“You’re investing years and a significant amount of money into a Computer Science degree. It’s only natural to lie awake sometimes wondering, ‘Will this actually lead to a job?’”
If you’ve had that thought, let me put your mind at ease. The short answer is that a significantly high percentage of computer science graduates secure jobs, often well above the average for other fields. While an exact, universal figure is tricky (as it varies by region and year), in the UK, for instance, graduates in this field consistently enjoy some of the highest employment rates. But here’s the real insight: that degree is your ticket to the game, not a guarantee of a win. The graduates who land the best roles fastest are those who complement their studies with practical, real-world skills, something platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity are perfectly designed to provide.
So, instead of just focusing on the percentage, let‘s talk about how you can ensure you’re in that successful majority. We’ll look at why the odds are in your favour and, more importantly, how you can stack the deck even further.
It’s Not Just About the Degree, It’s About the Strategy
I’ve spoken to dozens of graduates over the years, and the ones who walk into careers they love have one thing in common: they didn’t just attend lectures. They started treating their career like a project from day one. They understood that the theory from their degree—whether from a traditional university or an online provider like SNHU or University of the People—needed to be paired with tangible proof of their abilities. The market isn’t just hiring degrees anymore; it’s hiring problem-solvers.
Here’s how you can build a profile that employers find irresistible:
- Focus on Employability, Not Just a Percentage. The headline employment rate is strong, but your personal employability is what matters. This is built through a professional portfolio. Use what you learn in your degree to build real projects—a mobile app, a data analysis dashboard—and host the code on GitHub. This becomes your practical CV.
- Specialise to Stand Out from the Crowd. A general CS degree is good, but a degree plus a specialisation is powerful. While studying, use platforms like Coursera or Udacity to gain certified skills in high-demand niches like AI, cybersecurity, or cloud computing. This shows initiative and makes you a solution to a specific hiring need.
- Bridge the “Experience Gap” Before You Graduate. Many graduates lack professional experience. You can solve this by seeking virtual internships, contributing to open-source projects, or even doing freelance work. Listing these on your CV demonstrates you can apply your skills in a professional context, which is exactly what employers want to see.
- Leverage the Power of Networking. A huge percentage of jobs are never advertised. Engage with your university’s alumni network on LinkedIn, attend virtual tech meetups, and connect with professionals in roles you admire. A recommendation from a connection can often be the key that opens the door.
- Develop the Whole Package. Technical skills get you the interview, but soft skills get you the job. Practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning have excellent, short courses on these topics that can give you a significant edge in the final interview stages.
Your Computer Science Employment Questions, Answered
Let’s tackle some of the specific, detailed questions you might be searching for online.
1. What is the actual employment rate for computer science graduates in the UK?
While it fluctuates slightly year-on-year, computer science consistently ranks among the top subjects for graduate employability. For a precise figure, always check the latest Graduate Outcomes data from HESA, but it‘s historically been over 85% in professional roles within 15 months of graduation.
2. How long does it take the average computer science graduate to find a job?
This varies widely based on individual proactivity. A graduate with a strong portfolio and internship experience might secure a role before they even finish their finals, while others may take a few months. The key is to start the job search early, ideally in your final year.
3. Are some computer science degrees more employable than others?
Degrees from accredited institutions that offer a year in industry or have strong ties with tech companies often have higher employment rates. However, the reputation of online degrees from established providers like edX and Coursera is growing rapidly, as they often focus intensely on industry-relevant skills.
4. What percentage of computer science graduates get jobs in big tech?
A relatively small percentage land roles at FAANG-level companies (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) straight out of university, as competition is fierce. However, a much larger percentage find excellent opportunities in fintech, healthcare tech, e-commerce, and the vast digital transformation sectors—all of which offer fantastic careers.
5. Do employers care more about my degree classification or my portfolio?
For most technical roles, your portfolio and practical skills will often carry more weight in the initial screening than your final grade. A 2:1 is a great target, but a solid GitHub profile with impressive projects can often outweigh a 2:2 if you can demonstrate exceptional practical ability.
Final Thoughts
So, while the percentage of employed computer science graduates is reassuringly high, it’s merely a statistic. Your future isn’t determined by a number; it’s built by the projects you complete, the skills you master, and the connections you make. Your degree is the launchpad, but your proactive effort is the fuel.
Don’t just be a graduate; be a builder, a problem-solver, and a continuous learner. The tech world is waiting for what you can create.
See It In Action
If you’re wondering what specific skills can boost your employability right now, this video from a tech career expert breaks down the top five abilities that employers are desperately looking for in 2026.
The video “Top 5 Tech Skills To Learn in 2024” by saasguru highlights five transformative technologies that are shaping the future of work and innovation. It stresses that targeted upskilling in these areas is vital for staying competitive in today’s tech-driven job market.
Key takeaways:
- Generative AI – Transforming industries by enabling content creation, product design, and automation.
- AI & Machine Learning – The foundation of modern tech, driving intelligent solutions and data-led decision-making.
- AR & VR – Powering immersive experiences in gaming, healthcare, and education.
- Cloud Computing – Essential for managing and deploying scalable applications through platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Blockchain – Reinventing finance, supply chains, and healthcare with secure, transparent systems.
The Take Home
Mastering these five high-demand tech skills is key to future-proofing your career and thriving in the evolving digital economy.
Sources
1. HESA Higher Education Statistics Agency – Graduate Outcomes
2. edX Official Site: Computer Science MicroBachelors and MicroMasters