How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the career identity and academic success of computer science students?

Background The question of how to address the aftermath of COVID-19 remains crucial today. In our unique longitudinal research, we seek to understand how COVID-19 has influenced the development of career identity and what its long-term effects are. Individuals choose to pursue a career in information technology (IT) program design for a variety of reasons, and remaining in the field can be extremely challenging. This study aims to explore a new dimension by comparing dropout rates among computer science (CS) students and examining the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on career identity. Methods 3652 students participated in the study. The results show that the dropout rate among students in the cohort that started during the Covid-19 pandemic increased slightly, mainly affecting the first semesters of the cohort. Results Regarding the association between career identity and the Covid-19 pandemic, the level of achieved identity was significantly higher for cohorts before the Covid-19 pandemic than in cohorts after Covid-19 (t (3376) = 3. 130, p = 0.002). The level of diffuse identity status was significantly lower in the pre-Covid-19 cohorts than in the post-Covid-19 pandemic cohorts (U = 1388555, p = 0.311). Conclusion Since retaining CS students is already a challenge, these findings should be taken into consideration in relation to interventions aiming at decreasing the dropout rate. Through this significant and forward-looking investigation, we also aim to formulate recommendations for professionals and policymakers interested in education. To support the development of adaptive coping strategies among youth, professionals should comprehensively address these key challenges.