AI's Wild Ride: How One Grad Ditched Coding for Data

Mackenzie McAllister, a University of Missouri computer science graduate, is shifting her career focus to data analytics after AI tools like ChatGPT disrupted software engineering. She found technical interviews demoralizing and the field's rapid evolution made entry-level roles scarce, prompting her to pivot away from traditional coding jobs.

AI's Wild Ride: How One Grad Ditched Coding for Data Mackenzie McAllister thought computer science was her ticket. But AI's evolution had other plans. Now, she's eyeing data analytics. Meet Mackenzie McAllister. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a computer science degree. Her journey? A wild one, driven by AI's unpredictable influence. Expectations vs. Reality Four years ago, everyone was hyping up computer science. They said, 'Get this degree and you're golden. Job, money, security, bam ' Mackenzie was sold. Her dad and grandpa were software engineers, so she figured it was her destiny too. But here's the plot twist. AI tools like ChatGPT /compare/chatgpt-vs-claude started taking over. And what happened? They became a major crutch. Suddenly, what was once a strong technical foundation felt shaky. Bruh, imagine coding all through college, and then AI swoops in, changing the whole game. Looking at Data Mackenzie's not about that software grind anymore. She's applying for data analytics roles. She's interned as a systems analyst and done some SQL coding, which isn't quite the same beast as hardcore software engineering. She graduated in May 2026, and it's been mostly data analyst applications since. Why? Because software engineering interviews felt like a constant defeat. The work didn't feel satisfying. No cap, who wants to keep grinding when the reward looks bleak? AI Shakes Up the Field AI isn't just a tool. It's like this unhinged force reshaping the industry. Mackenzie's confidence in technical interviews took a hit. Who else feels like AI's setting the pace too fast for entry-level candidates? Here's the kicker. The computer science world demands insane amounts of practice. But balancing work, school, and a social life? Impossible. Plus, Mackenzie's felt the imposter syndrome that hits hard when you're one of the few women in your major. And with AI changing the opportunities, entry-level roles seem like a rare catch now. It's like the industry's moving faster than anyone can keep up. So, bestie, if you're thinking about computer science, maybe take a page from Mackenzie's book: consider your options. AI's got everyone rethinking their paths. Get AI news in your inbox Daily digest of what matters in AI.