As the coding boom fades, computer science grads focus on AI skills in choppy job market

Computer science students are struggling in the job market as the recent coding boom fades. Jack Zemke, a Tulane University graduate, sent out hundreds of applications but received little response. However, a group project involving an AI-powered search tool led to an opportunity at a civil engineering firm, where he was hired as an "evangelist."

The job market has become increasingly difficult for new graduates, particularly in fields like software development where AI is taking over more tasks. While computer science majors enjoyed job offers during the coding boom, graduates in philosophy, art history, and ethnic studies now have higher employment rates. Colleges are adapting by offering business-specific internships and focusing on AI training.

Young workers in "AI-exposed" occupations, such as software development, are 19% less employed than they would be in less AI-affected fields. The U.S. Census Bureau compares the employment decline to finishing college during a recession. Colleges are reaching out to industry leaders to invest in entry-level workers to prevent a shortage of mid-level career people in the future.

International students face additional challenges, including U.S. immigration policy changes and a shift in available job types.