Why New Computer Science Graduates Struggle To Find Tech Jobs Today

Six months after graduating with a computer science degree, thousands of young professionals—like your son—are still searching for their first job in the tech industry. Once considered one of the fastest-growing and most secure fields, the technology job market is now showing signs of slowdown and shifting priorities.

Experts say the situation is the result of several overlapping factors: post-pandemic adjustments, automation, and major layoffs across top tech companies. While opportunities still exist, the hiring pace has slowed dramatically compared to the booming years of 2020–2022.

In recent months, major technology giants such as Google, Meta, and Amazon have announced smaller hiring targets or paused new recruitment altogether. These companies, which once hired thousands of graduates each year, are now focused on restructuring teams, cutting costs, and investing heavily in artificial intelligence. As a result, entry-level roles in software engineering and data science have become far more competitive.

Industry analysts note that the rise of AI automation has changed the skill demands in tech. Many companies now prefer candidates with specialized knowledge in machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity rather than general programming backgrounds. This shift has left many computer science graduates feeling unprepared, despite having strong academic records.

“The industry hasn’t disappeared—it’s transformed,” explains career consultant Emily Harris. “Tech companies are still hiring, but they’re looking for niche skills and real-world experience. Fresh graduates need to focus on hands-on projects, internships, and certifications that prove they can apply what they’ve learned.”

Another challenge is that remote work and outsourcing have expanded global competition. Employers can now hire developers from around the world, often at lower costs. This has made it even harder for new U.S. and European graduates to land their first position, especially without prior experience.

However, not all news is bad. Mid-sized startups and emerging AI-driven companies are quietly expanding their teams. While salaries may be lower than at major corporations, these roles often provide valuable experience and faster career growth. Experts recommend graduates look beyond traditional “big tech” companies and explore opportunities in healthcare technology, fintech, green tech, and government sectors.

Colleges are also under pressure to update their curriculums. Many universities still focus heavily on theoretical computer science, leaving graduates less prepared for modern industry demands such as DevOps, cloud architecture, and AI tools integration.

For graduates currently struggling to find a job, career advisors suggest building a strong online portfolio, contributing to open-source projects, networking on LinkedIn, and earning certifications from platforms like AWS or Google Cloud.

The bottom line: The tech industry isn’t shrinking—it’s evolving. The competition is fierce, but opportunities still exist for those willing to adapt and keep learning. For your son, persistence, reskilling, and flexibility could make all the difference in today’s challenging yet dynamic tech job market.