Google AI Chief Demis Hassabis: If I Were a Student Today, I’d Focus on STEM

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind and a Nobel laureate, believes that STEM education remains essential even as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the global workforce. Speaking at SXSW London on Monday, Hassabis encouraged students to focus on foundational subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science to better understand how advanced AI systems function.

“Understanding the fundamentals is still important,” Hassabis stated, adding that grasping the basics is key to navigating the fast-evolving tech landscape. While AI continues to disrupt traditional industries, he emphasized that students should also learn how to effectively use AI tools to stay ahead.

Looking to the future, Hassabis predicted that AI will generate “new very valuable jobs” in the next five to ten years. He said these opportunities will be particularly accessible to those with strong technical skills who can stay at the cutting edge of innovation.

Drawing parallels to the Industrial Revolution, Hassabis acknowledged concerns about job displacement but expressed confidence in human adaptability. He remains optimistic that society will adjust to the changes brought on by AI, just as it has during past technological shifts.