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

Feb 14, 2026, 2:23 AM

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Jad Tarifi, the founder of Google's first generative AI team, has raised concerns that pursuing advanced degrees in law and medicine could be a waste of time for today's students. In a recent interview, he emphasized that the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) may render such degrees less valuable, as students could end up "throwing away" years of their lives pursuing outdated knowledge.

Tarifi noted that the extensive time required to obtain degrees in these fields does not align with the swift changes in technology. He commented, "AI itself is going to be gone by the time you finish a PhD. Even things like applying AI to robotics will be solved by then," suggesting that students may find themselves unprepared for the job market upon graduation.

The former Google leader holds a PhD in AI, which he earned in 2012, and he now believes that young people should consider more niche fields intertwined with AI or, perhaps, forgo traditional degrees altogether. "Higher education as we know it is on the verge of becoming obsolete," Tarifi stated, arguing that success in the future will depend not on degrees but on cultivating unique perspectives and emotional intelligence.

In his view, the current medical education system is heavily reliant on outdated memorization techniques, which may not equip future doctors with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. "In the current medical system, what you learn in medical school is so outdated," he remarked, urging students to reassess the value of such a time-consuming and costly education.

Tarifi's perspective aligns with a broader critique from other tech leaders who question the efficacy of traditional higher education. Mark Zuckerberg has expressed similar sentiments, indicating that college may not adequately prepare students for the contemporary job market. He stated, "I'm not sure that college is preparing people for the jobs that they need to have today," highlighting the rising costs of education and student debt as significant issues.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also supports Tarifi's concerns, asserting that AI models like GPT-5 can already perform at a level comparable to that of PhD-level experts. "GPT-5 really feels like talking to a PhD-level expert in any topic," Altman said, indicating that the capabilities of AI are advancing at a pace that could outstrip traditional educational paths.

Interestingly, while the pipeline from PhD programs to high-paying jobs remains strong—70% of AI doctoral students transitioned to private sector roles in 2023—there are growing concerns about a potential "brain drain." This phenomenon occurs when talented individuals opt for lucrative positions in tech companies over academia, which could hinder the future of education and research.

Tarifi encourages young people to focus on personal development rather than accumulating credentials. He recommends investing time in emotional awareness and the ability to form deep connections with others, which he believes will be critical in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

As students navigate their career paths in this changing landscape, the viability of advanced degrees in law and medicine faces scrutiny. With the rapid evolution of AI and its potential to disrupt traditional professions, students may need to rethink their educational aspirations and consider how they can adapt to an uncertain future.

In conclusion, as technology continues to advance, the value of traditional educational paths is increasingly called into question. Tarifi's insights suggest that students should critically evaluate the return on investment of pursuing degrees in law and medicine in an era where AI capabilities are evolving faster than educational institutions can adapt.

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