OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently offered a strikingly positive view for college graduates. In an interview with Cleo Abram, he said that if he were graduating college today, “I would feel like the luckiest kid in all of history.” His statement comes amid growing concerns about AI displacing jobs—yet he remains optimistic about the potential it unlocks.The Times of India
Why He Believes This Generation is Extraordinary
Altman acknowledged the fears surrounding AI automation and job loss—particularly with predictions that nearly half of entry-level white-collar roles could vanish in the next five years. Still, he sees a silver lining: AI offers tools and possibilities that were unimaginable before. He believes the graduates of today can leverage these technologies to seize new forms of innovation, launch startups, and reshape the future.
Key Quote
“If I was graduating college at this exact moment, I would feel like the luckiest kid in all of history.”
Broader Implications for Career Paths
Altman’s optimism is tempered with realism. While acknowledging a shift in the job market, he urges graduates to adapt, embrace learning, and use AI as a springboard for meaningful and creative work. He emphasizes that resilience, continuous skill-building, and strategic use of emerging technologies will be the keys to thriving in this new era.
