Computer Science Alumni struggles to secure their first job

Eddie Hart graduated in 2024 and studied computer science and cybersecurity at Newcastle University.

He says he knew entering a tech workforce would be a challenge, but “I thought it was a little easier.”

Even when the “junior” role was promoted, they often required more than two years of professional experience, Hart says.

“It's not realistic and only discourages a good candidate from even trying.”

For him, it is clear that potential employers use AI tools to automate simpler parts of the coder's work.

While companies can definitely benefit from using AI in some parts of their operations, “I don't think replacing developers with AI entirely is sustainable,” Hart said.

ChatGpt and other coding tools are blamed on the collapse of technology recruitment, especially for younger software developers and engineers.

A report by the UK's National Foundation for Education and Research found that between 2019/20 and 2024/25 high-tech job ads declined by 50%, particularly affecting the entry-level role.

The report cited “expected impacts of artificial intelligence” as one of the factors behind this.

At the same time, software developers have adopted AI code tools widely, and at the same time expressing distrust in their output.

Research by software knowledge platform Stack Overflow uses almost half of AI tools every day, despite only a third of those that actually trust the output of such tools.

“It's a difficult time to graduate,” says Prashanth Chandrasekar, CEO of Stack Overflow.

More widely, he says, the research shows that developers choose to be placed despite many expressing their dissatisfaction with their work. “People are probably running for safety.”

All this means that young engineers find it difficult to get that important first job.

The stress of finding a job is also raised by using AI in the job application process.

Hart came across a highly automated application process with eight stages, and the first was to answer 20 exam-style questions about himself.

This type of exercise can take time.

My friend was asked to record and upload answers to interview-style questions.

“And it's just been reviewed by AI and the computer makes the decision. At least it feels like they don't respect people rejecting it,” he says.

Colin, who doesn't want to use his full name, studied computer science at university and graduated in 2024.

He spent nearly a year hiring process for one big company. In the end it failed.

He says even small businesses often use AI to screen applications. This means that the CV should be configured to be “AI-Friendly”.

Colin will find himself interviewed by people who “evidently haven't read my resume.”

Hart and Colin said they know that the senior role is still there. But they wondered who would fill them if a young developer like them couldn't secure a job.

Paul Dix, CTO and co-founder of a California-based database company, says junior software developers have been hit hardest during the economic downturn and turmoil.

But he says, “If you don't hire a young developer, you'll arrive at this point where there are no senior developers, as you've completely killed the pipeline.”

More aggressively, Rajiv Ramaswami, CEO of US Enterprise Cloud Firm Nutanix, says, “Some of these young people leaving the university have actually had more experience using AI tools compared to traditional programming methods.”

Ramaswami adds:

Chandrasekar says there is always a “apprentice” type model in the industry, and a youth pipeline has come in and is working with senior developers.

And he suggests that executives and companies who have invested heavily in AI technology are under pressure to show the return on their investment. Even if it was simply to cut jobs.

A Stack Overflow survey found that 64% of developers perceive AI as a threat to their work, a 4% point from the previous year.

“They've now seen some limitations you need humans in a loop,” Chandrasekal notes.

Previous technological disruptions have caused fear that both senior or junior jobs would disappear, Chandrasekal said. But as people uncover new problems and challenges, they always bring more work.

“There's an insatiable desire for engineers and developers to build and build them to solve these problems.”

But that surge in demand may not come in time for some of today's alumni.

Hart has secured his role as security engineer for Threat Spike, a UK-based cybersecurity company.

Meanwhile, Colin has completely turned his back on technology and is considering a career in police force.