The Bar Has Moved: Junior Dev Survival Guide in the Age of AI episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 17, 2026

The Bar Has Moved: Junior Dev Survival Guide in the Age of AI

from Rubber Duck Radio · host Tim Williams

Entry-level tech hiring is down 25%, but opportunity isn't dead—it's evolved. In this episode, Tim and Paul break down what's actually working for junior developers in 2026. We cover: the Claude Opus 4.7 backlash and what it teaches us about AI limitations, why "slop PRs" are flooding open source and how to stand out instead, where developers are actually finding jobs now (hint: it's not LinkedIn), and the portfolio projects that still impress hiring managers. Plus, we share what we're looking for when we hire: the technical skills, stakeholder management, and critical thinking that AI can't replace. If you're breaking into tech, building your portfolio, or hiring your first junior dev—this episode is for you.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 17, 2026

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