Freshers now make up only 7% of new tech hires, down from 15% in 2019.
Companies like Google and Microsoft report AI writes up to 30% of their code
Despite layoffs, tech jobs are projected to grow to 7 million by 2034.
With AI taking over the world, a constant threat looms: Will AI replace humans in jobs? From automated customer service chatbots to AI-generated software codes, Artificial Intelligence is increasingly involved in tasks once handled by humans. But what does this mean for the future of employment, or will AI change the way we work? A new report reveals that top tech companies have replaced entry-level tech workers with AI. As many as more than half of the freshers hired have been dropped in recent years.
As reported by TechCrunch, data from venture capital firm SignalFire states, “new graduates now account for just 7% of hires, with new hires down 25% from 2023 and over 50% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.” Experts consider this a sign that AI is poised to change how companies operate.
Aneesh Raman, VP at LinkedIn, has noted that AI tools are now handling the kinds of tasks typically assigned to new hires, making it difficult for young professionals to establish themselves in the tech world.
Big tech firms like Meta, Google and Microsoft have also confirmed that nearly 30% of the company’s code is being written by AI. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has recently claimed that the AI will be writing entire codebases for projects like Meta’s Llama soon.
Not only in data, but it can also be observed in the real world, as companies like IBM have recently laid off around 8,000 employees, many of whom work in HR, after AI systems took over their tasks.
While these data may seem alarming, reports also suggest that the tech jobs is expected to see a hike from 6 million in 2024 to over 7 million by 2034, with technology playing a crucial role in industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail.
Should you be worried?
While AI may have taken over several tasks, a survey cited by The Wall Street Journal suggests that 87% of hiring managers are actively looking for candidates with AI experience. It also adds that one in four job listings now mentions AI as a requirement. Hence, AI skills are now a must, and they may land you a good job.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
