Core Viewpoint - The computer science and software engineering fields, once considered lucrative and prestigious, are experiencing a decline in job prospects and salaries, leading to concerns about oversupply and diminishing demand in the industry [2][3][19]. Group 1: Salary and Employment Trends - The average monthly salary for computer science graduates has decreased from 8192 yuan to 7639 yuan over the past three years, with the field dropping out of the top ten in salary rankings [3]. - Software engineering has been listed among the poorly performing majors in Hebei Province, with low initial employment rates and high unemployment and waiting rates [5][6]. - In 2024, the number of computer science graduates is projected to be 1.179 million, with approximately 70,000 graduates specializing in computer-related fields, indicating a saturation of the job market [8]. Group 2: Educational Institutions and Enrollment - Many universities are discontinuing computer science and software engineering programs, with 26 software engineering degree points removed in the last five years, the highest among all disciplines [7]. - The number of institutions offering computer science programs has reached 995, with software engineering at 661, and enrollment in these programs continues to expand, particularly in less prestigious universities [9][11]. - Institutions are motivated to expand computer science programs due to high tuition fees, which can significantly boost their revenues [15][17]. Group 3: Job Market Dynamics - A significant portion of computer science graduates (over 30%) are unable to apply their knowledge in the workforce, with 22% citing insufficient skills for relevant positions, a rate higher than the average for engineering graduates [19]. - The rapid evolution of technology means that many graduates are not adequately prepared for the current job market, as academic curricula lag behind industry needs [21][22]. - The demand for traditional software development roles is declining due to advancements in AI and low-code/no-code tools, which are reshaping the industry landscape [22][23]. Group 4: Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook - Education authorities are beginning to regulate the expansion of computer science programs, with several provinces implementing restrictions on new enrollments in these fields due to oversaturation [24][25]. - The computer science profession may be entering a phase of strict control over its growth, similar to the decline seen in civil engineering [26]. - Despite current challenges, emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing may still present future opportunities for the industry [27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenging job market for computer science graduates in the U.S., highlighting a significant increase in unemployment rates and underemployment compared to other fields, exacerbated by the rise of AI technologies that reduce demand for entry-level positions [4][15][21]. Group 1: Employment Statistics - Among graduates aged 22-27, computer science and computer engineering majors face some of the highest unemployment rates at 6.1% and 7.5%, respectively [7]. - In contrast, biology and art history graduates have unemployment rates of only 3%, indicating that computer science graduates are experiencing more than double the unemployment rate of these fields [8]. - The median early career wage for computer science graduates is $80,000, while mid-career wages reach $122,000, but these figures are overshadowed by the high unemployment rates [9]. Group 2: Job Market Challenges - The article highlights individual stories of graduates like Manasi Mishra and Zach Taylor, who faced significant difficulties in securing job offers despite applying to thousands of positions [21][19]. - Taylor applied for 5,762 tech-related jobs, receiving only 13 interview invitations and ultimately no job offers, leading him to seek employment at McDonald's, where he was rejected due to lack of experience [21]. - The proliferation of AI programming tools has led to a decrease in demand for junior software engineers, contributing to the employment challenges faced by computer science graduates [15][21]. Group 3: AI's Impact on Job Applications - Graduates are increasingly using AI tools to enhance their resumes and automate job applications, but this has created a "doom loop" where AI systems also filter out candidates, leading to frustration among job seekers [25]. - Some graduates, like Audrey Roller, have chosen to avoid using AI in their applications, but still face rejection due to algorithmic decision-making processes [25]. - The article notes that the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many graduates feeling trapped in a cycle where they must rely on AI to apply for jobs while being rejected by AI systems [25]. Group 4: Comparison with Domestic Job Market - In contrast to the U.S., the job market for computer science graduates in China appears more optimistic, with companies like ByteDance and Tencent ramping up recruitment efforts, particularly in AI-related positions [26][29]. - ByteDance has announced over 5,000 job openings, with a 23% increase in demand for R&D roles, while Tencent's recruitment efforts emphasize AI as a key focus [29][30]. - Despite the positive outlook in China, the competition remains fierce due to the increasing number of graduates in the field [35].