As technology rapidly evolves, so too does the landscape of careers. Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Alphabet Inc.’s Google subsidiary DeepMind, is advocating for a shift in the way students approach their professional development in this new age of artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasizes the importance of mastering AI tools over pursuing traditional internships, offering a fresh perspective on career readiness.
Demis Hassabis, the chief executive of Alphabet Inc.
(NASDAQ:
GOOGL)
(NASDAQ:
GOOG)
subsidiary Google’s DeepMind, is recasting career advice for the AI age, arguing that mastering powerful AI tools may now be a better bet for students than chasing traditional internships.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos alongside Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Hassabis expressed his belief that artificial intelligence will begin to reduce the availability of junior and entry-level positions, including internships, as firms turn to automation for routine tasks. This evolution, he indicated, undermines the outdated model where students gained experience through repetitive activities in large organizations.
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“If I were to address a class of undergraduates today, my advice would be to become exceptionally skilled with these tools,” Hassabis remarked, describing AI systems as “incredible creative resources” accessible to all. He noted that hands-on experience with AI could be more advantageous than a traditional internship, potentially enabling graduates to “leapfrog” into professional readiness.
Hassabis has consistently maintained that, in an evolving job market influenced by AI, a candidate’s ability to create using technology sends a stronger signal to employers than brief experiences at prominent firms.
Nevertheless, he hasn’t completely sidelined traditional advice. In discussions at SXSW London and other forums, he has urged students to focus on STEM disciplines, particularly mathematics, physics, and computer science, to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of AI systems. He also emphasized the value of pairing this technical knowledge with expertise in fields where AI will be utilized.
Hassabis also encourages young individuals to “experiment” with cutting-edge models to uncover innovative applications and to view university as an opportunity for self-discovery in the learning process. “Utilizing your undergraduate years to gain insight into how you learn best” is essential, he stated in a previous interview at Queens’ College, Cambridge, highlighting the importance of quickly acquiring new skills.
In conclusion, the changing dynamics of the workforce demand a new approach to career development. By embracing AI tools and focusing on relevant skills, students can better prepare themselves for a future where traditional pathways may no longer be sufficient. Hassabis’s insights encourage young professionals to think critically about their education and to create opportunities for growth in the evolving job market.
