created incentives to attract foreign investment, including tax breaks for tech companies that open offices in Israel. Finally, the country’s education system has ensured a steady pipeline of talent to fill tech positions.

These advantages have attracted many international companies to open offices in Israel, including Microsoft and Google. Moreover, a number of Israeli startups – such as Waze, Wix, and Gett – have succeeded both domestically and abroad. All of these factors have helped to create an entire ecosystem for tech innovation in Israel, making it one of the biggest digital economies in the world. This success has been reflected in the country’s rising GDP, which has grown by more than 40% since 2000. 

Israel’s Corporate Culture

The hi-tech culture in Israel is relatively laid back, with companies often offering a variety of perks such as a hybrid work environment, relaxed dress code, lunch at the office and other benefits. Many Israeli companies prioritize collaboration over competition, creating an atmosphere where everyone can learn from each other. Many startups are founded by former military personnel or academics who specialize in particular areas, such as artificial intelligence or biotechnology. This also means that companies often have access to a wealth of experience and knowledge within their teams, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions, and give new employees the opportunity to learn from industry experts.

Best Tech Careers in Israel for English Speakers

Some of the best tech careers in Israel for English speakers include mobile app development, artificial intelligence (AI), web development, and data science. They all require technical skill and can lead to lucrative careers with the right qualifications. With its vibrant reputation as a technology giant, Israel’s tech industry is also an excellent place to gain experience & develop connections that will serve you well if you choose to pursue other opportunities abroad.

Software Engine

In order to become a software engineer in Israel, you will need to have a degree or certificate in computer science or software engineering, and experience developing mobile and web applications. Some Israelis are hired straight out of army units where they served as software engineers, an opportunity generally not possible for Olim. Having a portfolio of projects you’ve worked on is also beneficial when applying for software engineering roles. 

Quality Assurance Testers

Quality Assurance (QA) Testers work to ensure that software products meet quality standards before they are released. This role requires knowledge of programming languages, debugging tools, and test automation processes. QA Testers should also be familiar with the software development lifecycle and have experience writing effective bug reports. Attention to detail is key when testing the functionality of a product, in order to identify errors that could potentially lead to major issues. This role requires patience, problem-solving skills, and excellent communication abilities to keep stakeholders informed of progress and any potential issues.

Data Analysts

Data analysts use large data sets to uncover insights that must be able to visualize data in ways that are easily understandable to stakeholders. Data analysts tend to have a background in computer science or mathematics, so they can create algorithms & models for data analysis. The job requires patience, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication abilities to keep stakeholders informed of progress and any potential issues. The ability to act as a bridge between the technical aspects of data analysis and the business objectives can be key in helping an organization make informed decisions. Data analysts can also work in a variety of industries aside from hi-tech such as healthcare, retail, or marketing, as most large organizations need to be able to make data informed decisions.

Frontend Developers

Frontend Developers build the web applications that users see and interact with. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create user-friendly websites or apps that look professional and are easy to navigate. Even though they often work with other developers, Frontend Developers also need an understanding of UX/UI design to create a product that meets customer needs. Additionally, knowledge of the latest web development trends and technologies is essential to ensure applications are optimized for user experience.

Careers in Different Tech Sectors

There are a variety of sectors within the tech industry, each offering different career paths for Olim. From software engineering to data science, there’s a wide range of companies for those who want to pursue a career in tech.

Ad tech careers  

The Ad Tech industry is driven by data and analytics, and Ad Tech professionals are expected to understand the latest trends in digital marketing, creating campaigns that target specific audiences. They must have a deep comprehension of customer needs in order to optimize user experiences on websites and mobile applications.

Food tech careers

Food tech is a growing industry that involves the use of technology to improve food production, distribution, and consumption. Professionals in this field work on developing solutions to tackle global challenges, like food waste and food safety. Additionally, they design products and services that make it easier for consumers to access healthy and affordable food.

Health tech careers

The health tech industry focuses on improving the delivery of healthcare and making it more efficient. Professionals in this field use data and analytics to identify trends and make informed decisions. They also develop technologies that reduce costs, enhance access to care, and improve patient outcomes.

Legal tech careers

Legal tech is the application of technology to the practice of law. It includes a variety of activities such as automating administrative tasks, improving communication with clients, and using data to automate legal research. Professionals in this field work on developing tools that streamline processes and make it easier for lawyers to provide better services for their clients.

‍

4 Key Tips For Pursuing a Tech Career in Israel

Here are four key tips for Olim that will help you if you are interested in pursuing a tech career in Israel:

Research types of Tech Careers

By researching types of tech careers available in Israel, you’ll be able to identify which field best suits your skills and career goals. Whether it’s software engineering, data science or artificial intelligence – understanding the different career paths is essential for finding a job in this competitive market.

Network with Local Tech Companies research 

By networking with individuals that work on local tech companies, you’ll be able to learn more about the industry and gain access to job opportunities. It is important to make connections within the Israeli tech community in order to understand current trends and the most competitive positions. 

Attend a bootcamp

Taking a bootcamp course is a great way, for Olim specifically, to gain more technical knowledge, learn about the Israeli tech sphere, and network with other professionals. Bootcamps can provide an immersive educational experience that will give you an edge in your job search and increase your chances of landing a high-paying role.

Take a Career Quiz

TripleTen’s career quiz is designed to help Olim identify what field in the Israeli tech industry best suits their personal desires, interests and needs. It can also provide them with career advice from professionals within the industry. This is a useful tool for both experienced and inexperienced professionals to understand what roles would be best suited to them. 

The Long Lasting Benefits of Working in Tech

Working in the Israeli tech sector offers many benefits to Olim. The tech industry in Israel can result in a high salary and assured job security, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with innovative and creative minds. Another benefit of working in the Israeli tech sphere is the in-built exposure to cutting edge technologies and business models. There are also many opportunities for growth and career advancement within the industry. Finally, Olim will be able to work in an environment that allows them to expand their social circles while becoming acclimated to Israeli culture and learning Hebrew.

‍