Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently offered valuable advice to students preparing for a tech-driven future, emphasizing the importance of becoming proficient in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. In an interview with Stratechery, as reported by Business Insider, Altman noted that AI is increasingly taking over coding tasks in many companies — estimating that AI now performs more than 50% of the coding work in several organizations. He suggested that learning to collaborate with AI is essential for staying relevant in an evolving job market, highlighting that the ability to leverage these tools effectively could define future career success.
Altman drew a comparison between today’s push to master AI tools and the advice he received when he was a student about learning to code. "When I was graduating high school, the obvious tactical move was to get really good at coding. Now, the obvious tactical move is to get really good at using AI tools," he said. He stressed that being fluent in AI will be a long-term advantage, as the tech industry continues to shift towards automation and intelligent systems.
The notion of AI replacing human coders is gaining traction among tech leaders. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, recently predicted that AI could generate as much as 90% of code within six months, while OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer, Kevin Weil, suggested that AI might outperform human coders by the end of the year. Altman echoed these views, stating that AI’s role in coding is already profound and evolving quickly. He also discussed the emerging concept of "agentic coding" — an advanced form of automation where AI could autonomously handle entire development processes, from understanding requirements to writing and refining complex software. While this technology is still in its early stages, Altman expressed optimism about its potential, acknowledging that current models need further improvement before reaching that level of sophistication.
For students aiming to secure their place in the workforce, Altman recommended cultivating not just technical skills but also broader capabilities such as adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving. He explained that the rapid pace of technological change makes it less important to master one specific skill and more important to develop the ability to continuously learn and apply new technologies. He encouraged students to embrace a mindset focused on flexibility and lifelong learning, ensuring they can pivot as new innovations emerge.
Looking ahead, Altman suggested that the demand for software engineers might eventually decline as AI becomes more capable. While engineers remain in high demand today, he predicted that companies could require fewer of them in the future because AI will enable each engineer to accomplish significantly more. "Each software engineer will be able to do much more, but over time, we might need fewer engineers," he explained. He clarified that this shift wouldn’t happen overnight. Instead, he described it as a gradual transformation, starting in niche areas and accelerating as AI technology matures.
Altman also acknowledged the anxiety surrounding AI-driven job displacement. He pointed out that while automation will undoubtedly reshape industries, the transition is likely to unfold progressively rather than abruptly. He envisions a future where AI supports human ingenuity rather than replacing it entirely, creating opportunities for new roles that haven’t yet been imagined. He emphasized that those who learn to work alongside AI — using it to amplify their creativity and productivity — will be the most successful.
Moreover, Altman addressed the ethical responsibilities that come with developing such powerful technology. He acknowledged that companies like OpenAI must ensure that AI advancements benefit everyone, not just a select few. He emphasized the importance of transparency, safety, and ensuring that AI remains a tool for human empowerment rather than a force that deepens inequality or displaces entire workforces without adequate safeguards.
In closing, Altman painted a vision of the future where AI becomes an integral part of everyday work — not as a replacement for human talent, but as an amplifier of it. He believes that students who invest time in mastering AI tools now will be better equipped to lead and innovate in the next era of technology.
