TECHNOLOGY
Tech Grads Face Tough Times: From Coding to Chipotle?
USA, San RamonTue Aug 12 2025
Many are turning to fast food as AI and layoffs reshape the job market.
The Promise vs. Reality
For years, tech leaders touted coding as a path to high-paying jobs. Many students believed this and pursued computer science degrees. However, the current job market tells a different story.
The Struggle is Real
- Manasi Mishra, a Purdue University graduate, spent a year job hunting in tech.
- The only company that called her back? Chipotle.
- Her story on TikTok resonated with many others facing similar struggles.
The Numbers Don't Lie
- Computer science enrollment has doubled since 2014.
- Unemployment rates among graduates are rising.
- Some graduates apply to thousands of jobs with little success.
Zach Taylor's Story
- Applied to nearly 6,000 tech jobs.
- Only 13 interviews.
- Even rejected by McDonald's.
- Now living at home on unemployment benefits.
The AI Factor
- Companies are using AI to screen resumes.
- Many graduates are rejected by algorithms.
- Some feel demoralized and unsure of their next steps.
A Glimmer of Hope
- Some graduates are finding new paths.
- Mishra secured a job in tech sales.
- Realized her interest lay in sales, not software engineering.
- Proof that opportunities exist beyond traditional tech roles.
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questions
If AI can write code, will tech companies start hiring cats to test the software since they already use nine lives?
Will recent grads start applying to McDonald's with resumes written in Python just to stand out?
What are the long-term implications of AI tools on the job market for entry-level software engineers?
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