Master's Graduate Endures 500 Job Rejections, Now Survives on Universal Credit
A 23-year-old London graduate with a first-class master's degree in computer science has faced a staggering 500 job rejections since May 2025, forcing him to rely on Universal Credit to make ends meet. Theo dal Pozzo, who specialised in machine learning at the University of Exeter, described the relentless rejection process as profoundly demoralising and indicative of broader challenges in the job market for young professionals.
From Academic Excellence to Employment Struggles
Theo completed his postgraduate degree in 2024 with top honours, focusing on machine learning—a field at the forefront of technological innovation. After a brief stint working at his family's hotel in Brazil, he returned to London in May 2025, eager to launch his career as a software engineer. Despite his British citizenship and fluency in four languages—English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish—he has submitted over 500 applications without securing a single offer.
One particularly disheartening moment came when he reached the final interview stage with a major tech company, only to be passed over for a candidate with eight years of experience. Theo reflected, "It's very demoralising because every rejection sends you back to square one with the next company. There seem to be fewer junior positions available than in the past."
The AI Factor in Modern Hiring Practices
Theo attributes part of his struggle to the increasing use of artificial intelligence and large language models in recruitment processes. As a machine learning specialist, he understands AI's capabilities but finds its application in hiring problematic. "There's AI versus AI—candidates use it in applications, and companies use it for screening," he explained. "It feels impersonal, and it's hard to differentiate yourself if you rely on AI for applications."
He noted that some companies receive over 1,000 applications for a single role, using AI to filter CVs and reduce the workload for hiring managers. This automation, while efficient, may overlook qualified candidates like Theo, who now avoids AI in his applications to maintain authenticity.
Personal Efforts and Broader Youth Unemployment Trends
After depleting his savings over six months, Theo turned to Universal Credit in October 2025. In a desperate bid to find work, he visited over 50 local businesses in one day, handing out his CV in person—but received no responses. His situation mirrors a worrying national trend: Office for National Statistics data reveals that 16% of economically active young people aged 16 to 24 were unemployed between November 2025 and January 2026. This figure represents 732,000 individuals, a 14.5% increase from the previous year, with higher rates among men (18.4%) than women (13.4%).
Concerns for the Future of British Industry
Theo expressed deep concern about the long-term implications of AI on entry-level roles and the UK's professional pipeline. "This leads the UK to a point where, in 10 or 15 years, there won't be any people to fill senior roles because they weren't hired as juniors earlier," he warned. "The country faces a difficult situation of not having trained professionals due to a lack of investment in young talent."
His story underscores the harsh realities facing many graduates today, where advanced degrees and specialised skills do not guarantee employment. As AI reshapes hiring, the gap between education and job opportunities widens, leaving talented individuals like Theo in financial precarity and questioning the future of their careers.
