Ex-Google Exec Claims Law and Medicine Degrees May Be Obsolete

Feb 15, 2026, 2:19 AM

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Jad Tarifi, the founder of Google's first generative AI team, has raised eyebrows with his assertion that pursuing degrees in law and medicine may soon be a waste of time. He argues that the accelerated pace of AI development could render these advanced educational paths obsolete by the time students graduate.

In an interview with Business Insider, Tarifi emphasized that students could be "throwing away" years of their lives by committing to long-term educational programs that may no longer provide a competitive edge in the job market. "AI itself is going to be gone by the time you finish a PhD," he stated, highlighting the rapid evolution of technology that could solve complex problems before new graduates enter the workforce.

Tarifi's perspective challenges the traditional view that advanced degrees are essential for securing high-paying jobs. Instead, he believes young people should focus on developing unique perspectives, emotional awareness, and interpersonal skills, rather than merely accumulating credentials.

The Changing Landscape of Higher Education

Tarifi's concerns echo broader sentiments within the tech community, where leaders like Mark Zuckerberg have questioned the effectiveness of current educational systems in preparing students for today's job market. Zuckerberg noted, "I'm not sure that college is preparing people for the jobs that they need to have today," suggesting that many students may be better off exploring alternatives to traditional college paths.

The former Google executive also criticized the outdated curriculum in medical schools, arguing that the knowledge imparted is often based on memorization rather than practical application. He warned that aspiring medical professionals might find their training irrelevant as AI continues to advance rapidly.

Moreover, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has echoed similar sentiments, claiming that AI models like GPT-5 can already perform at levels comparable to PhD-level experts. This rapid advancement raises questions about the necessity of pursuing advanced degrees in fields that AI may soon dominate.

The Current Job Market for PhD Students

Despite the potential obsolescence of certain educational paths, the job market for AI-focused PhD students remains robust. A report from MIT indicated that in 2023, around 70% of AI doctoral graduates secured positions in the private sector, a significant increase from 20% two decades ago.

However, this trend has sparked concerns among academic leaders about a potential "brain drain," as many top scholars are choosing lucrative tech jobs over academia. Henry Hoffmann, chair of the University of Chicago's computer science department, observed that high salaries are luring students away from teaching roles, complicating the future of higher education.

A Shift in Focus

Tarifi's advice to the next generation is clear: instead of pursuing traditional degrees, young people should explore niche areas interlinked with AI or focus on personal growth and emotional intelligence. "I encourage young people to focus on two things: the art of connecting deeply with others, and the inner work of connecting with themselves," he stated.

As the landscape of education and employment evolves, it remains to be seen whether traditional degrees will continue to hold value in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. For now, students must weigh their options carefully, considering the implications of their educational choices in an era where AI is rapidly changing the rules of the game.

The dialogue around the future of education and the role of AI in transforming traditional career paths is just beginning, and as technology continues to advance, the relevance of degrees in law and medicine remains a topic of heated debate.

Ex-Google Exec Warns: Law and Medicine Degrees May Soon Be Obsolete

Jad Tarifi, a former Google executive, argues that pursuing advanced degrees in law and medicine is increasingly futile due to rapidly advancing AI technologies. He suggests that higher education may soon be obsolete, advocating for a focus on emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills instead.

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