Why Recent Computer Science Graduates Are Struggling to Find Jobs
387Just a few years ago, studying computer science seemed like a surefire way to land a good job. Students were told that if they learned to code and earned a CS degree, they could expect a high starting salary and bright prospects. But times have changed quickly. Now, many recent grads are finding themselves without work, even struggling to get hired at fast-food chains, let alone tech companies.
The Impact of AI on Entry-Level Tech Jobs
One of the biggest shocks for new graduates has been the rise of AI coding tools. These advanced programs can write code faster and cheaper than humans. As a result, tech companies are laying off workers and reducing entry-level jobs. According to the Tech Layoff Tracker, about 592 tech workers are losing their jobs every day. Many new grads who once thought they had secure careers are now facing unemployment or the need to switch careers entirely.
Take 21-year-old Manasi Mishra, for example. Growing up near Silicon Valley, she was told that coding could lead to a six-figure salary. She started coding early, took advanced classes, and earned her degree at Purdue. But when she graduated last spring, the AI boom had already changed the game. Instead of landing a tech job, she found herself applying at fast-food restaurants like Chipotle. She even made a TikTok video to share her story, which went viral, highlighting her struggles to find work in her field.
Graduates Feel Betrayed and Disillusioned
A survey by the New York Times revealed that many young people looking to enter tech share similar feelings of hopelessness. They once believed in the promise of high-paying tech jobs, but now feel “gaslit” by the industry. Some describe their emotions as depression, overwhelmed by the bleak job market and the shrinking number of opportunities. Recent statistics back this up. Unemployment rates for CS graduates have risen to 6.1%, higher than the 5.8% average for all recent grads. Computer engineering majors are hit even harder, with a 7.5% unemployment rate.
One example is Zach Taylor, a 25-year-old who started college in 2019 expecting endless job prospects. But by the time he graduated in 2023, the tech industry had been hit hard by layoffs and AI disruptions. Despite an internship, he was never hired full-time. Over two years, he applied to over 5,700 jobs, got only 13 interviews, and faced numerous rejections—including from fast-food chains for lack of experience. Now, he’s back in Oregon, relying on unemployment benefits, feeling demoralized and unsure of what’s next.
The Future of Tech Careers in an AI-Driven World
The current landscape has left many young people feeling stranded and uncertain about their futures. It’s a stark departure from the optimism many had just a few years ago. Until the AI bubble bursts or the industry adapts, prospects for new tech workers look grim. Many experts wonder if the promise of a quick path to wealth through coding still holds true in the age of automation and AI innovation.
As the job market continues to shift, it’s clear that aspiring tech workers need to rethink their strategies. Developing skills beyond coding, such as in AI oversight, ethical technology, or other emerging fields might be necessary. For now, though, many young people are facing the harsh reality that the tech industry’s promise of easy success has been upended by rapid technological change and economic upheaval.
In the end, the story of recent CS grads serves as a warning about the unpredictable nature of the tech world. It highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever.
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