Computer Science Students’ Perspectives on Job Search Information and Support Sources

This research brief examines how computer science students navigate job search information and support in an increasingly competitive and AI-mediated labor market. Drawing on a mixed-methods study of job seeking computer science students, the report documents the wide range of human, institutional, and internet- and AI-based resources students use, how frequently they rely on each, and how useful they perceive different sources to be. The findings show that students assemble overlapping support ecosystems rather than relying on a single source, combining peer networks, industry contacts, online tools, and college-provided resources. While colleges offer substantial support, the report highlights misalignments between institutional resources and students’ needs across different stages of the job search, as well as equity concerns related to access to paid tools and professional networks. The report concludes with implications for educators and institutions seeking to better coordinate job search support and attend to students’ well-being during the college-to-work transition.