message from a graduating computer science student

Summary

A computer science graduate with a 4.0 GPA reflects on the challenges of entering the job market in 2026. Despite achievements like an unpaid internship, a full-stack web development project, and AI research, they struggle to find a job as AI automation rapidly replaces many entry-level positions. Disillusioned with the tech industry's impact on society, they pivot to a PhD program, hoping to research AI safety, while also considering creating YouTube content. The video offers a candid look at the uncertainties facing graduates in the current economy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Graduating with a 4.0 GPA in Computer Science from a top-tier university.
• 😀 Experience includes an unpaid 7-month internship, AI model fine-tuning, and full-stack web development.
• 😀 Engaged in AI research at university and served as a teaching assistant, demonstrating leadership and initiative.
• 😀 Despite impressive credentials, struggled to find a job after applying to over 200 positions.
• 😀 The rise of AI-driven platforms has reduced demand for traditional coders and entry-level positions.
• 😀 AI now handles many tasks previously performed by entry-level employees, such as spreadsheets and emails.
• 😀 Difficulty finding entry-level positions due to AI resume screening and intense competition.
• 😀 Initially entered computer science to address social media and AI's negative impact on human psychology.
• 😀 Realized that technological solutions alone cannot solve the broader systemic issues driving harmful AI development.
• 😀 Plans to apply for PhD programs, abandoning the search for a job in favor of further academic pursuit.
• 😀 Contemplating a YouTube career, but acknowledges that even viral success would yield minimal financial reward.

Q & A

What is the speaker's educational background?

The speaker is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from one of the best schools, with a 4.0 GPA.

What type of internship has the speaker had?

The speaker has had an unpaid internship for the past seven months, focusing on experience in their field.

What notable project did the speaker work on?

The speaker created a large-scale full-stack web development project that involved fine-tuning AI models.

How does the speaker feel about the job market for their field?

The speaker is frustrated with the job market, explaining that many positions are being automated by AI, leaving few opportunities for entry-level roles.

What is the speaker's opinion on the impact of AI on various job markets?

The speaker believes AI is replacing many low-level tasks across multiple sectors, such as managing spreadsheets or writing emails, which are now easily handled by AI.

What was the speaker’s initial career interest before studying computer science?

The speaker initially wanted to pursue psychology, but became interested in how social media and AI recommender systems impacted human psychology.

Why did the speaker choose to study computer science?

The speaker hoped to learn how to create algorithms and technologies that could potentially counteract the harmful effects of social media and AI systems.

What realization did the speaker come to about the AI industry?

The speaker learned that it is impossible to create a solution that outcompetes existing AI technologies, due to the deeply ingrained issues within the industry and economy.

What is the speaker's view on government regulation of AI?

The speaker believes that government regulation of AI is difficult due to competition between nations, like the U.S. and China, and that no meaningful regulations are being put in place.

What is the speaker’s plan for the future after graduation?

The speaker plans to apply to PhD programs as a way to continue their academic journey and conduct research on AI systems. They also hope to explore YouTube as a potential income source.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the current state of job opportunities for recent graduates?

The speaker feels that many entry-level positions are no longer available because AI can perform most of the tasks that used to be assigned to those positions. This has made job hunting extremely difficult, with little hope of securing a meaningful job.