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.

Kiran Maya Sheikh, a recent UC Irvine computer science graduate, struggled to find her first full-time software engineering job amid AI-driven market disruptions favoring experienced hires. After months of skill-building and networking, she secured a role with the Virginia Digital Service, illustrating the challenges and persistence required for new grads in today's AI-impacted tech job market.