{
  "id": 9609489,
  "title": "As the coding boom fades, AI is forcing colleges and computer science grads to adjust",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/as-the-coding-boom-fades-ai-is-forcing-colleges-and-computer-science",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-24T18:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91612478/coding-boom-fades-ai-forcing-colleges-computer-science-grads-adjust"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Once hailed for their prowess in coding, computer science students now face an uphill battle in the job market. As artificial intelligence takes center stage, many graduates find themselves outpaced by the rapidly evolving industry. Tulane University alumnus Jack Zemke, for instance, struggled to secure employment despite sending out hundreds of applications. However, thanks to a group project involving an AI-powered search tool, Zemke landed a job at a civil engineering firm, where he soon found himself stepping into the role of an AI evangelist.\n\nThe coding boom that once attracted students to computer science has since fizzled, leading to a surge in unemployment among recent graduates. According to an Associated Press analysis, the jobless rate for computer science and computer engineering graduates has reached around 7.1%. This rise in unemployment is partly attributed to the influx of students during the pandemic, as well as tech giants increasingly relying on AI for code generation. Smaller businesses, however, are now seeking help in navigating the AI landscape, resulting in a shift in the types of employers hiring.\n\nProfessors and industry leaders are taking note of these changes. Tracy Camp, the executive director and CEO of the Computing Research Association, has been advocating for companies to invest in entry-level workers to bridge the skills gap. Colleges are also adapting their programs to better prepare students for the evolving job market. They are experimenting with business-specific internships and enhancing training in AI tools, with the goal of equipping graduates with the ability to oversee AI tools instead of simply following their outputs.\n\nHowever, the impact of AI on the job market is not evenly distributed. International students pursuing computer science degrees have faced additional challenges, with many struggling to secure work visas due to changes in U.S. immigration policy. One such graduate, Collins Kibet from Kenya, found it difficult to land interviews, especially when employers learned of his need for an H-1B work visa. This situation has led colleges to rethink how they train computer science students, with a focus on preparing them for middle management roles and other advanced responsibilities.",
  "summary": "Computer science student Jack Zemke was getting nowhere despite sending out hundreds of job applications that mostly disappeared into the void—ignored. With his graduation from Tulane University just days away, he was considering moving back in with his parents when he got a break, thanks to a group project he had worked on involving an AI -powered search tool. As he touted it at an engineering…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}