Not long ago, a computer science degree almost guaranteed a six-figure job offer. Now, freshly minted coders are finding themselves behind cash registers, on construction sites, or rolling burritos at Chipotle.
The shift isn’t about a sudden lack of ambition—it’s about a job market reshaped by artificial intelligence, corporate priorities, and outdated education pipelines.
AI Has Swallowed Entry-Level Tech Work
Junior developer roles are vanishing at record speed. AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can now handle the coding, debugging, and even design work that used to keep armies of junior engineers busy. One AI-powered developer can often replace what once required a small team.
For bootcamp graduates, the collapse has been brutal—placement rates have dropped from over 80% in 2021 to under 40% in 2023. Employers are no longer paying for potential; they want proven experience and AI-savvy skills.
When the Dream Job Disappears, Students Pivot
With traditional tech paths drying up, Gen Z is looking elsewhere. Some are heading into trades like plumbing or electrical work. Others are taking service jobs—not because they’ve given up, but because those roles offer stable pay, health benefits, and in some cases, tuition assistance.
Chipotle has become a surprising refuge for tech-savvy students. It’s not glamorous, but the company is aggressively hiring, offering perks, and providing a paycheck while graduates figure out their next move.
The New Skill Stack: AI Fluency + Human Strengths
Sam Altman of OpenAI has said bluntly: “Knowing how to use AI is the new coding.” Today’s tech companies don’t just want someone who can write functions—they want someone who can design systems, collaborate with AI, and bring human judgment where machines fall short.
Soft skills—communication, teamwork, adaptability—are suddenly as critical as technical ability. These are the capabilities AI can’t yet replicate.
Education Is Behind the Curve
Universities and coding bootcamps still largely teach in a pre-AI framework. Many grads leave school knowing syntax but not how to integrate AI into real-world workflows. That gap makes the leap into today’s job market even harder.
Chipotle’s AI Twist on Hiring
Ironically, even service jobs are leaning on AI. Chipotle’s internal hiring assistant—nicknamed Ava Cado—has cut hiring time by 75% by automating scheduling, resume screening, and communication.
It’s not just tech companies using AI to optimize; the fast-casual food chain is proving that every sector is now tech-enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q | A |
|---|---|
| Why aren’t CS grads getting hired in tech? | AI tools now do much of the work once handled by junior developers, so companies hire fewer beginners. |
| Is AI really taking jobs? | Yes, especially entry-level coding, testing, and bug-fixing roles. |
| What skills should students focus on? | AI literacy, system architecture, problem-solving, and soft skills like communication and adaptability. |
| Is a CS degree still worth it? | Yes—but only if paired with AI knowledge and practical experience. |
| Why work at Chipotle? | It’s stable work with benefits and flexible schedules—valuable when the job hunt is long. |
| Will tech jobs come back? | The market will evolve, but entry-level coders will need to adapt to new, AI-driven roles. |
Bottom Line
The six-figure “starter job” in tech is fading fast. AI has rewritten the rules, and the safest path forward now blends adaptability, continuous learning, and AI fluency. For many young coders, that means making ends meet at jobs they never pictured—while building the skills to compete in the AI-driven economy.
Sources The New York Times
