Despite promises from tech leaders about the lucrative prospects of coding careers, recent graduates in computer science are encountering a tough job market. The emergence of AI programming tools and widespread layoffs in the tech sector have left some working in fast food while they strategize their next steps.
The allure of high-paying tech jobs has led to a significant rise in computer science enrollment over the last decade. The number of undergraduates in this field has more than doubled since 2014, with many viewing it as a pathway to financial success, often envisioning six-figure salaries and enticing perks.
Unfortunately, the current situation for many alumni is quite different. The proliferation of AI tools that can rapidly generate code, coupled with substantial layoffs at major tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, has created an uncertain job landscape for those entering the field. Among university graduates aged 22 to 27, those studied in Computer Science and Computer Engineering are facing some of the highest unemployment rates at 6.1% and 7.5%, respectively.
Moreover, the influx of H-1B visa holders from countries like India and China complicates matters, as these workers sometimes replace American staff, despite companies laying off local employees.
In 2025 alone, Microsoft applied for 4,712 H-1B visas, based on data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. However, some former employees and insiders believe the actual number might be closer to 6,000, though this hasn’t been independently verified.
The practice of using H-1B visas has drawn criticism over the years, with many arguing that it allows firms to substitute American workers with cheaper foreign alternatives. Conversely, supporters claim it enables companies to attract top talent globally, helping them compete. The history of Microsoft’s H-1B applications aligns with this as they submitted 9,491 applications in 2024, with almost all getting approved.
In a recent survey of over 150 students and recent graduates from state universities, such as the University of Maryland, University of Texas, and the University of Washington, as well as private institutions like Cornell and Stanford, many shared their job-seeking experiences. Some reported applying to hundreds, if not thousands, of tech positions across various sectors. Graduates, regardless of their school’s reputation, described facing rigorous coding assessments and technical interviews, often leading to rejection. Words like “frustration,” “disappointment,” and “moral decline” were common, alongside feelings of being “gaslit” regarding their career prospects in tech.
Some recent graduates have found themselves working in fast food to make ends meet while looking for jobs related to their degrees. One individual noted that Chipotle was the only company that responded to her application, while another faced rejection from McDonald’s for lack of experience.
The rise of AI coding assistants is particularly troubling for students. These tools may diminish the demand for junior software engineers, making entry-level roles more susceptible to automation and putting new graduates at a disadvantage. Moreover, many universities are just beginning to incorporate these AI tools into their curriculums, further hindering recent alumni.
Job hunters find themselves trapped in what’s termed AI’s “Doom Loop.” They utilize specialized tools to send numerous applications, only to be met with AI systems filtering out resumes and disqualifying candidates. Even technology jobs in the government sector, once seen as a reliable alternative, have become harder to secure due to budget cuts and hiring freezes.
As the job climate shifts, some graduates are exploring different areas within the tech industry, such as marketing and sales, emphasizing the importance of human skills like creativity. Others remain focused on software engineering, developing personal projects to showcase their talents to potential employers.
