Sorry, grads: Entry-level tech jobs are getting wiped out

Summary

Early in the pandemic, workers had an edge. Tech firms dramatically ramped up hiring, giving unprecedented economic power to workers at all levels, and the broad acceptance of hybrid and remote work widened the pool of potential employers. But that superheated job market gave way to waves of layoffs across Silicon Valley starting in 2023. Deep economic uncertainty is making employers think twice about investing in new hires, while AI is rapidly assuming job functions once reserved for interns and other early-career workers. “Times have changed, and lean is in,” said Heather Doshay, SignalFire’s head of talent. “Companies are prioritizing experienced hires over junior talent, and we’re seeing smaller funding rounds, shrinking teams, fewer new grad programs, and the rise of AI all contributing to this downturn.”Even Berkeley graduates who have jobs lined up are not thrilled about the state of the economy. Manas Chithirala, who majored in industrial engineering and is set to work as an engineer at Walmart, said he simply “got lucky.”Billy Meneses, 21-year-old public policy student, said he’s seen job prospects change dramatically since he started at Stanford University three years ago. “I don’t think college is going to guarantee you a job at all,” Meneses said. “Even at a place like Stanford, it may be easier, but it’s still hard if you aren’t developing hard skills.”