Artificial intelligence may already be making it harder for computer science graduates to find traditional technology jobs, especially entry-level coding and software development roles.
New graduate employment data from the UK shows a noticeable drop in the number of computer science graduates becoming professional programmers or coders. Around 28% of computer science graduates entered these roles recently, compared with about 40% previously.
The wider picture has also become more difficult. Only around half of computer science graduates moved into graduate-level jobs, compared with more than 60% two years earlier.
The changes come as companies increasingly use AI tools to write code, test software, analyze information and complete other routine technical work. Tasks that were once commonly given to junior developers can now be completed much faster with AI assistance.
This does not mean AI is the only reason for weaker hiring. Technology companies have also become more careful about recruitment, while economic uncertainty and changes in the wider job market have reduced opportunities for some new graduates.
However, AI appears to be changing what employers expect from people entering the technology industry. Instead of hiring large numbers of junior workers for basic programming tasks, companies can use smaller teams supported by AI tools.
Computer science graduates may therefore need a wider range of skills. Areas such as cybersecurity, network engineering, cloud computing, data science and AI development could offer new opportunities as traditional software roles change.
Universities are also starting to adjust their courses by giving students more experience with artificial intelligence and data-related technologies. Learning how to work with AI, rather than competing against it for routine tasks, could become increasingly important.
The latest figures do not suggest that computer science degrees are becoming useless. Technology skills remain important across many industries. But the traditional path from a computer science degree directly into a junior programming job may no longer be as simple as it once was.
For future graduates, practical experience, problem-solving skills and the ability to use AI effectively could become just as important as knowing how to write code.
