Executive Summary
The rise of generative AI and the recent expansion of agentic AI have led to a contraction in
job opportunities for entry-level software (SW) talent and a polarization in hiring based on
experience. The employment rate for SW majors graduating from four-year universities in
Korea fell from 68.1% in 2022 to 57.3% in 2024, and the proportion of experienced hires in the
SW sector surpassed that of entry-level hires. A reduction in opportunities for entry-level
professionals to gain practical experience could weaken the long-term supply pipeline for
skilled SW professionals and core AI talent. Accordingly, this report analyzes the share and
volume of jobs for entry-level SW talent and medium-to-long-term workforce demand across
Korea, the U.S., and the U.K., and proposes directions for talent development policies.
An analysis of the current situation and demand forecasts reveals that while the share and
volume of jobs for entry-level SW talent have recently declined, this should not be interpreted
as a general contraction in the demand for SW talent. From 2018 (pre-COVID-19) through
2025, the number of entry-level SW jobs in all three countries showed a higher growth rate
than that of the overall labor market. Forecasts by national agencies for SW industry
workforce growth over the next decade—13.2% for Korea, 14.8% for the U.S., and 7.1% for the
U.K.—also exceed the projected growth rates for the total workforce in each country.
Therefore, it is necessary to invest in upskilling entry-level SW talent to resolve the mismatch
between industry demand and workforce supply, while accounting for factors such as the
proliferation of AI and the market correction following the hiring surge during the COVID-19
pandemic.
The goal of talent development must shift from producing simple coders to cultivating "AI
orchestrators"—professionals who actively solve problems by utilizing, supervising, and verifying
AI systems. To achieve this, uniquely human competencies—such as problem-solving and
application skills, creative and critical thinking, and collaboration—must be combined with
digital literacy and self-directed learning abilities. Addressing the phenomenon of "competency
compression"—where entry-level hires are expected to possess the skills of seasoned
professionals—requires bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical, on-the-job
experience. It is essential to establish a corporate-led collaborative framework involving
educational institutions and the government that mirrors successful international models of
apprenticeships and field training, combining intensive education with practical training while
remaining responsive to rapidly changing demands.
Establishing a corporate-led, proactive system for cultivating software talent requires the
active participation of all stakeholders. Companies must translate on-the-job requirements into
specific educational needs and spearhead upskilling initiatives for both new hires and
incumbent employees through real-world projects and mentorship by experienced professionals.
Educational institutions, such as universities and graduate schools, must foster foundational
expertise and uniquely human competencies while meeting corporate demands through
theory-based education linked to practice and discussion, as well as projects connected to
actual industrial and regional issues. The government should facilitate this collaboration by
incentivizing corporate investment in education and training, supporting curriculum
development at educational institutions, and motivating trainees to participate, thereby
supporting the entry of beginners into the field and their growth into skilled professionals.