Remember when “learn to code” was the hot new phrase? Everyone from politicians to pundits was saying it was the ticket to a great job and a bright future. But what actually happened? It turns out, things got a little complicated.
The Rise of Computer Science
For a while, everyone rushed into Computer Science (CS). Universities like UC Berkeley saw a massive increase in CS graduates, and even schools like MIT had a huge percentage of their students majoring in the subject. It seemed like the perfect plan: learn to code, get a high-paying tech job, and live happily ever after. The tech industry was booming with the rise of companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Instagram, and shows like “The Social Network” made tech founders seem like modern-day heroes.
Leaders like President Obama even endorsed coding, calling it a “ticket to the middle class”. It appealed to everyone – Republicans liked the idea of career-focused education, corporations wanted a steady supply of trained workers, and Democrats saw it as a solution to economic uncertainty.
The Cracks Begin to Show
However, there was a big problem: while more and more students wanted to learn CS, there weren’t enough professors to teach them. Why? Because experienced programmers could earn much more money working in tech than as university professors. This led to huge class sizes, overworked professors, and a less personal learning experience for students. Many graduates felt unprepared for the job market because their programs focused on theory rather than the specific skills needed for interviews.
The Boom of Coding Bootcamps
This is where coding bootcamps came in. They promised a faster, cheaper way to get a tech job, often in just 12 weeks. They focused on teaching only what was needed for tech interviews, skipping general education. At their peak, hundreds of bootcamps were graduating many students and making a lot of money.
But bootcamps soon faced similar challenges to universities. They started being more selective about who they accepted to protect their reputation. They also struggled to find teachers because they couldn’t compete with Big Tech salaries. To stay afloat, bootcamps often had to raise their tuition, which was tough for students paying out of pocket.
Eventually, many bootcamps partnered with universities through a loophole in education laws. The bootcamps would create the courses and find students, and the universities would put their name on the program, allowing students to access federal loans. In a way, the “disruptive” bootcamps ended up becoming more like the traditional universities they aimed to change.
The Tech Downturn
Then came the big tech downturn. After a period of massive growth, nearly half a million tech workers were laid off in 2023 alone, with more job losses in 2022 and 2024. The unemployment rate in tech is now even higher than the national average, and even top computer science graduates are struggling to find jobs. Many bootcamps have shut down or paused enrollment.
The “learn to code” message, which promised a future with a shortage of tech workers, ended up creating an oversupply of programmers. This made workers more “expendable” in the eyes of employers.
Beyond “Learn to Code”
The lesson here is that while tech jobs will continue to grow, “learn to code” isn’t a magic solution for everyone. Programming is a skill, and like any skill, not everyone will be good at it or enjoy it. It’s not like reading or writing, where everyone needs to know it.
Instead of focusing on just one specific skill, the text suggests that it’s more important to develop adaptable, non-industry-specific skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These are the skills that will help you in any career, no matter how the job market changes.