From artificial intelligence to drag-and-drop style app builders, technology has lowered the barrier to entry for creators and entrepreneurs everywhere. But while the tools are powerful, it’s important not to forget about the people behind them (engineers, designers, and everyday visionaries) who are using innovation to help others realize their dreams.

Tech startups aren’t just changing the way we shop, travel, and communicate; they’re redefining how we work and what’s possible in our careers. In fact, tech-driven ventures pay an average of $102,000, more than double the current U.S. average salary of $48,000.

The Rise of Tech Startups

Tech startups aren’t limited to Silicon Valley anymore; founders are leaving the West to pursue their ventures on the East Coast.

Beyond geography, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a coder or engineer to be a tech entrepreneur. Founders today come from all backgrounds. The success stories of companies like Airbnb, Grubhub, and Uber didn’t start with lines of code; they started with a deep understanding of a problem and the desire to fix it.

The generative AI wave is creating new opportunities with platforms like Photoroom, Otter.ai, and Groq, reshaping everything from communication to content creation. Even at Drexel, tech innovation is thriving, with student startups like Raptor Defense Company and other student-built apps emerging from classrooms and competitions.

This momentum is backed by serious market growth and increased investor interest. Startups are no longer just disruptors; they’re driving digital transformation across entire industries.

“There is a false impression that because some technology-driven companies have become hugely successful, there is now no room for new entrants.” — Forbes

Entrepreneurship Isn’t Always Solo

Building on this idea of broad accessibility, here’s something a lot of students and professionals don’t realize: you don’t have to start your own company to think like an entrepreneur.

“Intrapreneurship” is the practice of bringing entrepreneurial thinking, like creative problem-solving, innovation, and strategic risk-taking, inside existing organizations. The payoff? Just as powerful.

At Drexel’s Close School of Entrepreneurship, we emphasize these power skills because they’re exactly what companies are looking for. Whether you’re pitching a new product line or streamlining internal operations, thinking like an entrepreneur makes you more valuable to your company and to your future.

Why The Bigger Payout?

So, why the impressive salaries we mentioned earlier? It’s a mix of factors:

• High investor funding means more resources to attract and keep top talent.
• Lean teams mean every employee wears multiple hats, and each individual contribution matters.
• Fast scaling potential means more rapid promotions, flexible work environments, and equity or ownership in what you help build.

What’s more, tech roles have a multiplier effect. According to Forbes, “Tech-based industries have the highest employment multipliers—one tech job creates five others in related industries.” That means more job creation, more innovation, and more opportunity.

Job titles in this space include: Software Developer / Engineer, Data Scientist, UX Designer, AI Specialist, Product Manager, Technical Marketer, and No-code Developer

How the Close School Helps You Start Now

Now that you understand the earning potential, career flexibility, and global impact of tech startups, the next question is: Where do you begin?

At Drexel, the answer is simple: You start now. The Close School of Entrepreneurship gives students the tools, support, and real-world experiences to build tech-driven solutions without waiting until graduation. We offer a diverse range of opportunities that students can take part in to gain experience and engage with their passions.

• Build, Measure, Learn is a course that teaches students how to develop a no-code app from ideation and creation to testing and pivoting.
• The Silicon Valley Immersion Trip gives students a chance to meet with top founders, VCs, and engineers in the world’s most iconic startup ecosystem.
• The Baiada Innovation Tournament and other pitch competitions allow students to test their ideas, win funding, and get feedback, without needing a finished product. It’s a great opportunity to try out your problem-solving skills or practice your pitching.
• And for those ready to launch? The Baiada Institute Incubator provides mentorship, resources, and workspace to bring those ideas to life.

Tech Driving the Future

Whether your dream is to start the next big tech company or to bring innovation into the company you’ll work for, the Close School at Drexel gives you the mindset, tools, and support to make it happen.

Allow innovation to be your competitive edge. And with technology on your side, there’s never been a better time to start building.