Why Your Computer Science Degree Doesn’t Guarantee a Job in 2025

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

The long-held belief that a computer science degree is a guaranteed ticket to a stable, high-paying job is increasingly being challenged. As 2025 approaches, new graduates are finding themselves facing unemployment rates that, surprisingly, outpace many other fields, largely due to the rapid advancements of AI.

The Surprising Rise in CS Unemployment

According to a recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, unemployment among recent computer science graduates now ranges from 6.1% to 7.5%. This figure is more than double the rates seen by graduates in subjects often considered less vocational, such as biology or art history. It’s a stark reality check, shattering the perception of computer science as an untouchable career path.

Navigating a Tough Job Market: Real Stories

The struggles faced by new CS grads are more than just statistics. The New York Times recently highlighted the plights of individuals with strong academic backgrounds who are still searching for work:

• Manasi Mishra, a 21-year-old Purdue University graduate, anticipated a flood of competitive job offers. Instead, she secured just one interview, for a position at Chipotle, which she didn’t get.
• Zach Taylor, who graduated from Oregon State University in 2023, applied to an astonishing nearly 6,000 tech roles. His efforts yielded only 13 interviews and, dishearteningly, no job offers. He was even rejected by McDonald’s for “lack of experience.”

Key Factors Contributing to the Downturn

Several significant trends are converging to create this scarcity of entry-level opportunities in the tech sector:

• AI Programming Tools: The proliferation of advanced AI tools capable of generating code has significantly reduced the demand for junior coding positions. Tasks that once required entry-level human input can now be automated.
• Major Tech Firm Layoffs: Large technology companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have undergone extensive workforce reductions, shedding thousands of jobs and intensifying competition for remaining roles.
• The “AI Doom Loop”: A paradoxical situation where job applicants leverage AI to mass-apply for positions, while employers simultaneously use AI systems to filter and reject a vast number of applications within minutes. This creates a high-volume, low-success cycle for both sides.

While the overall market presents considerable challenges, some graduates are finding innovative ways to adapt. Manasi Mishra, for instance, eventually secured a role after submitting a cold application and courageously sharing her job search experiences on TikTok, where her relatable posts resonated with many others in similar situations. This adaptability and willingness to explore unconventional avenues may become increasingly vital for success in the evolving tech landscape.