If you are majoring in computer science or computer engineering right now, good luck on finding a good job when you get your diploma - even if you graduate from a top program. That's the sobering takeaway from Hany Farid, a deepfake expert at the University of California, Berkeley, who appeared on NOVA's "Particles of Thought" podcast to talk the current state of AI, the tech job situation that's been shredded by multiple lay offs, and how should tech graduates navigate this rocky new landscape.
The tech layoff wave is still kicking in 2025. Last year saw more than 150,000 job cuts across 549 companies, according to independent layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. So far this year, more than 22,000 workers have been the victim of reductions across the tech industry, with a staggering 16,084 cuts taking place in February alone. As businesses continue to embrace AI and automation, this tracker serves as a reminder of the human impact of layoffs - and what could be at stake with increased innovation.
In April, I went through my third tech layoff in two years, and it was the straw that broke the camel's back: I was leaving tech behind. I just got married this summer, and it made me think about what I want my life to look like in five or 10 years. I had thought about leaving tech to go into education before, but it was hard to justify leaving when I was making up to $110,00 a year with just a bachelor's degree.
