Landing your first tech job right now is basically like trying to sneak into a sold-out concert without a VIP pass.
Seriously—the struggle is real.
If you just graduated—or you're about to—don’t let anyone tell you it’s all in your head.
Fresh stats show that entry-level tech opportunities have taken a serious hit—we’re talking a massive 50% drop in junior roles at the biggest tech companies since 2019.
LinkedIn’s top economic voice, Aneesh Raman, basically called it an era where the “bottom rung” of the career ladder is straight-up breaking, all thanks to AI swooping in and snatching up entry-level roles.
But before you panic, here’s what you need to know:
Tech isn’t dying—it’s evolving.
It’s quietly weaving itself into every corner of the economy: healthcare, finance, retail—you name it.
In fact, tech jobs are still on the rise and expected to surpass 7.1 million by 2034.
And developers? They’re still doing better than most, with just 2.2% unemployment—which is way below the national average.
Now, here’s where it gets spicy: AI skills aren’t just nice-to-have anymore; they’re the new golden ticket.
A whopping 87% of hiring managers are actively hunting for AI experience.
And get this: nearly 1 in 4 job postings now explicitly say “must have AI skills.” So if you’re still sleeping on AI, wake up — it’s basically the new must-have superpower.
Now, I’m not just here to throw bad news your way but the truth is, the tech hiring game is shifting fast, AI is taking over the playground, and if you wanna snag that first job (or keep crushing it), you gotta adapt — fast.
And here’s how:
Level up your AI skills — for real: Don’t just dabble in AI—master the basics. Whether it’s machine learning, neural networks, or whatever buzzword fits your vibe, learn it deep. Also build real projects that prove you’re not just talking the talk.
Show off your AI chops: Create a portfolio that screams, “I get AI.” That could be: GitHub projects, blog posts or short videos explaining what you built and what you know.
Network like your job depends on it — because it does: Get active on LinkedIn, Twitter, AI forums—basically anywhere your future boss might be lurking. You could Join conversations, comment on posts, slide into DMs (respectfully!) Sometimes it’s not just what you know—it’s who knows you.
Stay adaptable and curious: Tech moves fast. Today’s AI hype could be tomorrow’s basic skill, so keep learning and evolving.
Don’t ignore the soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving—these still matter big time. AI can do a lot, but it can’t replace strong people skills.
