The software engineering job market is facing its toughest challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic, with layoffs, a flood of graduates, and fierce competition making it harder than ever to land a role. Federal Reserve data sourced from Indeed suggests this slump could be the "new normal," with factors like university prestige, internships, and GPA becoming critical for entry-level positions. International students and outsourcing trends add another layer of complexity, while the rise of AI looms over the industry. Are we in a temporary downturn or a permanent shift? Join the debate on Avonetics and discover how to navigate this turbulent landscape. For advertising opportunities, visit Avonetics.com.