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Why landing your first tech job is way harder than you expected
Graduating seniors face significant challenges in landing their first tech job due to a drastic decline in entry-level hiring, exacerbated by AI's impact on traditional roles. Hiring for new grads among major tech firms dropped over 50% since 2019. However, tech roles are expanding across various industries, with a projected 1.1 million job growth by 2034, and demand for AI skills is rising.
Key points
- Entry-level hiring in tech is down over 50% since 2019 among the 15 largest tech companies.
- Graduates comprised 15% of Big Tech hires before the pandemic; this has now reduced to 7%.
- AI is eliminating traditional stepping-stone positions, according to LinkedIn's Aneesh Raman.
- Despite hiring declines, the overall tech industry is not shrinking, with job roles expanding into sectors like healthcare and finance.
- Tech job growth is projected to increase from 6 million to 7.1 million by 2034.
- Software developers currently face a 2.2% unemployment rate, half the national average.
- A strong emphasis on AI skills, with 87% of hiring leaders prioritizing AI experience in candidates.
Why it matters
- The evolving job market in tech reflects broader economic shifts influenced by automation and AI integration.
- The trend aligns with the 2025 IT trend of increased automation, requiring new skill sets for job candidates.
- Similar patterns can be observed in other sectors experiencing digitization and technological transformation.
The landscape for aspiring tech graduates is challenging, yet opportunities are evolving as industries adapt to technological advancements, highlighting the importance of relevant skills like AI to secure future employment.