立党：2024年，来美国转码找工作，就是找死

Summary

The video script discusses the changing job market for tech professionals in the US, particularly the decline in opportunities for new graduates and those seeking to switch careers into coding. It highlights the challenges faced by international students and the shift in hiring practices by major tech companies, suggesting that the once-booming industry may have reached a saturation point. The speaker advises on the importance of networking, gaining relevant experience, and considering alternative career paths or locations, as the golden era of tech job opportunities in the US seems to have ended.

Takeaways

• 📉 The tech job market in the U.S. has significantly cooled down from its peak in 2021, with fewer opportunities available for new graduates and experienced professionals alike.
• 💼 Despite the Nasdaq index reaching new highs, large tech companies like Google, Meta (Facebook), and Microsoft are not hiring at the same pace as before, indicating a shift in the industry's growth trajectory.
• 🛑 The era of rapid expansion and hiring in the tech industry seems to have ended, with companies facing a saturation point in terms of new business opportunities and market growth.
• 💡 The script suggests that the path for international students to find jobs in the U.S. through tech roles and sponsorships is becoming increasingly difficult and may not return to its previous ease.
• 🚀 Startups and pre-IPO companies that once promised significant growth and job opportunities are now smaller in scale and face challenges in achieving the same level of success as established tech giants.
• 📚 The speaker advises against relying solely on coding bootcamps and LeetCode for job preparation, as these are no longer sufficient to secure interviews in the current job market.
• 🌐 There is a suggestion that focusing on open-source contributions and building a strong portfolio can increase the chances of securing a job in the tech industry.
• 🤝 Emphasizing the importance of networking and leveraging social connections to find job opportunities, as the job market becomes more competitive and opportunities fewer.
• 🎓 The value of having a computer science degree from a reputable institution is highlighted, as it can provide an edge in a market that is increasingly prioritizing specialized education.
• 🔄 The tech industry's future is uncertain, and the speaker warns of the need to be prepared for a potential prolonged period of stagnation in job growth and opportunities.
• 🔙 For those considering studying or working in the U.S., the script suggests considering the possibility of returning to their home country, where opportunities may be more abundant and the cultural fit more natural.

Q & A

What was the job market situation for programmers in the United States like in 2021?

In 2021, the job market for programmers in the United States was very active, with a lot of opportunities and high demand, especially on platforms like LeetCode and for those using social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book).

Why did the job market for programmers change from 2021 to 2023-2024?

The job market for programmers changed due to several factors, including a shift in the business cycles of tech companies, a perceived saturation in the tech industry, and a decrease in the number of companies aggressively hiring new graduates and experienced professionals.

What misconceptions were there about the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes and their impact on the job market?

There was a misconception that the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes would cool down the capital market temporarily, and once the rates were lowered, opportunities would return. However, this was proven incorrect as companies did not resume hiring at the same pace even after the indexes like NASDAQ reached new highs.

Why are large tech companies like Google, Meta (Facebook), and Microsoft not hiring as aggressively as before?

Large tech companies are not hiring as aggressively because they have reached a scale where further expansion without substantial new business opportunities or market growth could lead to increased costs without a proportional increase in revenue or valuation.

What is the current state of pre-IPO companies and their potential to become the next big tech giants?

The current state of pre-IPO companies is quite different from the past, with many of them having smaller valuations and limited potential to become the next big tech giants due to the lack of new, expansive business models or revolutionary technologies.

How has the perception of bootcamps and LeetCode changed in the job market?

The perception of bootcamps and LeetCode has changed negatively, as they are now seen as less valuable and even detrimental to job prospects. Companies are looking for candidates with more substantial experience and contributions, such as open-source projects or significant internships.

What advice is given for international students looking to study and work in the United States, especially in computer science?

The advice given is to be cautious and realistic about the job prospects in the United States. Students should focus on gaining relevant experience, networking, and considering the possibility of returning to their home country for better opportunities.

What are some alternative opportunities that are suggested for those looking to enter the tech industry?

Some alternative opportunities include looking into companies that are still growing, such as TikTok, and considering regions outside the United States, like Singapore, for job prospects.

What is the speaker's view on the future of the tech industry and job opportunities over the next few years?

The speaker believes that the tech industry and job opportunities may not improve significantly in the next few years, suggesting that the era of rapid growth and hiring is over and that individuals should prepare for a more competitive and challenging job market.

What is the importance of having a computer science background according to the script?

Having a computer science background is crucial as it is seen as a significant advantage in the job market. Non-computer science graduates are at a disadvantage and may struggle to find jobs in the tech industry unless they can demonstrate exceptional skills or experience.

How can individuals improve their chances of finding a job in the tech industry as per the script?

Individuals can improve their chances by gaining relevant experience through internships, contributing to open-source projects, networking, and ensuring their educational background aligns with the tech industry's needs, such as having a degree in computer science or a related field.