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How is the market for Computer Science, is it really that bad as it seems by media?
Hi for anyone reading, I'm a junior who is researching into colleges to get into and am planning to do computer science (more specifically in the software engineer/cybersecurity field) but I do see online things that really ask myself if I'm choosing a good career path. I see a lot that the market is really oversaturated and things like that so I was wondering is it really that bad or is it exaggerated (hopefully)? Thank you for reading!
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8 answers
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hello, I write about myths versus reality.
1. Don't choose a career just because it pays well. Instead, pursue something you love.
2. Most schools don't offer computer science courses. Computer Science is like math for computers, focusing on theories. Not many people actually work as computer scientists.
3. To take action, figure out what you enjoy about computers. Then, check the course catalog to see if your chosen school offers classes in that area.
4. In my opinion, not mastering AI could put you at a disadvantage.
5. Currently, the job market isn't great for new graduates. I help them because schools often don't teach about sales, marketing, or job hunting. However, in 5 or 6 years, the job landscape, especially in computers, is uncertain. Plan a path that you can afford, enjoy, and that will teach you valuable skills. Consider getting internships and finding a mentor.
1. Don't choose a career just because it pays well. Instead, pursue something you love.
2. Most schools don't offer computer science courses. Computer Science is like math for computers, focusing on theories. Not many people actually work as computer scientists.
3. To take action, figure out what you enjoy about computers. Then, check the course catalog to see if your chosen school offers classes in that area.
4. In my opinion, not mastering AI could put you at a disadvantage.
5. Currently, the job market isn't great for new graduates. I help them because schools often don't teach about sales, marketing, or job hunting. However, in 5 or 6 years, the job landscape, especially in computers, is uncertain. Plan a path that you can afford, enjoy, and that will teach you valuable skills. Consider getting internships and finding a mentor.
okay, thank you for your comment!
Dani
Updated
Usman’s Answer
Hi Dani! I completely understand your concerns—there’s a lot of noise in the media right now about the computer science job market, and as someone working in the tech industry (specifically in cloud support and security), I’ve seen both the challenges and the opportunities firsthand.
It’s true that the landscape for computer science jobs, especially in software engineering, has changed a lot in recent years. AI and automation are making some routine coding jobs less common, and there’s definitely more competition for entry-level roles than there used to be. I’ve noticed that just having a CS degree isn’t always enough to stand out anymore, especially for junior positions.
But I wouldn’t say the situation is as dire as some headlines make it seem. In fact, there are still plenty of opportunities—especially if you’re willing to adapt and focus on areas that are in high demand. For example, I work a lot with cloud infrastructure and security, and I can tell you that cybersecurity is absolutely booming. There’s a huge shortage of skilled people in that field, and companies are always looking for folks who understand both security and cloud technologies.
What I’ve Learned (and What I’d Recommend)
Specialize and Stay Curious: The people I see thriving are those who keep learning and aren’t afraid to dive into new areas. AI is changing the game, but it’s also creating new roles—like prompt engineering, AI security, and cloud automation. If you’re interested in cybersecurity, that’s a fantastic choice; the demand is only going up.
Get Hands-On Experience: When I was starting out, internships and side projects made a big difference. Employers want to see that you can apply your knowledge, not just memorize theory. If you can show off real-world projects (even if they’re just personal or open-source), you’ll stand out.
Don’t Be Discouraged by the Competition: Yes, it’s more competitive, but that just means you need to be proactive. Network, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry (like you’re doing now!). Most of us are happy to share advice or point you in the right direction.
Focus on What Excites You: The tech world is huge. Whether it’s AI, cloud infrastructure, security, or something else, find what genuinely interests you. Passion and curiosity go a long way, especially when the market gets tough.
So, is the market “bad”? It’s definitely more challenging for entry-level software engineering roles, but it’s far from hopeless. If you’re willing to keep learning, build practical skills, and maybe specialize in areas like cybersecurity, you’ll find there are still lots of opportunities out there.
It’s true that the landscape for computer science jobs, especially in software engineering, has changed a lot in recent years. AI and automation are making some routine coding jobs less common, and there’s definitely more competition for entry-level roles than there used to be. I’ve noticed that just having a CS degree isn’t always enough to stand out anymore, especially for junior positions.
But I wouldn’t say the situation is as dire as some headlines make it seem. In fact, there are still plenty of opportunities—especially if you’re willing to adapt and focus on areas that are in high demand. For example, I work a lot with cloud infrastructure and security, and I can tell you that cybersecurity is absolutely booming. There’s a huge shortage of skilled people in that field, and companies are always looking for folks who understand both security and cloud technologies.
What I’ve Learned (and What I’d Recommend)
Specialize and Stay Curious: The people I see thriving are those who keep learning and aren’t afraid to dive into new areas. AI is changing the game, but it’s also creating new roles—like prompt engineering, AI security, and cloud automation. If you’re interested in cybersecurity, that’s a fantastic choice; the demand is only going up.
Get Hands-On Experience: When I was starting out, internships and side projects made a big difference. Employers want to see that you can apply your knowledge, not just memorize theory. If you can show off real-world projects (even if they’re just personal or open-source), you’ll stand out.
Don’t Be Discouraged by the Competition: Yes, it’s more competitive, but that just means you need to be proactive. Network, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry (like you’re doing now!). Most of us are happy to share advice or point you in the right direction.
Focus on What Excites You: The tech world is huge. Whether it’s AI, cloud infrastructure, security, or something else, find what genuinely interests you. Passion and curiosity go a long way, especially when the market gets tough.
So, is the market “bad”? It’s definitely more challenging for entry-level software engineering roles, but it’s far from hopeless. If you’re willing to keep learning, build practical skills, and maybe specialize in areas like cybersecurity, you’ll find there are still lots of opportunities out there.
Thank you a lot for your recommendations Usman!
Dani
Updated
Berk Can’s Answer
Considering today’s conditions and the future, there are similar concerns about many professions. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to how much you improve yourself and how you develop your skills. I’ve spoken with many recent graduates in my own circle, and most of them said they didn’t have much trouble finding a job.
From my own observations, job opportunities in software have become a bit more limited. On the other hand, I think there’s still a noticeable gap in cybersecurity. A lot of people have trained and improved themselves in software, so in some cases, it may be harder to stand out and land a job.
Every field has its own specialties. You can follow trends, for example. If you're planning to go into software, you might consider focusing on artificial intelligence. I don’t think you’ll end up unemployed in this field :)
To sum it up — if you act wisely, work hard, and invest in your personal development (including emotional intelligence), I don’t believe you’ll have trouble finding a job.
From my own observations, job opportunities in software have become a bit more limited. On the other hand, I think there’s still a noticeable gap in cybersecurity. A lot of people have trained and improved themselves in software, so in some cases, it may be harder to stand out and land a job.
Every field has its own specialties. You can follow trends, for example. If you're planning to go into software, you might consider focusing on artificial intelligence. I don’t think you’ll end up unemployed in this field :)
To sum it up — if you act wisely, work hard, and invest in your personal development (including emotional intelligence), I don’t believe you’ll have trouble finding a job.
Thank you a lot for your comment Berk!
Dani
Updated
Raj’s Answer
The tech job market isn’t as bad as the media makes it seem. Yeah, there have been layoffs at big companies and it’s gotten more competitive—especially for junior dev roles—but there’s still solid demand, especially in cybersecurity, which is growing fast. Tech isn’t dying, it’s just spreading out across all industries. If you’re passionate, build projects, and get some experience outside of school (like internships or certifications), you’ll be in a good spot. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely still a great career path if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Thank you Raj for your comment!
Dani
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Dani, please understand that it is great that you’re taking a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to your career planning—especially in such a dynamic and fast-evolving field as computer science. To directly answer your question: the market for computer science, including software engineering and cybersecurity, is not as bleak as some media portray it to be. While there are certainly real challenges in specific areas of the tech industry right now, particularly in big tech hiring and entry-level roles, the broader outlook for computer science professionals remains strong, particularly in high-demand and mission-critical areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and systems architecture.
Let’s break it down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, at about 15% from 2022 to 2032 (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm). This includes a projected 26% growth in information security analyst roles, which is directly aligned with your interest in cybersecurity. That kind of growth rate translates to tens of thousands of new jobs being created each year across various industries, not just in Silicon Valley, but in government, healthcare, finance, energy, and beyond.
Dani, it is true that the tech sector, particularly large companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google, has seen rounds of layoffs in recent years. However, much of this is a correction from the overhiring during the pandemic boom, rather than a reflection of long-term job scarcity. The reality is that demand for skilled technologists remains robust, especially those who specialize in areas where security, infrastructure, and AI are key priorities. Cybersecurity in particular is experiencing a major talent gap: (ISC)²’s 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates a global shortage of over 4 million cybersecurity professionals (https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study), highlighting a persistent and urgent demand that you, as a future cybersecurity expert, would be stepping into.
One factor contributing to the perception of an oversaturated market is the influx of new graduates and bootcamp learners entering the field, combined with rising employer expectations. Entry-level roles often now require internships, project portfolios, or contributions to open-source projects. But these challenges are not insurmountable. They simply underscore the importance of standing out with practical experience, internships, networking, and continuous learning.
Finally, Dani, computer science remains one of the most valuable and versatile degrees you can pursue, but success will come from being strategic. Focus on building a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and applied skills. Prioritize hands-on learning through internships, competitions (like Capture the Flag events in cybersecurity), and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). With a proactive approach, you’ll not only be entering a growing field, but one that is critical to the security and functionality of virtually every industry today.
Dani, you should know that you are not just choosing a good career path, you’re choosing a future-proof one if you stay adaptable, curious, and committed to learning.
Let’s break it down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, at about 15% from 2022 to 2032 (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm). This includes a projected 26% growth in information security analyst roles, which is directly aligned with your interest in cybersecurity. That kind of growth rate translates to tens of thousands of new jobs being created each year across various industries, not just in Silicon Valley, but in government, healthcare, finance, energy, and beyond.
Dani, it is true that the tech sector, particularly large companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google, has seen rounds of layoffs in recent years. However, much of this is a correction from the overhiring during the pandemic boom, rather than a reflection of long-term job scarcity. The reality is that demand for skilled technologists remains robust, especially those who specialize in areas where security, infrastructure, and AI are key priorities. Cybersecurity in particular is experiencing a major talent gap: (ISC)²’s 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates a global shortage of over 4 million cybersecurity professionals (https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study), highlighting a persistent and urgent demand that you, as a future cybersecurity expert, would be stepping into.
One factor contributing to the perception of an oversaturated market is the influx of new graduates and bootcamp learners entering the field, combined with rising employer expectations. Entry-level roles often now require internships, project portfolios, or contributions to open-source projects. But these challenges are not insurmountable. They simply underscore the importance of standing out with practical experience, internships, networking, and continuous learning.
Finally, Dani, computer science remains one of the most valuable and versatile degrees you can pursue, but success will come from being strategic. Focus on building a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and applied skills. Prioritize hands-on learning through internships, competitions (like Capture the Flag events in cybersecurity), and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). With a proactive approach, you’ll not only be entering a growing field, but one that is critical to the security and functionality of virtually every industry today.
Dani, you should know that you are not just choosing a good career path, you’re choosing a future-proof one if you stay adaptable, curious, and committed to learning.
Thank you a lot for your time in writing your comment, I really appreciate it!
Dani
Updated
A’s Answer
While it's true that the tech job market has cooled compared to the pandemic hiring boom, computer science is still a strong and in-demand field, especially in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and data privacy. The current job climate may feel competitive due to high layoffs in big tech and more entry-level applicants, but demand for skilled software engineers and cybersecurity experts remains high across industries like healthcare, finance, and government. If you stay adaptable, build a solid portfolio, and gain real-world experience through internships or projects, you'll be well-positioned—CS is still a future-proof career path with broad applications.
alright, thank you a lot for your comment!
Dani
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Dani! The market for Computer Science is still strong, especially in fields like cybersecurity, AI, cloud computing, and data privacy. Yes, some entry-level roles are more competitive now, and tech layoffs get a lot of attention, but those headlines often overshadow the huge ongoing demand for skilled CS professionals across industries including healthcare, finance, government, and more.
The key is to build a strong foundation, develop real-world skills through internships or projects, and stay adaptable as tech evolves. You're choosing a career path with incredible long-term potential, don’t let the noise shake your confidence. Keep learning, stay curious, and you’ll be more than ready to stand out. You’ve got this and good luck!
The key is to build a strong foundation, develop real-world skills through internships or projects, and stay adaptable as tech evolves. You're choosing a career path with incredible long-term potential, don’t let the noise shake your confidence. Keep learning, stay curious, and you’ll be more than ready to stand out. You’ve got this and good luck!
Thank you a lot for answering this question along with my other one, I really appreciate it!
Dani
Updated
Vimit’s Answer
The job market for computer science isn’t as bleak as the media sometimes makes it sound. While you might hear about layoffs and slowdowns in certain big tech companies, there's still plenty of demand out there. Here’s a casual breakdown of what’s really going on:
The Good Stuff
High Demand for Skills:
Lots of industries—from healthcare to finance to e-commerce—are going high-tech. They need computer science pros, especially in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
Remote Work Options:
The pandemic really pushed remote work into the spotlight, giving computer science folks the chance to look for jobs from companies all over, without needing to move.
Variety of Opportunities:
There’s a ton of different roles in computer science nowadays. Beyond the usual software developer positions, there are cool jobs in emerging fields like data science and AI that are popping up all the time.
Startup Culture:
Startups are everywhere, and they need tech talent. This opens up more opportunities, especially for those who are willing to dive into the entrepreneurial scene.
The Challenges
Economic Slowdowns:
Yeah, some big tech companies are downsizing, which can make it feel like the market’s shrinking. But that’s not the full story.
Skill Gaps:
Sometimes there’s a mismatch between what companies want and what job seekers have. Keeping your skills updated is key.
Competition:
In some areas or roles, there can be too many candidates, especially in hot fields like web development.
Market Outlook
Job Growth Projections:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects computer and tech jobs to grow by about 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for other jobs.
Salary Potential:
Computer science gigs usually pay well, often higher than many other careers. Roles in data science and cybersecurity tend to bring in some of the best salaries.
Overall, while there are bumps in the road, the market for computer science professionals is still pretty strong. If you stay updated on trends and continue learning, you’ll be in a good position to find a great job in this field
The Good Stuff
High Demand for Skills:
Lots of industries—from healthcare to finance to e-commerce—are going high-tech. They need computer science pros, especially in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
Remote Work Options:
The pandemic really pushed remote work into the spotlight, giving computer science folks the chance to look for jobs from companies all over, without needing to move.
Variety of Opportunities:
There’s a ton of different roles in computer science nowadays. Beyond the usual software developer positions, there are cool jobs in emerging fields like data science and AI that are popping up all the time.
Startup Culture:
Startups are everywhere, and they need tech talent. This opens up more opportunities, especially for those who are willing to dive into the entrepreneurial scene.
The Challenges
Economic Slowdowns:
Yeah, some big tech companies are downsizing, which can make it feel like the market’s shrinking. But that’s not the full story.
Skill Gaps:
Sometimes there’s a mismatch between what companies want and what job seekers have. Keeping your skills updated is key.
Competition:
In some areas or roles, there can be too many candidates, especially in hot fields like web development.
Market Outlook
Job Growth Projections:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects computer and tech jobs to grow by about 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for other jobs.
Salary Potential:
Computer science gigs usually pay well, often higher than many other careers. Roles in data science and cybersecurity tend to bring in some of the best salaries.
Overall, while there are bumps in the road, the market for computer science professionals is still pretty strong. If you stay updated on trends and continue learning, you’ll be in a good position to find a great job in this field
Thank you a lot for your comment Vimit, it was very informative!
Dani