AI steals tech jobs: Top US grads apply to 8,000 roles, get nothing

Top computer science graduates from elite US universities are struggling to find work, with some applying to thousands of jobs and receiving no offers. The reason: artificial intelligence is replacing entry-level roles. One graduate from a leading school told reporters they had submitted applications to 8,000 positions. Despite strong credentials, they received almost no responses. Many classmates face the same problem. AI tools can now write code, debug software, and handle basic data tasks. Companies are hiring fewer junior engineers because machines do the work faster and cheaper. "We used to hire 50 new grads a year," one recruiter explained. "Now we hire five." The trend is hitting the most prestigious programs hardest. Graduates who expected six-figure salaries now compete for fewer openings. Some are taking internships or jobs outside tech just to pay bills. Experts warn the shift is permanent. AI will continue to replace routine coding work. Students are advised to specialize in areas machines cannot easily master, like system architecture or client relations. But for now, a generation of top talent finds the door closed.