Overview

• New graduate hiring at the top 15 tech firms fell to just 7% of total hires in 2024, marking a more than 50% decline since 2019.
• AI automation of routine tasks is cited as a major factor in entry-level reductions, with 87% of hiring leaders now prioritizing AI experience.
• Mid-level professional hires at major tech companies rose by 27%, deepening the paradox for recent graduates who lack industry experience.
• Tech roles are still growing overall, with projections calling for an increase from 6 million jobs today to 7.1 million by 2034 across healthcare, finance and retail.
• New positions such as AI governance lead, AI ethics and privacy specialist and agentic AI engineer are emerging to manage and oversee intelligent systems.