Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind and Nobel Prize laureate, believes students must continue prioritizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, even as artificial intelligence reshapes the job market. Speaking at SXSW London, Hassabis emphasized that understanding foundational subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science is more important than ever.

“It’s still important to understand fundamentals,” he said. “These are the building blocks that help you comprehend how AI systems are designed and how they work.” While AI continues to evolve rapidly, Hassabis reassured students that the need for deep technical knowledge remains constant. Learning the core principles behind algorithms and computation will be crucial for those seeking to work with or around AI technologies.

AI Will Create, Not Just Replace, Jobs

Addressing fears around job displacement due to AI, Hassabis offered a more optimistic perspective. He compared the technological shift brought on by AI to the Industrial Revolution, disruptive but ultimately transformative. According to him, in the next five to ten years, AI will generate “very valuable new jobs,” especially for those with a technical background.

“Technically savvy people who are at the forefront of using these technologies will thrive,” he said. Instead of fearing automation, Hassabis encourages the next generation to see AI as a tool that can expand human potential. He believes adaptability and a willingness to engage with these tools will help workers stay relevant in an evolving landscape.

Get Hands-On with AI Tools

Hassabis didn’t just speak about theory—he also stressed the value of practical experience. He encouraged students to experiment directly with today’s leading AI systems. “I’d be experimenting with all the latest AI systems and tools,” he said, “and seeing what’s the best way of utilizing them in useful and novel ways.”

This hands-on learning approach is essential, especially as companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft integrate AI into everything from coding to data analysis. Children today, he added, will grow up “AI native,” just as earlier generations grew up internet-native. Being comfortable with AI tools will soon be as normal as browsing the web.

Artificial General Intelligence Could Be Closer Than We Think

At the recent Google I/O developer conference, Hassabis and Google cofounder Sergey Brin suggested that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—AI that matches or surpasses human intelligence—might be achievable by 2030. This revelation adds urgency to the need for educational systems and students to prepare for a future in which AI plays a central role in both work and daily life.

While AI may automate some tasks, Hassabis believes that those who understand how to use AI effectively will be “supercharged.” Mastery of these tools will not only secure jobs but also enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation.