Breaking Into Tech: Why Your First Job Is Tougher Than You Think
▼ Summary
– Entry-level hiring in tech has significantly declined, with AI eliminating traditional stepping-stone roles, as noted by LinkedIn’s Aneesh Raman.
– Hiring of new grads by top 15 tech companies dropped over 50% since 2019, falling from 15% to 7% of Big Tech hires.
– Tech roles are expanding across industries like healthcare and finance, with jobs projected to grow from 6 million to 7.1 million by 2034.
– Software developers currently face just 2.2% unemployment, half the national rate, indicating relative stability in the field.
– AI skills are in high demand, with 87% of hiring leaders valuing AI experience and nearly 25% of job postings requiring it.
Breaking into the tech industry has never been more challenging for recent graduates. What was once considered a reliable career path now presents significant hurdles, with major companies scaling back entry-level hiring at alarming rates. LinkedIn’s economic experts confirm the troubling trend, noting how artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional starter roles that once served as gateways into the field.
Recent data paints a stark picture. Hiring rates for new graduates at top tech firms have dropped by more than half since 2019, according to a SignalFire analysis. Where fresh graduates once made up 15% of hires at major tech companies, that number has dwindled to just 7%. The shift reflects broader industry changes, with automation and AI absorbing tasks that previously went to junior employees.
Yet despite these obstacles, opportunities still exist—just not where they used to be. The demand for tech talent continues to grow, with projections showing the sector expanding from 6 million jobs to 7.1 million over the next decade. The difference? These roles are no longer confined to Silicon Valley giants. Industries like healthcare, finance, and retail are rapidly integrating tech positions, creating new pathways for skilled candidates.
Employers now prioritize AI proficiency, with nearly 90% of hiring managers valuing experience in artificial intelligence. A quarter of all tech job postings explicitly require AI skills, signaling a major shift in what companies expect from applicants. While software developers still enjoy relatively low unemployment rates (2.2%), those without relevant expertise may struggle to compete.
For graduates entering this evolving landscape, adaptability is key. Building AI competencies, gaining hands-on experience, and exploring non-traditional industries could make the difference between stagnation and success in today’s tech job market.
(Source: TechCrunch)
