Fresh tech graduates face tough job market as AI takes over coding tasks

Many computer science graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to land their first jobs. Despite graduating with promising degrees, entry-level tech roles are vanishing as companies turn to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to handle coding and other tasks once done by junior engineers.

In 2025, AI automation is reshaping the tech job market worldwide, including Nigeria. Companies are using AI platforms to automate simpler coding functions, reducing the demand for new graduates to gain on-the-job experience. Research shows a sharp 50% decline in entry-level tech job postings since 2019. Many junior roles now require two or more years of experience, which creates a frustrating catch-22 for fresh graduates.

Graduates like Eddie Hart and Colin (pseudonym) who studied computer science recently have faced long application processes dominated by AI screening, multiple testing stages, and virtual interviews with little human interaction. This reliance on AI in hiring often leaves promising candidates rejected without human review, adding to their discouragement.

Experts warn the situation threatens the future talent pipeline. Paul Dix, CTO of database firm InfluxData, says if companies stop hiring young developers now, in time the sector will face a shortage of senior engineers as well. Meanwhile, some see a silver lining, newer graduates are often more familiar with AI tools, giving them a strong edge in the evolving tech landscape.

Industry research also finds that while developers increasingly use AI daily, they remain cautious about fully trusting its outputs. The tech community anticipates a time when human creativity and AI collaboration will drive new solutions and job creation again.

For now, the job market for computer science graduates is challenging, with some pivoting to careers outside tech. However, as AI reshapes roles, many believe demand for skilled developers will revive, making the current downturn a rough but temporary phase.

This ongoing transition stresses the need for fresh grads to build AI literacy alongside traditional skills and for companies to find balanced hiring approaches that invest in young talent as technology advances.