Remote work isn’t going anywhere – and as an Illinois Tech student, you’re perfectly positioned to take advantage of this evolution. Having worked fully remotely or in a hybrid capacity for the past 12 years myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand how remote work has evolved from a rare perk to a mainstream employment option that can dramatically expand your career opportunities.
Understanding the Remote Work Landscape
Despite headlines about return-to-office mandates, the reality is more nuanced. While only around 10% of job postings are “fully remote”, these positions receive 45% of all applications – proving that remote work remains highly desirable. For STEM graduates like you, many companies are still offering remote or hybrid roles to attract top-tier talent. And sometimes remote work can be negotiated in certain employment contracts.
Understand Types of Remote Work Arrangements
Remote work isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding your options can help you find the perfect fit:
Hybrid Remote: Work from the office some days, home others – offering flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration
Full Remote (Location-Specific): Work entirely from home within your city, state, or country – no commute required
Work From Anywhere: Complete location independence within your country – work from any city or state
Global Remote/Digital Nomad: Did you know some people travel the world and work? Many countries have now created digital nomad visa programs. You could build ultimate freedom to work from anywhere in the world – perfect for those seeking location independence and travel
Project-Based Remote: Freelance or contract work that can be completed remotely – ideal for building experience and flexibility
Why Illinois Tech Students Have an Advantage
Your STEM background and specialized technical skills in other domains puts you in high-demand categories for remote work. The top remote job fields right now include:
- Computer & IT (consistently #1)
- Engineering and Technology
- Project Management
- Data Science and Analytics
- Software Development
- Operations and Business Development
- Specialized emerging legal and business fields
- No matter which area you are in, you can upskill in these areas and increase your remote work marketability (visit https://elevate.iit.edu/ to lean more)
Get Remote-Work Ready with Career Services
Don’t navigate the remote job search alone. Visit our office to:
Optimize Your Remote Job Search Strategy: We’ll help you identify remote-friendly companies and target your applications effectively
Develop Remote Work Skills: Learn essential tools like Slack, Zoom, Asana, and project management platforms that remote employers expect
Perfect Your Virtual Interview Skills: Practice video interviewing, set up professional backgrounds, and master remote communication
Build Your Remote Work Portfolio: Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to work independently and deliver results
International Student Support: Navigate visa requirements for remote work and identify companies that sponsor international talent
Essential Remote Work Resources
Find Job Search Platforms:
- We Work Remotely
- Remote.co
- Himalayas (startup-focused)
- AngelList/Wellfound (early-stage companies)
- LinkedIn (filter for “remote”)
For International Students in the United States:
- Interstride (specifically for international students)
- MyVisaJobs (visa-sponsoring companies)
- H1BGrader (H-1B approval data)
Digital Nomad Resources:
- Nomad List (global community and job board)
- RemoteYear (structured nomad programs)
- Various country-specific digital nomad visa programs
Stay Connected for Opportunities
Alumni: Follow me on LinkedIn where I regularly share remote job opportunities with my professional network. The remote job market moves quickly, and I frequently see excellent positions that align with Illinois Tech skills and backgrounds. https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddricklogan/
The Future is Flexible
Remote work has proven its staying power. Companies have realized that great work can happen anywhere, and the most innovative organizations are embracing this flexibility to attract top talent. There are also many companies emerging as, or transitioning to fully remote operations. As an Illinois Tech student, you have the technical skills and problem-solving abilities that remote employers value most. Whether you’re interested in a traditional work-from-home setup, a digital nomad lifestyle, or something in between, the opportunities are there. The key is preparing strategically and knowing where to look.
Ready to explore remote work opportunities? Contact Illinois Tech Career Services at careerservices@iit.edu . Let’s work together to position you for success in the remote work landscape and help you find opportunities that align with your career goals and lifestyle preferences.
The future of work is flexible – and it’s waiting for you to take action!
