Computer Science Grad Struggles to Find First Tech Job Amid AI Disruption

Despite a strong academic background, Kiran Maya Sheikh faces hiring challenges as AI reshapes the entry-level job market.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:36pm

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Kiran Maya Sheikh, a recent computer science graduate from the University of California, Irvine, is finding it difficult to land her first full-time software engineering job, as the rise of AI technology has disrupted the traditional tech job market. Despite her impressive academic credentials, Sheikh is competing with experienced workers and AI-powered tools for a shrinking pool of entry-level positions.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges facing new computer science graduates as AI technology increasingly automates and displaces certain entry-level roles. As companies prioritize hiring experienced workers, recent grads like Sheikh are struggling to find their footing in the industry, raising questions about the long-term impact of AI on the job market and the need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to prepare students for the evolving tech landscape.

The details

Sheikh, who graduated in 2025, expected to easily find a stable, well-paying job in the tech industry after completing her computer science degree. However, she has faced a much more competitive job market than anticipated, with many of her classmates also struggling to land internships and entry-level positions. She attributes this to the growing influence of AI, which has led companies to prioritize hiring experienced workers over new graduates. Despite her initial skepticism, Sheikh has come to recognize the disruptive potential of AI, particularly in automating more junior-level tasks. As a result, she has been forced to adapt her job search strategy, focusing on building her network, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, and finding ways to differentiate herself from AI-powered tools.

  • In June 2025, Sheikh graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a computer science degree.
  • After graduating, Sheikh began her job search and started to notice the challenges facing new computer science graduates in the current job market.

The players

Kiran Maya Sheikh

A recent computer science graduate from the University of California, Irvine who is struggling to find her first full-time software engineering job due to the disruption caused by AI technology.

University of California, Irvine

The university where Kiran Maya Sheikh obtained her computer science degree, which is known for its strong academic programs in the field.

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What they’re saying

“It's bad advice to 'not worry,' AI is causing disruption in this job market. Employers are prioritizing hiring experienced workers, but not new graduates.”

— Kiran Maya Sheikh (Business Insider)

“Suddenly, I was ahead in class. I was doing the assignments well and understanding more.”

— Kiran Maya Sheikh (Business Insider)

“My fight is definitely with AI and all the competition with entry-level graduates — especially because AI is known to take over more junior roles. So it's important that we stay more relevant and offer something that AI can't.”

— Kiran Maya Sheikh (Business Insider)

What’s next

As Kiran Maya Sheikh continues her job search, she plans to focus on building her network, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, and finding ways to differentiate herself from AI-powered tools in order to secure her first full-time software engineering position.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges facing new computer science graduates in an evolving job market heavily influenced by the rise of AI technology. It underscores the need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to better prepare students for the changing tech landscape, as well as the importance of proactive networking and skill development for recent grads seeking to stand out in a competitive job market.