Why Your Computer Science Degree Isn’t Guaranteeing Jobs in 2025

Why Your Computer Science Degree Might Not Land You a Job in 2025

The long-held belief that a computer science degree automatically leads to a secure, high-paying career is increasingly being challenged. As 2025 approaches, new CS graduates are encountering unemployment rates that often surpass those in fields traditionally considered less lucrative, a shift largely influenced by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

A Stark Reality: Unemployment Rates for CS Grads

A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York paints a concerning picture. Unemployment figures for recent computer science graduates range from 6.1% to 7.5%. This is significantly higher, more than double the rates observed for graduates in disciplines like biology or art history, directly contradicting the popular notion of computer science as a guaranteed pathway to employment.

Real Stories of Job Search Struggles

The harsh realities of the current tech job market are highlighted in recent profiles by The New York Times, showcasing graduates with impressive academic backgrounds who are struggling to find work:

• Manasi Mishra, a 21-year-old Purdue University graduate, anticipated a flood of competitive job offers. Instead, her efforts resulted in just one interview—at Chipotle—which did not lead to a position.
• Zach Taylor, who completed his degree at Oregon State University in 2023, embarked on an extensive job hunt, applying to nearly 6,000 technology roles. This massive undertaking yielded only 13 interviews and, dishearteningly, no job offers. He even faced rejection from McDonald’s for “lack of experience.”

Key Factors Behind the Market Shift

Several powerful trends are converging to shrink the pool of entry-level opportunities in the tech sector:

• AI’s Impact on Junior Roles: Advanced AI programming tools are increasingly automating tasks traditionally handled by junior coders, thereby reducing the demand for these entry-level positions.
• Major Tech Layoffs: Significant workforce reductions at industry giants like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have seen thousands of experienced professionals laid off, intensifying competition for available roles.
• The “AI Doom Loop”: A paradoxical situation where job seekers use AI to send out a high volume of applications, while employers simultaneously deploy AI systems to rapidly filter and reject applications, often within minutes, creating an endless cycle of automated rejections.

Despite these significant hurdles, some graduates are finding innovative ways to navigate the challenging landscape. Manasi Mishra, for instance, eventually secured a role after proactively sending a cold application and candidly sharing her job search experiences on TikTok. Her posts resonated widely, connecting her with a community facing similar struggles and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the difficulties.