In the rapidly evolving tech sector, computer science graduates are facing an unprecedented job market squeeze, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence tools that automate entry-level tasks. Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, has observed this shift firsthand, noting that the advice he gives to students has fundamentally changed. “The world is different now,” Farid told Business Insider in a recent interview, emphasizing that AI is reshaping not just coding but the entire pathway to employment in tech.

Farid, known for his work in digital forensics and AI ethics, points out that companies are increasingly relying on AI to handle routine programming, reducing the demand for junior developers. This comes amid broader industry layoffs at firms like Amazon and Microsoft, where AI coding assistants are boosting productivity but sidelining new hires. Graduates who once banked on six-figure starting salaries are now submitting hundreds of applications with little success, as reported in various outlets.

The AI-Driven Job Drought: Why Entry-Level Roles Are Vanishing

Recent data underscores the severity: the unemployment rate for new computer science degree holders has climbed to around 6.1%, nearly double that of some humanities majors, flipping long-held assumptions about tech as a “safe” field. According to a New York Times analysis, this surge reflects how AI tools like GitHub Copilot are automating basic coding, making it harder for novices to gain footholds. Students at top programs, including Berkeley and Stanford, describe a market where internships are scarcer and offers are rescinded as firms pivot to AI efficiencies.

Echoing this, a CNN Business report details graduates sending out 150 or more applications, only to face ghosting or outright rejections. The irony is stark—while AI was supposed to democratize tech, it’s instead creating barriers for the very talent pipeline that fuels innovation. Farid advises students to specialize in AI ethics or human-AI collaboration, areas less prone to automation.

Adapting Curricula and Skills: Universities Respond to the Crisis

Universities are scrambling to adapt. At Berkeley, Farid’s courses now emphasize AI literacy over rote coding, preparing students for a future where they manage AI systems rather than build them from scratch. This mirrors sentiments from industry leaders like Andrew Ng, who noted on X that there’s “significant unmet demand for developers who understand AI,” even as traditional programming jobs dwindle. Posts on X from educators and students highlight a growing consensus: skills in machine learning, prompt engineering, and AI product management are becoming essential, with salaries ranging from $120,000 to $250,000 for those who pivot successfully.

However, not all institutions are keeping pace. A The Atlantic piece warns that the class of 2026, having used AI since high school, may fare better, but current graduates are caught in transition. International talent strategies are also shifting, as per a Towards AI study, with U.S. firms looking abroad for specialized AI expertise amid domestic shortages.

Broader Implications: Economic and Ethical Ramifications

The ripple effects extend beyond campuses. Economists worry this could exacerbate inequality, as lower-income students who pursued computer science for economic mobility find doors closing. Farid, in his Berkeley School of Information research, investigates AI’s societal impacts, including job displacement, urging policymakers to address retraining programs.

On X, users like data scientists and career coaches stress upskilling in tools like Python, TensorFlow, and LangChain to stay competitive. Yet, as a BBC article notes, companies are outright replacing junior staff with AI for basic tasks, signaling a long-term transformation. For insiders, the message is clear: adaptability is key, but the human element—creativity, ethics, and oversight—will define the next era of tech careers.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities Amid the Disruption

Despite the gloom, optimism persists in niche areas. Roles in AI research and solutions architecture are booming, as evidenced by X posts forecasting millions of new jobs by 2025. Farid encourages students to view AI as a tool, not a threat, integrating it into portfolios to demonstrate value. As the industry matures, balancing AI efficiency with human ingenuity could restore equilibrium, but for now, the class of 2025 navigates a profoundly altered terrain.