OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared on a US podcast that if he were graduating today, “I would feel like the luckiest child in history.”

Altman, who launched ChatGPT in November 2022, is convinced that the transformative power of AI will create unparalleled opportunities for the younger generation.

While there are shifts in the job market, Altman notes, “this is a common occurrence.” He adds, “Young people are great at adapting.” Exciting new jobs are increasingly emerging, offering greater possibilities.

For sixth-form students in the UK and their families contemplating university decisions—what to study and where—Altman’s insights may provide reassurance amidst the choices they face in the age of generative AI. However, in this rapidly evolving landscape, experts emphasize the importance of equipping students to maximize their university experiences and be well-prepared for future employment.

Dr. Andrew Rogoiski from the People-Centered Institute of AI at Surrey University points out that many students are already navigating the AI landscape. “The pace of change is significant, often outpacing academic institutions. Typically, academic institutions move slowly and cautiously, ensuring fair access.”

“In a very short time, we’ve accelerated from zero to 100. Naturally, the workforce is adapting as well.”

What advice does he have for future students? “Inquire. Ask questions. There are diverse career paths available. Make sure your university is keeping up with these changes.”

Students not yet familiar with AI should invest time in learning about it and integrating it into their studies, regardless of their chosen field. Rogoiski asserts that proficiency with AI tools has become as essential as literacy: “It’s critical to understand what AI can and can’t do,” and “being resourceful and adaptable is key.”

He continues:

“Then, I begin to assess how the university is addressing AI integration. Are my course and the university as a whole effectively utilizing AI?”

While there’s a wealth of information available online, Rogoiski advises students to engage with universities directly, asking academics, “What is your strategy? What is your stance? Are you preparing graduates for a sustainable future?”

Dan Hawes, co-founder of an expert recruitment consultancy, expresses optimism for the future of UK graduates, asserting that the current job market slowdown is more influenced by economic factors than AI. “Predicting available jobs three or four years from now is challenging, but I believe graduates will be highly sought after,” he states. “This is a generation that has grown up with AI, meaning employers will likely be excited to bring this new talent into their organizations.”

“Thus, when determining study options for sixth-form students, parents should consider the employment prospects connected to specific universities.”

For instance, degrees in mathematics are consistently in high demand among his clients, a trend unlikely to shift soon. “AI will not diminish the skills and knowledge gained from a mathematics degree,” he asserts.

He acknowledges that AI poses challenges for students considering higher education alongside their parents. “Yet I believe it will ultimately be beneficial, making jobs more interesting, reshaping roles, and creating new ones.”

Elena Simperl, a computer science professor at King’s College London, co-directs the King’s Institute of Artificial Intelligence and advises students to explore AI offerings across all university departments. “AI is transforming our processes. It’s not just about how we write emails, read documents, or find information,” she notes.

Students should contemplate how to shape their careers in AI. “DeepMind suggests AI could serve as co-scientists, meaning fully automated AI labs will conduct research. Therefore, universities must train students to maximize these technologies,” she remarks. “It doesn’t matter what they wish to study; they should choose universities that offer extensive AI expertise, extending beyond just computer science.”

Professor Simperl observes that evidence suggests no jobs will vanish completely. “We need to stop focusing on which roles AI may eliminate and consider how it can enhance various tasks. Those skilled in using AI will possess a significant advantage.”

In this new AI-driven landscape, is a degree in English literature or history still valuable? “Absolutely, provided it is taught well,” asserts Rogoiski. “Such studies should impart skills that endure throughout one’s lifetime—appreciation of literature, effective writing, critical thinking, and communication are invaluable abilities.”

“The application of that degree will undoubtedly evolve, but if taught effectively, the lessons learned will resonate throughout one’s life. If nothing else, our AI overlords may take over most work, allowing us more leisure time to read, while relying on universal basic income.”