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Silas Odanike
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For years, a computer science degree was seen as the passport to a high-paying, secure job in the booming tech world. Students flocked into coding programs, confident that a diploma and a bit of programming knowledge would guarantee them a spot at Google, Microsoft, or a rising startup.
But the landscape has shifted — and brutally so. Today, thousands of graduates are discovering that a degree alone is no longer enough.
Many computer science graduates report sending out dozens — even hundreds — of applications with little or no response. Some secure interviews, only to watch their offers vanish in last-minute hiring freezes. The assumption that “tech will always hire” has been shattered.
Why? The reasons are layered:
Oversaturation of graduates: More universities and bootcamps are producing software engineers than the market currently needs.
AI disruption: Tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and other automation systems can now perform tasks once reserved for entry-level programmers.
Changing employer demands: Companies aren’t looking for just coders anymore — they want problem-solvers, adaptable thinkers, and professionals who can integrate AI into their workflows.
A diploma shows you studied the theory — but it doesn’t prove you can solve real-world problems. That’s the distinction employers are making.
Instead of just listing courses on a résumé, hiring managers now want to see:
Hands-on projects that demonstrate initiative.
Teamwork and communication skills to navigate collaborative environments.
Adaptability in using new tools, especially AI-powered ones.
Industry knowledge in areas like fintech, healthtech, or cybersecurity.
The message is clear: A degree gets your foot in the door, but it won’t carry you through it.
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s a hiring filter. Recruiters are asking: Can this candidate leverage AI tools to get work done faster and smarter?
That means the real competitive edge belongs to those who learn how to work with AI, not fear it. Ironically, the very thing making jobs harder to land is also the tool that can help graduates stand out.
The good news? There’s still enormous demand for talent — but for those willing to adapt. Graduates who pair technical knowledge with creativity, critical thinking, and AI literacy are positioning themselves for long-term success.
The degree is just the beginning. The real key is learning to evolve with the industry.
And in the words of one tech leader:
“AI won’t replace you, but someone with AI will replace you.”
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