Is Your Computer Science Degree Enough? What Student-Athletes Need to Know About the Tech Job Market
For a long time, getting a degree in computer science or computer engineering seemed like a guaranteed path to a high-paying job in the tech industry. It was a clear and predictable career route, much like the playbook for winning a big game. But just as the rules of your sport can change, so have the rules of the job market. Today, many new grads with these majors are finding it much harder to land a job. In fact, unemployment rates for computer science and computer engineering majors are among the highest for all college majors, at 6.1% and 7.5%, respectively.
This might be surprising to hear, but it’s a reality check for anyone who believed a tech degree was a one-way ticket to a six-figure salary. As a student-athlete, you’re used to facing challenges head-on. You know that a strong game plan and hard work are crucial for success. Now, you need to apply that same mindset to your career strategy.
The New Challenges in the Tech Field
So, why is this happening? One of the biggest reasons is that the demand for entry-level talent has shifted. Over the last few years, major tech companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon have laid off tens of thousands of experienced engineers. This has flooded the job market with skilled professionals who are now competing for the same roles you are.
It’s like when a new, highly competitive team joins your conference. All of a sudden, the competition is tougher, and you have to work even harder to stand out. In the tech world, new graduates are now in a “traffic jam,” as one expert put it, fighting for a limited number of jobs against seasoned veterans who already have years of practical experience. This means that simply having a degree isn’t enough to get you to the front of the line.
Your New Game Plan
The good news is that the tech industry is still a high-value field with strong long-term potential. But to succeed, you’ll need to develop a new game plan. Here are three key strategies that can help you win your job search.
1. Don’t Limit Yourself to the Big Leagues
Just as not every athlete makes it to the pros, not every computer science major will land a job at a big tech company. But that doesn’t mean the opportunities are gone. You’re a competitor, and you need to look for where the game is being played. Technology is essential in every industry, from finance to healthcare to entertainment. These sectors are all hiring for tech roles and can offer you more stability and unique opportunities. Think of it as finding your spot on a different team, where you can still be a valuable player and build a successful career.
2. Stay on the Cutting Edge
Your sport requires you to continuously practice and learn new skills to stay competitive. The tech world is no different. The pace of technological change is incredibly fast, especially with the rise of AI. Simply having a degree is like having a basic understanding of the rules of your sport; it’s just the beginning. To stand out, you need to continuously upskill and stay current on new technologies. Don’t just go deep into one area; stay flexible so you can adapt as the technology changes.
3. Diversify Your Search
You know that winning a game isn’t about relying on a single play. You need to have a playbook with a variety of strategies. The same goes for your job search. Relying on online job boards alone is not enough. You have a powerful network of “weak ties”—friends of friends, coaches, mentors, and professors—that can help you get a foot in the door. Talk to them. Join online communities and attend meetups. Just like an extra practice session, these connections can give you an edge over other candidates.
Just as the most successful athletes are always training and adapting, the most successful tech professionals are always learning. The path into the tech industry is no longer straightforward, but it is still very much a rewarding one. The determination, discipline, and grit you’ve gained as a student-athlete are the exact qualities you need to navigate this new landscape and secure a great job. Your hard work and your skills are still your greatest assets; now it’s time to show the tech world what you’re made of.