OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says now’s the best time to study computer science: Here’s why

sam altman

If you’ve ever thought about studying computer science, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, says there’s no better time than now. In a recent chat with Stanford professor Dan Boneh, Altman called this a “cool, high-leverage time” to enter the field and for him, that means focusing on artificial intelligence.

Altman believes AI isn’t just another tech trend. He sees it as the defining invention of our generation — something that could shape how the world works for decades to come. “It might be the most important thing of a much longer period of time,” he said. He added that OpenAI’s big goal is to build a truly independent AI researcher by 2028 — a system that can think, reason, and even create new ideas on its own.

But Altman didn’t stop at talking about technology. He also shared what he called his “best, accidental” career advice — something that has guided him for years. “It’s always served me well to just find the smartest cluster of people I could and hang around them a lot,” he said. He believes success comes from being curious, working with people who challenge you, and constantly trying to improve through honest feedback.

Altman also thinks the way computer science is taught in colleges needs to change. He said that when he studied at Stanford, what he was learning felt “about ten years behind” what was actually useful in the real world. Now, with AI changing how software gets written, he feels it’s time for universities to catch up.

Other tech experts agree. Andrew Ng, a Stanford professor and the founder of Google Brain, recently said that many computer science graduates are struggling to find jobs because universities haven’t updated their courses to match the AI boom. Still, people like OpenAI chairman Bret Taylor believe studying computer science is more valuable than ever because it teaches you how to think systematically, not just how to write code.

For Altman, the message is simple — this is the moment to jump in. The world is moving fast, AI is rewriting the rules, and those who understand it will be the ones shaping the future.