By ABDULLAH 
For decades, a Computer Science degree was seen as a golden ticket to a secure, high-paying career in technology. However, in 2025, the reality is far more complicated. Fresh graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to break into the industry, with unemployment rates for CS degree holders now surpassing those of many other majors.
According to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York study, the unemployment rate among fresh computer science graduates ranges between 6.1% and 7.5% — more than double the rate for graduates in biology or art history. This is a shocking shift for a field once considered immune to economic downturns.
The New York Times recently highlighted stories of graduates struggling to land jobs despite strong academic records. Purdue graduate Manasi Mishra, 21, managed just one interview — at Chipotle — which didn’t result in a job. Similarly, Zach Taylor from Oregon State University applied to nearly 6,000 tech roles, securing only 13 interviews and zero offers, even being rejected by McDonald’s for “lack of experience.”
Several key developments are driving this change in the job market:
- AI Disruption – Tools like GitHub Copilot have reduced the need for entry-level coders.
- Mass Layoffs – Tech giants such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have cut thousands of positions.
- AI-Driven Hiring Filters – The so-called “AI doom loop” sees applicants using AI to mass-apply for jobs while employers use AI to reject applications within minutes.
- Overcrowded Market – A surge in CS graduates, combined with 143,000 H-1B visa hires in 2023, has intensified global competition.
Recruiters and career experts agree: a CS degree no longer guarantees employability. Many graduates lack the practical skills, portfolio projects, and soft skills employers now expect. Major recruiters reveal that:
- Technical Skills Must Match Job Demands – Knowledge of the latest programming languages, frameworks, and cloud tools is essential.
- Soft Skills Matter – Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are now equally important.
- Work Experience Counts – Internships, open-source contributions, hackathons, and personal projects greatly improve job prospects.
ThoughtWorks’ graduate recruiter advises students to “take the initiative to teach themselves new skills, join hackathons, and contribute to GitHub,” while CGI warns that even the most technically skilled candidates can fail interviews due to poor self-presentation.
Experts recommend a proactive approach:
- Specialize Early – Narrow down your preferred IT role and tailor your learning accordingly.
- Build a Portfolio – Showcase real-world projects, open-source work, and freelance contributions.
- Network Actively – Attend tech meetups, join online communities, and seek mentorship.
- Stay Updated – Learn emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
While computer science remains a valuable field, its graduates can no longer rely solely on their degrees to secure high-paying jobs. In 2025’s competitive market, adaptability, practical experience, and strong communication skills are just as important as academic knowledge.