Hello, tech lovers! Today, let’s chat about the hurdles fresh grads face in landing that first tech gig.

Many graduating students are finding it tougher than anticipated to get started in the tech world. The industry’s pullback from hiring entry-level employees has become quite evident. According to a report from SignalFire, big tech firms have cut hiring of new grads by over 50% since 2019. Interestingly, the share of recent graduates in big tech has dropped from 15% to just 7%.

But don’t despair! Tech roles aren’t shrinking; they’re just spreading across different sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail. The projected growth from 6 million to over 7 million jobs by 2034 shows a bright future. Software developers’ unemployment rate remains low at around 2.2%, well below the national average. However, there’s a new catch: most companies now prefer candidates with AI skills. Nearly 87% of hiring managers seek AI experience, and almost a quarter of job postings require it.

On May 26, 2025, TechCrunch highlighted these trends, emphasizing how AI’s rise is reshaping entry-level opportunities. While the industry evolves, opportunities are still out there for those with the right skills and mindset.