Prominent computer science professor sounds alarm, says graduates can’t find work: ‘Something is brewing’

NYP ^ | 09 29 2025 | Ariel Zilber

[yesthatjallen]

A prominent computer science professor at one of the world’s most prestigious universities says his graduates are struggling to find work — a far cry from just four years ago when they had their pick of high-paying jobs and “had the run of the place.”

Hany Farid, a world-renowned expert in digital forensics and image analysis, told Nova’s “Particles of Thought” podcast that computer science is no longer the future-proof career that it once was.

Farid was discussing the reasons that podcast host Hakeem Oluseyi’s son, a college senior who is studying computer science, is struggling to find work.

“For people like your son, by the way, who four years ago were promised, Go study computer science, it’s going to be a great career. It is future-proof — that changed in four years,” Farid said.

“That is astonishing.”

Farid said several factors can explain the phenomenon — and it’s not limited to artificial intelligence.

“Something is happening in the industry,” he said.

“I think it’s a confluence of many things. I think AI is part of it. I think there’s a thinning of the ranks that’s happening, that’s part of it, but something is brewing.”

According to Farid, Berkeley students who completed a four-year computer science program had as many as five internship offers throughout their matriculation.

SNIP

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TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: computers; designweaponsonspec

[Lurker]

H1B.

End it.

L

[dpetty121263]

Try being in IT at 63...If I get cut loose I will change careers.

[FamiliarFace]

I personally know one very recent college graduate in computer science that found a great paying job in her field before she even graduated. Smart kid. No problem.

[T.B. Yoits]

From the article: ...that computer science is no longer the future-proof career that it once was...

Hany Farid, a "world-renowned expert in digital forensics and image analysis", needs to study history. His comments have applied since 2004.

[BushCountry]

The Libs told us to learn to code? Confused.

[Leaning Right]

> in her field <

That might have something to do with it. A computer scientist friend of the family got hired by Texas Instruments a while back.

They had no immediate job opening for her. They just wanted get her “on board”. From that, she got from that the impression it was because she was a woman.

Funny world, eh?

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

The young people who are on the ball will be hired with or without a degree.

I have watched several walk out of high school into low level jobs and proceed up the ladder like a squirrel on meth.

But Hb-1 is still a problem for the average graduate. And I know I will get flack over this but I do not care. Average guys should not be shut out of the job market because of cheap (in every way) imports.

[Mariner]

Study and obtain the Cisco CCIE certification.

You might spend $10k on study materials and tests. And you earn a living wage throughout the entire process.

And once you have it, you’ll make $200k per year in just about any state you want to live in. And no student loans to repay.

Similarly for Master commercial electricians...and shipbuilders. Aviation engineers.

[PAR35]

in her field

Well, just because SHE was able to get a good job doesn't mean an equally qualified white male would be able to.

[Bobbyvotes]

So you are against capitalism.
You don’t want corporations to have freedom to hire whom they choose. You want government telling them whom to hire. That sounds like fascism.

[GingisK]

I'm 76, and still working. I design circuits and the printed circuits for microprocessor based instruments, sensors, and controls. I write the software that animates those devices as well as the software on PCs which process the data and originate the controls. I build and test the boards, and often install them in enclosures which I designed an fabricated.

Although retired, I have enough clients to keep me busy. Few can do all that I do.

[kiryandil]

Go into the trades - if you’re good, they’ll always want you.

And it’s good money.

[Myrddin]

I was still doing well at age 68. It was a 5 year contract with "surge" funding in years 1-4, none in year 5. The customer wanted what I was doing for them and squeezed out some additional funding for 5 months. Ultimately, a recompete for the contract was lost to a competitor. Team members are moving to other work. 2 to NSA. 2 to the winning competitor. 2 of us retired. Only my boss remains with need for new work.

All the openings that fit my skills required TS/SCI with a full poly and move to northern VA. Not happening for me at 68. It's fine for the younger team members.

AI is certainly a concern. So is funding cutbacks in DoD programs. It was just time for me to go. No real regrets a few months into retirement.

[goodnesswins]

Right out of high school...or after getting CS degree?

[goodnesswins]

Right out of high school...or after getting CS degree?

[lightman]

They created Frankenstein’s [AI] Monster...deal with it!

[kiryandil]

👍👍

[lightman]

Yep. Stop importing haji mud people and there will be plenty of jobs for American grads.

Children of Allah ≠ Children of God.