150 job applications, rescinded offers: Computer science grads are struggling to find work

Abraham Rubio has dreamed of becoming a software engineer since he was a child. His early fascination with modifying gameplay elements in Minecraft sparked a passion for coding, leading him to earn a degree in computer science and game programming from Bloomfield College of Montclair State University in New Jersey this past May. However, securing a software development position has proven to be a formidable challenge. Despite applying for 20 roles, he has yet to receive a job offer. "I check LinkedIn daily, searching for opportunities, but the response from companies has been minimal," he shared. Historically, a degree in computer science or even a coding bootcamp certification was viewed as a ticket to a secure and lucrative career in the tech industry. Yet, the landscape has shifted dramatically. According to a May report from Oxford Economics, employment for recent graduates in computer science and math has plummeted by 8% since 2022. Job postings for software development roles on Indeed fell by an astonishing 71% from February 2022 to August 2023. While many believe this is an exhilarating time to break into tech, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has also led to automation in coding processes, reducing the demand for entry-level programmers. Tech giants continue to report impressive valuations, yet many have also implemented multiple rounds of layoffs to streamline operations, particularly in light of AI advancements. For instance, Microsoft recently reached a $4 trillion valuation, shortly after announcing the layoff of 9,000 employees, citing that AI was responsible for producing up to 30% of its code. Julio Rodriguez, a graduate from Elms College, echoed Rubio's sentiments, saying, "The job market feels nearly impossible to navigate right now." He recounted his struggle of submitting over 150 applications before finally landing a data engineering role this summer. "Even when you do get a job, the anxiety over potential layoffs looms large," he added. Nick Vinokour, who graduated from the University of Michigan, faced a similar setback when his job offer from Scale AI was rescinded due to corporate restructuring after Meta's significant investment in the startup. He remarked on the growing influence of AI tools on the job landscape, likening them to a tidal wave poised to reshape the responsibilities of junior engineers. Social media platforms like TikTok have become outlets for recent graduates to voice their frustrations. One user, Lili, cautioned others against pursuing computer science due to her own struggles in the job market. The comments section was filled with similar concerns from fellow graduates grappling with their career choices in tech. The overall unemployment rate for recent college graduates has risen, with data from the New York Fed indicating that computer science majors face unemployment rates of 6.1% and 7.5% for computer engineering graduates, surpassing those in less technical fields such as art history and English. While many recent grads remain hopeful that AI will not entirely replace programming jobs, there are significant apprehensions about its impact on entry-level positions. Brianne Ford, an alumna from the State University of New York at New Paltz, expressed concerns over the heightened expectations for internships and projects that students struggle to meet while in school. Educators are adapting to these changes. Magdalena Balazinska, director of the University of Washington’s computer science program, noted that the hiring slowdown is due not only to AI but also to tech companies recalibrating after a hiring surge during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, more than half of the school’s graduates from the 2024-25 year have already secured jobs at major tech firms. Coding bootcamps, too, are adjusting their curriculums to reflect the industry's evolving demands. Daniele Grassi, CEO of General Assembly, noted a shift in interest towards AI skills among professionals at all levels. Despite the challenges, tech leaders maintain that computer science graduates will still be in demand, emphasizing that the field requires critical thinking and creativity, skills that AI cannot replicate. As the job landscape continues to evolve, graduates are reminded that adaptability and ongoing learning will be crucial for success in a rapidly changing tech environment.