100,000+ Tech Layoffs in 2025: What Every Graduate Must Know

Shailendra Marathe
Oct 20
2 min read

The tech industry is witnessing its most challenging year yet. Over 100,000 jobs have been eliminated across major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Infosys in 2025.

Microsoft alone has cut 15,000+ positions this year, representing nearly 4% of its global workforce. Google slashed 25% of its Google TV team, while Infosys has conducted four rounds of layoffs, affecting 800 trainees since February.

The Reality for Graduates

Explore This wave creates an unprecedented challenge for fresh graduates and postgraduate students entering the job market.

Immediate Impact:

23% of Harvard MBA graduates were still job-hunting three months after graduation in 2024, double the rate from two years prior; similar story unfolds elsewhere
Entry-level positions face the highest competition as experienced professionals re-enter the market having with reskilled and upskilled themselves
Starting salaries are under pressure due to increased talent supply; entry level salaries at Indian IT majors are in the same range today, as two decades back

Why It's Happening:

AI automation is replacing 40% of coding tasks, directly impacting developer roles
Companies are restructuring to focus on AI, cloud computing, and automation
Economic uncertainty forces cost-cutting across non-essential divisions

How the Graduate Students Can tackle this?

1. Pivot to High-Demand Skills: Focus on roles that complement AI rather than compete with it:

AI/ML engineering and data science
Cybersecurity and cloud computing (AWS, Azure certifications)
Product management with technical depth
Digital transformation consulting

2. Leverage the Opportunity Window: The layoffs create unexpected advantages:

85% of jobs are filled through networking—connect with displaced professionals who can mentor you
Startups and mid-tier companies are accessing top talent previously unavailable
Remote work opportunities have expanded globally

3. Build Resilience Through Diversification: Acquire skills, build a portfolio

Develop both technical and soft skills; ideally add domain skills to the mix
Consider freelancing and consulting as viable career paths
Explore FinTech startups where innovation continues despite big tech slowdowns
Build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn and network on relevant forums

The Emerging Opportunities

Despite current challenges, this transformation creates new opportunities:

Emerging Roles: AI is generating fresh career paths in data science, automation management, and AI ethics
Startup Boom: Many laid-off professionals are launching innovative ventures, creating future employment opportunities
Skills Premium: Graduates who adapt quickly to AI-integrated workflows will command higher salaries in the recovering market
Global Expansion: Indian FinTech and tech services companies are expanding internationally, creating new avenues for growth