Computer science graduates struggle to secure their first jobs

Joe FayTechnology ReporterEddie HartEddie Hart says coding corporations appear reluctant to rent latest graduatesEddie Hart studied pc science and cybersecurity at Newcastle College, graduating in 2024.He says he knew moving into the tech workforce can be a problem, however “I assumed it might be just a little simpler”.Even when “junior” roles have been marketed, they usually demanded two or extra years skilled expertise, Mr Hart says.”It isn’t reasonable, and it is simply discouraging the nice candidates from even attempting.”To him it appears clear that potential employers are utilizing AI instruments to automate the easier components of coder’s work, duties which might historically enable newcomers to construct up expertise. Whereas corporations undoubtedly profit from utilizing AI in some components of their operations, says Mr Hart, “I do not assume changing builders totally with AI is sustainable.”ChatGPT, and different coding instruments, are being blamed for a collapse in tech job openings, notably for youthful software program builders and engineers.A report by the UK’s Nationwide Basis for Schooling Analysis confirmed a 50% decline in tech job adverts between 2019/20 and 2024/25, with entry degree roles notably affected.The report cited the “anticipated affect of synthetic intelligence” as one of many elements behind this.On the identical time, software program builders have broadly adopted AI code instruments, whereas concurrently expressing mistrust of their output.Analysis by Stack Overflow, a software program data platform, reveals virtually half use AI instruments day by day, regardless of only one third really trusting the output of such instruments.Prashanth Chandrasekar, CEO of Stack Overflow, says it is “a difficult time to graduate”.Extra broadly, he says, its analysis reveals builders are selecting to remain put, regardless of many expressing dissatisfaction with their work. “Persons are in all probability working for security just a little bit.”All of this implies younger technologists are discovering it tougher to get that essential first job.Stack Overflow”It is a tough time to graduate,” says Prashanth ChandrasekarThe stress of discovering a job can also be being raised by way of AI within the job utility course of.Mr Hart got here throughout one extremely automated utility course of which had eight phases, the primary of which was to reply 20 exam-style questions on himself.Such workout routines can take up hours of time.Pals had been requested to document and add solutions to interview fashion questions.”After which that is simply reviewed by AI and a pc makes the choice. It simply looks like you aren’t getting that respect of at the least being rejected by a human,” he says.Colin, who did not need his full identify for use, studied pc science at college, graduating in 2024.He spent virtually a yr working by the recruitment course of for one giant firm – solely to be in the end unsuccessful.Even smaller corporations usually use AI to display purposes, he says, which means CVs should structured to be “AI pleasant”.Colin would then discover he was being interviewed by folks “who’ve clearly not learn my CV”.Each Mr Hart and Colin mentioned they knew the senior roles have been nonetheless on the market. However, they puzzled, who will fill them if youthful builders like them have been unable to safe jobs.InfluxDataThe pipeline of coders might dry up says Paul DixPaul Dix, CTO and co-founder at California-based database agency, InfluxData says in any financial downturn or disruption, junior software program builders have been those who obtained hit hardest.However he says, “If no person’s hiring youthful builders, then you are going to arrive at this level the place you do not have senior builders both, since you’ve fully killed your pipeline.”Extra positively says Rajiv Ramaswami, CEO of US enterprise cloud agency Nutanix, “A few of these youthful people popping out of faculty even have extra expertise utilizing AI tooling in comparison with conventional methods of programming.”Ramaswami provides: “I discover the marketplace for expertise to be the very best we have seen in a number of years.”Mr Chandrasekar says the trade had at all times had an “apprenticeship” kind mannequin, with a pipeline of younger folks coming in and dealing with senior builders.And, he suggests, executives and corporations that had invested closely in AI tech are below strain to point out some return on that funding. Even when that was by merely slicing again on hiring.Stack Overflow’s analysis additionally discovered that whereas 64% of builders perceived AI as a menace to their jobs, this was 4 share factors down on the earlier yr.”They’ve now seen a few of the limitations, the place you want people within the loop,” Mr Chandrasekar notes.Earlier tech disruptions had sparked fears that each senior or junior jobs would disappear, says Mr Chandrasekar. However invariably they end in extra jobs as folks uncover new issues and challenges.”There’s going to be an insatiable urge for food for technologists and builders to go and construct these issues to assist resolve these issues.”However that spike in demand won’t are available time for a few of in the present day’s graduates.Mr Hart has secured a task as a safety engineer at UK-based cybersecurity agency Threatspike, which he gained by a really human centred job course of.In the meantime, Colin has turned his again on tech altogether and is contemplating a profession within the police.Extra Expertise of Enterprise