11 Jun 2025 Why People Are No Longer Studying Software Engineering

Have you noticed that the once-hyped path of becoming a software engineer isn’t quite the golden ticket it used to be? You’re not alone. Not long ago, “learn to code” was practically a life mantra. Bootcamps were booming, CS degrees were in high demand, and everyone was chasing those remote tech jobs with six-figure dreams.

But lately? The excitement has cooled. Fewer people are jumping into software engineering, and honestly, it’s not that surprising when you look at the bigger picture. From a flooded job market to the rise of AI and shifting career goals, there are some real reasons folks are turning away from this once-hot field, especially across Africa.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Job Market Is Brutal for Newbies

There are a lot of junior developers out there right now. Like, a lot. A few years back, it felt like every other person was picking up coding, hoping to land a remote job with big pay and even bigger perks. But now, the market is jam-packed, and employers? They’re getting picky.

That 2024 post on dev.to wasn’t kidding: companies are leaning toward candidates with serious, proven skills. Translation? If you’re fresh out of school or a bootcamp, it’s getting tougher to stand out.

And in Africa, this hits even harder. Programs like  AltSchool Africa have opened the doors for thousands of new devs, which is amazing, but it also means the competition is global. You’re not just up against your local cohort; you’re going head-to-head with folks in the U.S., India, Europe… you name it. For some, seeing friends struggle to land jobs despite all their hard work is enough to make them rethink the whole software engineering route.

2. AI Is Both Exciting and Terrifying

Let’s talk about the not-so-secret fear shaking up the tech world: AI.

Whether it’s ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, or some new tool that drops next week, AI is getting scary good at writing code. It’s not replacing developers entirely—yet—but it’s definitely changing the game. Why spend four years (and a chunk of cash) learning to code when an AI tool can build an app in half the time?

That fear is especially real in Africa, where tech education is often a serious investment. The question becomes: “Is it worth it?” And while the answer might still be yes for some, others are walking away before they even start.

3. The Field’s Reputation Is Losing Its Shine

Once upon a time, software engineering looked like the dream job: high salary, remote work, flexible hours, and the power to build amazing things. Now? The story’s a little different.

There’s burnout. Constant layoffs. Pressure to always be learning the “next big thing.” And let’s not forget that brutal hiring process full of whiteboard interviews and algorithm challenges. A 2024 YouTube video bluntly titled “ Why Software Engineering SUCKS in 2024” didn’t hold back, and a lot of devs in the comments seemed to agree.

On social media, people are calling the field a “scam” and complaining about the rise of “vibe coders” who rely so heavily on AI that the end product is often buggy and rushed. That negativity, fair or not, is turning people off, especially in places like Africa, where the stakes for picking a “safe” and profitable career are high.

4. Not Everyone’s Built for It (And That’s Okay)

Here’s a hard truth more people are starting to accept: software engineering just isn’t for everyone.

It’s not all creative freedom and hoodie-wearing from your couch. It’s a mentally demanding field that requires constant learning, thick skin, and a real love for problem-solving. Not everyone thrives under that kind of pressure, and that’s becoming more obvious.

More Africans are exploring other career options, like content creation, product design, or data analysis, thanks to programs like AltSchool Africa’s newly launched short courses. If you don’t love coding, why force it? The days of “everyone must learn to code” are fading, and honestly, that’s not a bad thing.

5. Education and Economics Are Changing the Game

Studying software engineering isn’t cheap, and the payoff isn’t guaranteed anymore.

A Stanford study in late 2024 found that nearly 1 in 10 software engineers were underperforming, basically, too many people were rushing into the field without enough depth. And on social media, you’ll find endless takes about CS degrees being outdated and not worth the money.

That’s especially true in Africa, where tuition can be a serious hurdle. If you’re going to drop cash on education, you want a return on that investment. With unemployment rising among CS grads, many are asking, “Is this actually worth it?”

Plus, the way software engineering is taught is under fire. Universities aren’t equipping students with real-world skills, just theory. Meanwhile, no-code platforms and micro-courses are gaining popularity, giving people faster, cheaper paths into the tech world without a four-year degree.

So What Does This Mean for Africa’s Tech Scene?

Here’s where things get interesting.

Africa’s digital economy is booming. The African Development Bank estimates 3 million new tech jobs will be created by 2025. But if fewer people are studying software engineering, who’s going to fill them?

The answer might be: more focused, better-prepared talent. With fewer people crowding into the same roles, those who stick with it, and take the time to really build strong, future-proof skills, will stand out. And with alternative tech careers (think UI/UX, product management, data analysis) also rising, Africa’s tech workforce could end up more diverse and better balanced.

Software engineering isn’t dying, it’s evolving.

What we’re seeing now is a natural correction after years of hype. The job market is tougher, AI is shaking things up, and people are realizing that this path isn’t for everyone. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just reality.

If you’re still passionate about becoming a software engineer, go for it, but be smart about it. Focus on mastering advanced skills. Learn how to work with AI instead of fearing it. Explore platforms like AltSchool Africa that offer flexible, real-world-focused training.

And remember: the tech world is bigger than just coding. Whether you’re designing the next big app, managing a product team, or launching a startup, there’s a place for you.

Got thoughts on this shift? Drop them in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going.