"Everyone is so..": Entry-level tech workers describe the AI-fueled jobpocalypse (restofworld.org)

Entry-level tech workers, particularly those graduating from engineering programs in countries like India, China, and Kenya, are facing a significant job crisis attributable to the rise of artificial intelligence. With global big tech companies hiring over 50% fewer fresh graduates since 2020, many students, like Rishabh Mishra, report anxiety and uncertainty as they struggle to secure jobs that were once expected to be available. AI has automated routine tasks such as debugging and software maintenance, directly affecting entry-level job availability. Moreover, a report from consulting firm EY indicates that Indian IT services companies alone have cut these roles by 20%-25%. This situation is leading graduates to rethink their career paths, with some considering roles in sales or marketing instead of traditional technical jobs. The evolving demands of employers now require candidates to possess higher-level skills, including algorithm understanding and complex system troubleshooting. Experts warn that the current educational framework is misaligned with industry needs, rendering many technical degrees less relevant. As AI continues to transform the workforce landscape, both educational institutions and students face an urgent need to adapt to meet these changing requirements, highlighting the growing importance of continuous learning and skill advancement in an AI-dominated future.