First Tech Job: Why It’s So Hard
- The tech industry is seeing a notable pullback in entry-level hiring,raising concerns for graduating seniors.
- According to a SignalFire report, hiring of new graduates by the 15 largest tech companies has plummeted more than 50% since 2019.
- Despite these challenges in entry-level tech hiring, the tech industry itself isn't shrinking.
Navigating your first tech job is tougher than ever. The bottom rung is “breaking,” as AI reshapes entry-level roles, marked by a sharp decline in hiring by major tech firms since 2019. News Directory 3 now reports the shift: while tech job growth across sectors like healthcare and finance continues, companies increasingly demand AI skills. Don’t be left behind: seize the advantage by developing robust AI skills to stand out. Discover where opportunities in the evolving job market might next appear.
Entry-Level Tech Hiring Declines Amid Rise of AI Skills
Updated May 27,2025
The tech industry is seeing a notable pullback in entry-level hiring,raising concerns for graduating seniors. Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn’s chief economic possibility officer, recently noted in the New York Times that the “bottom rung” of the career ladder is “breaking” due to AI’s impact on traditional stepping-stone positions.
According to a SignalFire report, hiring of new graduates by the 15 largest tech companies has plummeted more than 50% since 2019. Before the pandemic, graduates made up 15% of Big Tech hires; that figure has now dropped to just 7%.
Despite these challenges in entry-level tech hiring, the tech industry itself isn’t shrinking. Tech roles are expanding across sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail. Projections indicate tech jobs will grow from 6 million this year to 7.1 million by 2034. Software developers currently face a 2.2% unemployment rate, lower than the national average. However, companies are increasingly seeking candidates with AI skills. One survey found that 87% of hiring leaders value AI experience, and nearly a quarter of job postings now require it, according to The Wall Street Journal.
What’s next
Graduates seeking tech jobs should focus on developing AI skills to improve their prospects in a changing job market. The expansion of tech roles across diverse industries may also offer new opportunities.