'Get Good At Using AI Tools, Like We Got Good At Coding Back In School': OpenAI Boss Sam Altman
Altman noted that AI is already handling a significant share of coding in some companies. "I think in many companies, it's probably past 50 per cent now," he said.
As artificial intelligence increasingly takes over coding tasks, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is urging students to shift their focus. Instead of mastering traditional programming, he suggests that future professionals should concentrate on becoming proficient in AI tools.
"The obvious tactical thing is just get really good at using AI tools," Altman stated in a conversation with Stratechery's Ben Thompson. "Like when I was graduating as a senior from high school, the obvious tactical thing was get really good at coding. And this is the new version of that."
AI's Role in Coding Grows Rapidly
AI-driven coding has been gaining momentum, with some executives predicting near-total automation in the near future. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently forecasted that AI could be responsible for writing 90 per cent of code within six months and potentially all of it within a year. Similarly, OpenAI’s chief product officer Kevin Weil believes AI will surpass human coders before the year ends.
Altman noted that AI is already handling a significant share of coding in some companies. "I think in many companies, it's probably past 50 per cent now," he said. However, he believes the full impact will be realised with the development of "agentic coding," a concept that has yet to be fully implemented. When asked what was delaying its adoption, he responded, "Oh, we just need a little longer," emphasising that the challenge lies in model development rather than product design.
Adaptability Over Specialisation
For students looking to secure their future in a rapidly evolving job market, Altman advised prioritising adaptability and continuous learning. "Whatever specific thing you're going to learn, like learn these general skills that seem like they're going to be important as the world goes through this transition," he said. According to him, the "meta ability to learn" will be more valuable than mastering a single technical skill.
While software engineers remain essential, Altman warned that their numbers might eventually shrink as AI capabilities grow. "My basic assumption is that each software engineer will just do much, much more for a while. And then at some point, yeah, maybe we do need less software engineers," he admitted, referencing OpenAI's hiring approach.
Altman also believes AI-driven job displacement will not happen suddenly but will accelerate over time. "It kind of just seeps through the economy and mostly kind of like eats things little by little and then faster and faster," he observed.
As AI continues to evolve, Altman’s message is clear: those who adapt and leverage AI tools effectively will have the edge in an increasingly automated world.
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