Computer science (CS) graduates face some of the highest unemployment and underemployment rates among recent graduates. While the unemployment rate is reported as 6.1%, the underemployment rate is also relatively high, at 16.5%, according to some contributors on Reddit. Since the pandemic, the number of entry-level hires in Big Tech has plummeted, leaving many young professionals and their families disheartened.

If you’re one of them, you may be applying to hundreds of jobs only to get automated rejections. It’s frustrating and demoralizing. It makes you question your worth. But here’s the truth: while the tech landscape is changing, your skills as a computer science graduate are more valuable than ever. You just need to think differently about how—and where—you apply them.

Step One: Accept the Reality and Clear Mental Space

The hardest part of career disappointment is letting go of old expectations. Maybe you imagined landing that six-figure job at a tech giant right after graduation. Perhaps you thought that finishing your degree and earning good grades would secure your spot. The reality is different, and that’s painful to accept.

But once you acknowledge this shift, you’ll free up mental space to think creatively. You’ll start asking: What else can I do with my skills? Where else are computer science principles needed? This mindset opens up opportunities far beyond the realm of Big Tech.

My Story: Leaving Tech at the Height of Demand

I know what this feels like. I left a computer science job when demand for CS talent was soaring. On paper, I had “made it.” But I wasn’t fulfilled. I wanted more meaning in my work. That decision eventually led me into leadership coaching, where I now help executives maximize their potential.

Here’s the twist: I still use my computer science training every day. One client, a VP at a research company, told me:
“I love that you’re not just giving me quick fixes. You go to the source code level—finding the root cause and building sustainable solutions.”

I elaborated on other concepts of applying computer science principles in professional growth here.

That’s computer science thinking applied to people and organizations. And it’s proof that your skills can be applied to any field.

Go Back to Your Fundamentals

Your CS degree has given you tools that extend far beyond coding and programming. At their core, these are ways of thinking—frameworks for solving problems. Let’s revisit them:

• Analytical Thinking – Break down a complex challenge into smaller, manageable components.
• Debugging – Trace a problem to its root cause before applying a solution.
• Algorithms – Create systematic and optimized approaches to achieve results faster and more effectively.
• Systems Thinking – Understand how one change affects an entire ecosystem.

These fundamentals are what make computer science professionals unique. They’re transferable, timeless, and urgently needed in industries far beyond tech.

Look Beyond Big Tech

Yes, layoffs and hiring freezes by Big Tech dominate the headlines. However, remember that those companies are also trying to adapt. They haven’t figured it out either. They’re cutting costs while reinventing themselves for the future.

Take a lesson from them:

• Do your own version of “cost-cutting” to stay afloat.
• Then, reinvest your time and energy into reinventing yourself.

Ask: What real-world problems can I solve with the resources I already have?

AI is a perfect example. While some fear AI will replace jobs, many industry leaders believe otherwise. A software development manager recently wrote on Reddit:

“AI is nowhere near where it needs to be to replace humans. Developers don’t just write code—they solve tough business problems. AI can assist, but it can’t replace that level of problem-solving.”

This perspective is crucial: AI isn’t your competitor. It’s a tool. Your role is to apply it to real-world challenges in a way that adds value.

Practical Ways to Apply Yourself

Here are a few ways you can start applying your computer science skills outside of traditional Big Tech roles:

1. Volunteer with nonprofits – They’re always short on resources and overflowing with problems waiting to be solved.
2. Interview people in your community – Ask about challenges they face. Many can be addressed with data, automation, or better systems.
3. Experiment with AI – Use, experiment, and test how it can make you more efficient or create new solutions.
4. Start small projects – Build tools, apps, or products that solve everyday frustrations. Even if they don’t become successful startups, they add value, give you confidence, build credibility, and connections.
5. Network outside of tech – Industries like healthcare, education, sustainability, and logistics desperately need problem solvers with CS skills.

Remember: problem-solving is your superpower. Don’t limit it to FANG, MANGO, or whatever acronym they come up with for industry giants.

Redefine Success Beyond a Big Name Employer

You may not land that dream job right now. But what if success meant something different?

• Not just earning a six-figure salary, but creating meaningful impact.
• Not just being employed, but building resilience and adaptability.
• Not just writing code, but using your computer science mindset to make life better—for businesses, communities, and yourself.

You have the gift of youth, energy, and training. This is the best time to experiment, learn, and apply yourself.

Final Thought: The World Is Your Oyster

The tech industry is shifting—but so is the world. Countless problems are waiting to be solved, and your CS training uniquely equips you to tackle them.

Go back to your fundamentals. Think analytically. Debug problems at their root. Create efficient algorithms. Apply systems thinking. Then take action—whether it’s in Big Tech, a startup, a nonprofit, or an entirely different industry.

Your degree isn’t just a ticket to Big Tech. It’s a passport to problem-solving anywhere. And the world needs your skills now more than ever.

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Original Image by Tim Gouw from Pixabay. Enhanced by ChatGPT