Landing an entry-level job in tech has become exceptionally challenging as companies increasingly use AI-powered assistants and tools to handle routine tasks such as writing boilerplate code or unit tests, resetting passwords or responding to basic support inquiries.
In fact, surveys show a 73% decline in hiring rates for traditional entry-level tech roles in the past year.
However, not all entry-level jobs have disappeared.
Some positions are surviving the rise of AI automation because they require more advanced skills like human judgment, critical thinking, problem solving and written communication. In fact, entry-level workers who have the ability to build, manage, and audit AI systems are becoming more valuable.
To land one of these former low barrier to entry roles, however, you may need to stack some complementary skills on top of your baseline technical experience.
Here’s a look at some entry-level tech jobs that AI has impacted…but not replaced.
Help Desk Technician
Instead of disappearing, help desk technicians are shifting into highly skilled problem-solvers who handle complex issues that AI agents fail to solve, explained Dr. Joshua Gross, associate professor of Computer Science at California State University, Monterey Bay.
For instance, entry-level technicians are expected to handle directory structure questions by guiding users through folder navigation, path mapping and permission checks. Or they may need to resolve configuration issues or adjust system settings in ERP systems.
“They are also expected to evaluate the answers from AI support agents for correctness and speed,” Gross added.
In addition, many entry-level help desk roles now demand advanced technical skills including prompt writing, written communication and the ability to consume and retain new material (learning agility), making them harder to get but relatively safe from AI automation.
Cyber Engineer
The market for entry-level cyber liability and cyber risk engineers is competitive but growing. However, today’s roles are broader, requiring diverse skills and knowledge.
For instance, there’s a big need for individuals to assess vulnerabilities in cloud environments and create, implement, and monitor security systems and features Gross said.
The best way to elevate your candidacy for a role in the private sector is by completing security training courses from AWS, MS Azure or Google Cloud.
An alternative way to break in is through the government. The Department of War (DoW) for instance is still actively hiring interns and entry-level professionals for cyber positions. Another option is to secure an entry-level position with a defense contractor who will help you obtain a security clearance.
Cybersecurity Analyst
If an engineering role feels like a massive leap, analyst roles continue to offer a viable way to break into the cybersecurity field according to Trena Minudri, chief learning officer for Coursera.
In demand roles with strong “on ramps” include information security analyst and specialist, forensic digital examiner and IT auditor, she says.
However, keep in mind that hiring managers not only look for a baseline understanding of network security but proof of hands-on ability as well as technical curiosity.
To stand out, combine your security certifications with the Google AI Professional Certificate and a portfolio of hands-on projects or labs that showcase critical thinking skills, human-centric skills and some examples of things you want to explore and learn.
AI Workflow Implementation Specialist
An AI workflow implementation specialist works at the intersection of business function, technology and operational processes.
Junior pros, which comprise approximately 17% of the workforce, often lay the groundwork. They assist workflow engineers or senior-level staff with initial problem and data analysis then with implementing AI technology and tools to automate tasks, functions and processes in ways that alleviate bottlenecks and generate productivity gains.
Although the role is technical in nature, it involves working with others, problem-solving and knowledge of specific operational, tactical or strategic duties aligned with a distinct department or business unit.
So again, displaying a portfolio of real-world projects involving the creation of business dashboards, process mapping and the execution of change management processes can help you qualify.
Assistant Project Manager or Product Analyst
Cutting your teeth in either one of these entry-level positions can put you on course toward a career in product management/development, Minudri says.
For instance, while routine administrative tasks like scheduling and report drafting are being automated, AI cannot lead a team, build trust or manage stakeholder relationships, making project managers irreplaceable.
An assistant project manager must also understand both the project lifecycle and the product lifecycle in order to deliver a project on time and on budget that actually drives user value, positioning you for higher-level work.
On the other hand, a product analyst acts as a junior product manager. These pros use data analysis tools including SQL, market research and hypotheses frameworks to optimize a company's products or services and meet business goals, providing a natural steppingstone into product management.
AI Data Analyst and AI Business Analyst
Out of all the potential roles for entry-level tech pros, positions involving data analysis may provide the best outlook.
The increasing volume of data has translated into an unprecedented need for data professionals at all levels, as long as they possess the right skills.
Skills data from Coursera reveals a priority shift from directly manipulating databases to skillfully managing and analyzing the AI layers that sit atop them.
As AI automates more of the routine tasks like data cleaning and querying, new analysts are expected to focus on data quality and verification, analysis, interpretation, conclusions and recommendations. Possessing and showcasing top skills such as multimodal prompts, critical thinking, responsible AI and data governance, can give entry-level candidates a leg up in a growing but highly competitive field.
“Communicating frequently and effectively throughout the hiring process is critical,” Minudri said. It highlights one of the most critical skills needed for today's entry-level tech jobs.
