“If I Were a Student Today, I’d Study AI”: Google DeepMind CEO on Why Upskilling Is Urgent
- Chinmay
- June 4, 2025
- Artificial Intelligence, News
- AGI predictions, AI in future jobs, AI native generation, AI tools for students, AI upskilling, artificial intelligence jobs, Demis Hassabis AI education, Google DeepMind, learn AI, STEM Education
- 0 Comments
The message from one of AI’s biggest minds is clear: learn how AI works — or risk being left behind.
At SXSW London, Google DeepMind CEO and Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis made a compelling case for why students must prioritize STEM subjects and get hands-on with AI tools. As the man shaping Google’s AGI vision, Hassabis didn’t mince words:
“It’s still important to understand fundamentals — maths, physics, computer science — to really grasp how these systems are put together.”
He stressed that the next 5–10 years will see a wave of valuable new jobs for people who are technically fluent and comfortable using AI systems in creative and impactful ways. These aren’t just coding roles — they’re hybrid roles where AI becomes your co-pilot.
Key Highlights from Hassabis’ Talk:
STEM + AI Tools = Future-Proof Skills
Students should still master the basics — math, logic, computing — but also actively experiment with new AI platforms, models, and creative use-cases.
A New Kind of Native
Just like Gen Z grew up with the internet, today’s students will be “AI natives” — raised alongside tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Midjourney. This native fluency will set them apart in the job market.
AI Won’t Just Replace Jobs — It’ll Amplify the Best Workers
While some jobs will be automated, Hassabis believes the biggest value lies in augmentation — workers who can use AI to 10x their output, creativity, and speed.
AGI Could Be Here by 2030
At Google I/O, Hassabis and co-founder Sergey Brin hinted that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) — AI that matches or surpasses human-level intelligence — may be just 5 years away.
Why This Matters for Indian Students and Professionals
India’s talent pool is massive — but technical depth and AI readiness still lag behind. This is a wake-up call. Whether you’re in engineering, commerce, healthcare, or design, the skill that will matter most in the coming decade is knowing how to work with AI.
The best time to start learning was yesterday.
The second-best time? Today.
