Tech Layoffs, the Looming Job Crisis, and New-Age Courses & Skills

The tech industry is on the verge of a massive shake-up and this time it is job cuts and layoffs. Tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and TCS are currently in sweeping restructuring efforts, announcing huge layoffs. As per reports, in 2025 so far, more than 60,000 tech workers have already lost their jobs across over 130 companies.

This Story also Contains

1. Career Fields in The Looming Job Crisis
2. Top Online Programs To Secure Jobs in Tech Layoff Wave
3. New-Age Online Degree Programmes
4. Explore Beyond Tech With Online Programmes

These companies claim the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on traditional workflows, lack of adaptability of employees to in-demand skills and more. This critically raises concern about the looming job crisis and how someone stays relevant in tech layoff waves.

Career Fields in The Looming Job Crisis

Since companies are adapting to an AI-first, leaner future, there are various ways you can secure your job in this era of layoffs. If you are into the tech industry, you need to upskill with the latest technology and in-demand skills.

In his statement, Bill Gates recommends that young people stay updated on AI. He also emphasises how crucial is adaptability, emotional intelligence and hands-on skills.

As tech layoffs are impacting careers at every level – from entry- to mid- and senior-level, this is an opportunity for recent graduates who want to enter the tech industry to future-proof their jobs with online courses and certifications.

There are various online degrees available that help them stay relevant in today’s layoff waves. There are also people-focused jobs such as education, healthcare, and social work where still human interaction is required.

Fields where human interaction remains essential:

Apart from these fields, there is a vast demand for skills that help you adapt to the changing tech landscape and future-proof your job in tech layoffs.

In-demand skills to stay relevant in tech layoff wave:

Top Online Programs To Secure Jobs in Tech Layoff Wave

There are various online degree programmes that provide you with the skills so that you can access high-demand fields. These degree programmes equip you with the ability to diversify your skill sets across multiple disciplines.

List of Top Online Degree Programs To Future-proof Your Career

Online degree programmes focus specifically on evolving industries, including healthcare, AI, data science, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. As many jobs do not require traditional college degrees, online courses and certifications can be a safety net for individuals to stay updated with the latest industry developments and work environment.

Let us have a look at the top online degree programmes for upskilling:

Online MBA in Data Science

• Online MBA in data science provides you with the ability to transform data into valuable business insights. This MBA specialisation provides expertise in high-demand tools and technologies within the industry. Job roles after this online MBA programme include Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Database Administrator, and Machine Learning Engineer.

Online MBA in Business Analytics

• This is a specialised MBA course that focuses on empowering learners with high-demand skills to utilise advanced statistical methods and data visualisation tools. Students gain expertise in modern statistical tools with online MBA in Business Analytics.

Online MA in Public Policy & Governance

• This MA programme helps learners navigate through complex societal issues and develop effective policy solutions. Online MA in Public Policy and Governance also prepares students to work on international issues and solve challenges.

Online MA Journalism and Mass Communication

• Learn journalistic storytelling, media production and communication strategies through online MA in Journalism and Mass Communication (MAJMC). This MA degree programme makes students ready for Reporter, Social Media Manager, Public Relations Manager, and Media Planner roles.

Online MA Psychology

• The online MA in Psychology degree programme enables learners to make a significant impact on the mental health and wellness of diverse populations in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and government facilities. Job roles after completing this programme include Emotional Intelligence Coach, Behavioural Coordinator, Life Coach, Behavioural Data Analyst, and Organisational Ethics Consultant.

Online MCA in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

• With this specialised programme, graduates and working professionals can gain extensive insights, specialised expertise, and versatile competencies essential for success in a dynamically evolving economy and tech layoff wave. Job roles after completing the online MCA in ML & AI include AI Research Assistant, ML Engineer, AI Solutions Architect, and ML Project Manager.

Online BBA in Healthcare Management

• This is a specialised BBA programme that aims to provide insights into healthcare administration and healthcare marketing insurance and hospital financial management. Job roles after the Online BBA Healthcare Management programme include Healthcare Coordinator, Medical Office Manager, Insurance Claims Executive, and Patient Care Services Manager.

New-Age Online Degree Programmes

With the economy continuing to evolve and traditional employment models change, there are several new-age online programmes being offered by top universities in India. Some of the new-age online degree programmes that you can consider in the tech layoff wave are as follows:

Also Explore: Tech Layoffs Surge - These Certifications Might Be Your Only Safety Net

Explore Beyond Tech With Online Programmes

Since there are a lot more exciting job roles available, young professionals and students do not rely on tech jobs alone. Candidates with entry-level jobs must be curious and embrace new technologies and explore other options to secure themselves from dislocation.

According to the Burning Glass Institute report 2024, 60 percent of entry-level roles across multiple sectors are threatened by automation. McKinsey also forecasts that up to 30 per cent of work hours in the US could be automated by 2030. This could affect young job seekers and junior employees.

From entry - to mid and senior-level professionals can take advantage of online degree programmes while working full time. As online programmes offer greater flexibility, they can study at their own pace and convenience and earn a recognised degree. Whether you are an IT professional or a software engineer, online degrees in cybersecurity or data science can help you position yourself in high-demand tech fields.

New To Online Learning? What Beginners Should Know

Thus, choosing the right online degree programme and acquiring in-demand skills can ensure your job security in tech layoffs in 2025 and beyond. Continuous learning mindset, professional network development, and regular career assessment and strategic planning are some key future-proof career strategies to utilise to secure your jobs in the tech layoff wave of 2025.