Indian Students In US Facing Tough Time In Hiring

Bengaluru: Indian students pursuing technical education in the US are facing a difficult time in terms of recruitment as many top technology companies are hardly hiring freshers. Sources in the know said that impact of generative AI (GenAI) on automating many functions is resulting in low demand for entry-level jobs. Similarly, uncertainty over Trump administration’s immigration policies is making US companies defensive on hiring Indian graduates passed out from foreign universities.

“Many technology giants in the US are witnessing productivity improvement through deployment of AI & GenAI solutions. That is the reason that demand for many entry-level tech jobs has reduced, leading to low level of hiring of engineering graduates in the US. Even students from Ivy League colleges are facing problem in getting placements this year,” said a senior tech leader told Bizz Buzz.

Notably, tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon and others are cutting their employee count since last year as productivity-induced gains outpace the need for hiring more workers.

Reportedly, Microsoft has started laying off employees based on their performances. Many employees were relieved from their services on an immediate basis. Not only their healthcare benefits will end on their last working day, in some cases, Microsoft has reportedly not offered severance to those losing their jobs.

Recently, several employees have protested against Google’s continued reduction of employee base, demanding job safety assurance from top management. According to reports, Google has already reduced 10 per cent of managerial roles in past year.

Sources in the know said that many of the top tech firms are not going to campuses in US universities as many entry-level jobs are getting automated. Many experts also pointed out that Trump administration’s policies on immigration are another reason that many US companies are following a wait and watch approach in terms of hiring foreign workers.

“Currently, US companies are not sure about Trump administration’s H1B visa policies. Though there is no harsh action yet, hiring of foreign workers without permanent residence is pretty low at this point of time. However, this will definitely change as STEM talent in the US is not enough without accounting foreign students,” said an official form HR industry.

Meanwhile, as many students passed out from US universities are looking at apprenticeship opportunities in the US branches of India-headquartered companies.