The Golden Ticket That Wasn’t: CS Grads Face a Brutal Job Market
For years, studying computer science was seen as a near-guaranteed path to a lucrative career. High salaries, endless job openings, and the prestige of working in tech made it the default choice for countless students. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. Recent graduates are now struggling to land even minimum-wage jobs, let alone roles in the industry they trained for.
The tech sector’s massive layoffs have left thousands without work, with data showing an average of 592 job cuts per day. At the same time, the rise of AI-powered coding tools has reduced demand for entry-level engineers, leaving many young professionals stranded.
Take 21-year-old Manasi Mishra, who grew up near Silicon Valley. Like many in her generation, she was raised with the belief that coding skills were a golden ticket. The promise was simple: learn to program, and you’ll never worry about employment. Now, after graduating into one of the worst tech job markets in years, that promise feels hollow.
The problem isn’t just layoffs. Companies are increasingly relying on AI to handle tasks that once went to junior developers. Automated tools can write, debug, and optimize code faster and cheaper than humans, shrinking opportunities for those just starting out. Even internships, once a reliable stepping stone, have become fiercely competitive.
Some graduates are pivoting to unrelated fields, taking roles in retail or food service just to make ends meet. Others are doubling down on certifications or freelance work, hoping to stand out in an oversaturated market. But with hiring freezes and shrinking budgets across the industry, breaking in is harder than ever.
The situation has sparked a broader debate about the value of a CS degree. While technical skills remain in demand, the days of guaranteed six-figure starting salaries may be over. Experts warn that students should no longer view coding as a surefire career path but rather as one option among many—requiring adaptability in an unpredictable job market.
For those who bet their futures on tech, the reality is harsh. The industry that once seemed like a sure thing is now a battleground, with AI and economic uncertainty rewriting the rules overnight. The golden ticket, it turns out, was never as foolproof as it seemed.
