Tech Giants Cut Entry-Level Hiring by Over 50% Since 2019
A new report from venture firm SignalFire reveals a dramatic decline in entry-level hiring across the tech industry. According to data cited by TechCrunch, the share of new graduates among Big Tech hires has plummeted from 15% in 2019 to just 7% today. The number of fresh college graduate hires has dropped by more than 50% over the past five years, indicating a significant shift in how tech companies staff their teams.
This trend presents a growing challenge for 2024 graduates, particularly those targeting roles in major tech companies, as firms tighten their hiring pipelines for junior positions.
AI Disrupts Early-Career Opportunities
Industry experts attribute much of this change to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). According to LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer, Aneesh Raman, AI is “breaking the bottom rung of the career ladder” by automating many of the entry-level tasks that once helped early-career workers gain experience and entry into the workforce.
Rather than shrinking, the tech sector is undergoing a structural shift. While tech jobs within Big Tech are fewer, roles involving technology are expanding across industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail, as noted by TechCrunch.
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AI Skills Now Crucial for Job Market Success
Despite the hiring slowdown in Big Tech, the overall number of tech jobs is projected to grow from 6 million in 2024 to 7.1 million by 2034. Software developers currently face a relatively low 2.2% unemployment rate, which is half the U.S. national average.
The key differentiator? AI proficiency. According to the Wall Street Journal, 87% of hiring leaders now prioritize candidates with AI experience, and nearly 25% of job postings mention AI skills as a requirement—making AI fluency increasingly essential for new grads entering the job market.
