The tech job market for fresh graduates is looking bleaker than a foggy San Francisco morning, and honestly, it’s not getting any brighter.

The days of guaranteed six-figure salaries and cushy tech jobs straight out of college are officially over. According to recent data, hiring for entry-level positions at major tech companies has plummeted by more than 50% since 2019. Gen Z job seekers are facing a brutal reality where internships and stellar GPAs no longer guarantee employment.

AI: The Career Killer

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the job landscape, making many entry-level roles obsolete. Companies like Salesforce and Shopify are explicitly stating they’re looking to replace human labor with algorithmic solutions. Computer science professor James O’Brien from UC Berkeley bluntly puts it: “Why hire an undergraduate when AI is cheaper and quicker?”

The Experience Trap

The job market has morphed into a frustrating catch-22 for recent graduates. More than 80% of entry-level jobs now require at least two years of experience - a seemingly impossible barrier for fresh-faced graduates. Startups, once a sanctuary for young talent, are now prioritizing senior employees and AI solutions over junior hires.

Survival Strategies

So what’s a desperate grad to do? Many are pivoting to graduate school or learning to harness AI as a career accelerator. Some, like Katsuya Masaki, are viewing AI as a potential ally rather than a threat, using it to enhance their skills and interview preparation.

The future of work is changing, and for Gen Z, adaptability isn’t just a skill - it’s survival. "