Dream big, they say. When thinking about your future, you might imagine yourself collaborating with the crème-de-la-crème STEM adepts on cutting-edge projects. Well, landing a job at one big tech company can be a great starting point for the conspicuous benefits and huge growth opportunities. Whether you’re into software, product marketing, business strategy, or AI, the perceived prestige will open doors to success for you as a next-generation tech professional.

Among the best-performing tech companies, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google have been grouped as FAANG by Jim Cramer from CNBC’s “Mad Money” in 2013 for their most influential market shares. All American-based, but with a global presence, the FAANG corporations have shown tremendous growth over the last couple of decades, and now they’re trendsetters. Amazon, for example, has revolutionized e-commerce, Netflix has become the most prominent streaming platform, Meta is a social media leader, and Google remains at the forefront of search engine technology.

Having an experience at FAANG undoubtedly makes your resume pop as it marks your exposure to industry learning and technical understanding. It can launch your career in tech, even if you’re not a tech major. Of course, working in such colossal teams isn’t for everyone; and being starstruck by the brand carries a risk of golden handcuffs. If you’re very early in your career, you’re probably better off applying for FAANG internships but there are also many job openings available across roles, and you don’t have to fit a certain profile to get hired.

FAANG recruiters value strong academic achievements, so make sure you have solid foundation in your chosen field. If you want to work as a developer, mastering algorithms and operating systems is crucial; if you’re into machine learning, gain proficiency in Python and TensorFlow. Roles in sales or strategy & operations don’t usually require high technical expertise, however, problem-solving mindset is essential for thriving in fast-paced environments where effective collaboration on novel operations is required. You don’t necessarily need work experience as you can build a flashy portfolio with volunteer work and personal projects i.e. if you organized a club project, led a student org, or launched a side hustle.

Navigating your path toward that job at a FAANG company can look scary, but don’t worry – Stepping Into STEM is here to help you building an actionable plan to make an impact in your resume and achieve your dream job.

And remember, if your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s not big enough!

By Margherita Brignoli