If you’re deciding on a university major, considering a career shift, or updating your skills to stay relevant in the ever-evolving tech industry, you might expect technology executives to steer you towards computer science. However, some of the most influential CEOs in the tech sector have suggested otherwise, with recommendations that veer towards fields driven by creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, driven by the rapid advancement of AI systems. Companies are locked in a fierce race to dominate the field, creating an urgent demand for highly skilled professionals. Interestingly, Nobel laureate in economics Christopher Pissarides recently suggested that pursuing degrees in engineering or mathematics might now be a mistake—all because of the transformative impact of AI models.
In an era dominated by AI systems, where traditional programming skills may become obsolete, here’s what tech CEOs recommend.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: No More Coding
Huang believes the era of manual programming may soon be replaced by natural language interfaces powered by AI systems. Earlier this year, during a discussion in Dubai with the UAE’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Huang shared a bold perspective:
“I’m going to say something and it’s going to sound completely opposite of what people feel. Over the last 10-15 years, almost everybody who sits on a stage like this would tell you that it is vital that your children learn computer science, everybody should learn how to program.”
“In fact, it’s almost exactly the opposite. It’s our job to create computer technology such that nobody has to program, and that the programming language is human. Everybody in the world is now a programmer. This is the miracle of artificial intelligence.”
Huang highlighted the transformative potential of AI systems, suggesting it could redefine education priorities. If he were starting over, he’d focus on digital biology, a field that blends life sciences with engineering. He predicted that this field—combining proteins, enzymes, and materials—would become a cornerstone of innovation.
Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates: Three Fields to Specialize in
Gates, who originally planned to study mathematics, believes practical experience outweighs formal education in becoming a great software developer. His advice for thriving in the age of AI models is to specialize in:
- AI: The backbone of technological evolution.
- Energy: A sector primed for innovation and transformation.
- Biology: A field facing challenges as AI begins to automate various processes.
The former CEO of Microsoft emphasizes that biology offers opportunities but warns that job growth in the field might lag as automation takes hold.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg: Degrees Aren’t Everything
Zuckerberg downplays the importance of accumulating academic degrees. In a Bloomberg interview, he argued that hiring decisions should focus on qualities like perseverance and depth of learning rather than formal qualifications.
When asked what children should study today, Zuckerberg pointed to critical thinking and the ability to delve deeply into subjects. He said: “If people have shown that they can go deep and do one thing really well, then they've probably gained experience in the art of learning something and taking it to an excellent level, which is generally pretty applicable to other things.”
As AI continues to revolutionize industries and transform workflows, traditional computer science degrees may no longer be the definitive pathway to success. Leaders like Huang, Gates, and Zuckerberg highlight a broader trend: The future belongs to those who can adapt to emerging technologies, think critically, and innovate across interdisciplinary fields.
Image | Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz (Unsplash)
Related | JP Morgan CEO Predicts AI Will Reduce Workweeks to 3.5 Days
View 0 comments