Computer science graduates struggle to secure their first jobs

[willendure]

But this is a contractor's forum, is it not? This brings me to the question:
As contractors, have any of your end clients required a degree?

Required no. But in 2019 I worked for a bank, and not long after starting the contract the boss mentioned my degree from a top university as a reason why he expected me to be able to figure out a tough problem for them - so he definitely clocked that on my CV, and probably a reason I got to interview stage. Grduated in 97, so thats 22 years later.

[sadkingbilly]

worked for 8 banks, some several times.
still no degree.

[mogga71]

I actually got a job as a temp doing DBaseII programming work a day after I graduated in Computer Science in 1989... I think mainly because the lady in charge of the section in the Bank fancied me. Money was rubbish but it was a start. A few months later I got a permie gig in Cheshire before starting contracting in 1994 .... those were the days....a million miles away from recruitment these days.

I have been incredibly lucky as I am now an old git (nobody fancies me any more) but somehow have managed to stay contracting for the last 30 odd years with only about 9 months out all in all. Still WFH for a major Bank. Strange times, in the last 10 years I have made about 3 times as much money in investing in America technology stocks than I have from actual work .... just jammy I suppose.

I deffo, 100% would not advise anybody to do a straight Computer Degree now ..... in fact I would recommend doing a subject as far away from computers as possible.

[NotAllThere]

'i'm not elitist, - but..........'

I am elitist. I'm better than everyone else. It's a cross to bear, because it's hard to be humble when you're better in every way.

How much relevance do you reckon a 40-year old computer science degree has, anyway?

None at all. But it gets your foot into the door (or at least it used to) at a higher starting level. And the fact of having a degree means your more attractive to some employers. The fact is, if you have a bachelors you'll be on a lower starting salary than someone with a masters.

Last time I was recruiting I was quite happy to take on a guy who didn't have a degree but had the experience. Even got him a work permit when strictly, without a degree, it shouldn't have been possible.

[sadkingbilly]

I am elitist. I'm better than everyone else. It's a cross to bear, because it's hard to be humble when you're better in every way.

aye, - right!