Learn to Code" Backfires Spectacularly as Comp-Sci Majors Suddenly Have Sky-High Unemployment
9/1/2025 10:43pm
The "learn to code" movement has unexpectedly led to a surge in unemployment for computer science majors due to a perfect storm of factors:
1. **Market Saturation and Job Market Shifts**: The tech industry, including companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon, has laid off thousands of employees, leading to a significant increase in the number of experienced candidates. This has made it challenging for recent graduates to find employment, as they are competing with a larger, more experienced pool of workers.
2. **Automation and AI**: The growing use of artificial intelligence in the tech industry is another factor contributing to the high unemployment rates. AI is increasingly being used to automate tasks and even entire processes, which naturally leads to a reduction in the need for human labor, including that of computer science graduates.
3. **Economic Factors**: There is a direct correlation between the influx of new talent into the field and the decrease in job availability. As enrollment in computer science programs reaches record highs, the market becomes flooded with graduates, leading to a decrease in wages and an increase in unemployment.
4. **Practical Experience vs. Theoretical Knowledge**: Employers are placing a greater emphasis on practical experience and specific technical skills, which can be a disadvantage for recent graduates who may lack real-world experience. This shift in hiring practices further exacerbates the unemployment issue, as graduates find themselves at a disadvantage compared to more experienced candidates.
In conclusion, the combination of market saturation, automation, economic factors, and a shift in hiring practices has created a perfect storm of challenges for computer science majors seeking employment. These factors have led to a significant increase in unemployment rates, making it a difficult time for graduates to enter the job market.