Fresh tech grads worry AI raising bar for entry-level jobs, as employers demand more skills

Singapore's fresh tech graduates are expressing anxiety about the evolving job market, where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming software development. Many fear that traditional coding skills alone may no longer suffice to secure entry-level positions.

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Instead of writing individual lines of code, you are just deploying agents to take different perspectives.

Employers are now prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate a broader range of abilities. These include solving complex business problems, deploying products effectively in real-world scenarios, and operating with greater speed, efficiency, and autonomy. A survey by the youth-led non-profit YouthTechSG revealed that a significant majority of tertiary students, 83.3 percent, seek assistance with technical skill development and problem-solving. Career planning and professional growth were also high priorities for 78.5 percent of respondents.

Lam Yik Ting, vice-president of YouthTechSG, notes that AI tools like "vibe coding" allow developers to generate code from natural language prompts, shifting the focus from line-by-line coding to deploying AI agents for various tasks. This necessitates a different skill set for developers, emphasizing software architecture and the integration of different components. However, employers also want to ensure graduates can perform tasks without over-reliance on AI tools. Ms. Neo Miao Xia from Michael Page highlights that companies are returning to traditional interviews, including live coding assignments without AI assistance, to assess fundamental capabilities.

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Employers are coming back to the traditional way of interviewing candidates, (including) live coding assignments without the use of AI assistants.

Experts believe that while the industry's demands evolve, strong foundational knowledge remains crucial. Adaptability, critical thinking, and practical experience are key to succeeding in an AI-driven job market. The Singapore Computer Society recommends that universities strengthen computer science fundamentals while integrating AI across curricula. They also advocate for more opportunities for students to engage in industry projects, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. Employers can support graduates through structured mentorship and internships.

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Employers can support graduates by providing structured mentorship, internships and gradua