A computer science grad taught me a lot about finding work in the AI era. Here's what it takes to get that first big job.

A young computer science graduate named Kiran Maya Sheikh has shared valuable insights about finding a job in the era of AI. Kiran recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine. She wrote an email arguing against the notion that AI would destroy tech jobs. Kiran's experience highlights the reality of competing against experienced engineers and other graduates for jobs, as well as the potential impact of AI itself.

Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained determined and actively pursued opportunities to gain experience. After several months of volunteering, building websites, and networking, Kiran finally landed her first full-time job as a software engineer at the Virginia Digital Service, a state government technology modernization team.

Kiran credits her success to the importance of networking and the impact of effort combined with luck. She emphasizes that doing more things, such as volunteering, networking, applying, and learning new skills, can increase the chances of success.