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

Feb 17, 2026, 2:22 AM

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Jad Tarifi, the founder of Google's first generative AI team, has issued a stark warning to the upcoming generations considering degrees in law and medicine: these paths may soon be rendered obsolete by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with Business Insider, Tarifi expressed skepticism about the value of long-term educational commitments in fields that could be significantly impacted by AI capabilities in the near future.

Tarifi pointed out that pursuing advanced degrees in law or medicine requires years of dedication and substantial financial investment. He argued that the current medical education system is overly reliant on outdated memorization techniques that fail to keep pace with evolving technologies. "In the current medical system, what you learn in medical school is so outdated," he stated, citing concerns that students could be "throwing away" valuable years of their lives on degrees that might not guarantee job security once they graduate.

The former Google leader emphasized that the acceleration of AI technology could render even doctoral degrees less useful, as AI systems are improving rapidly. "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," Tarifi warned, suggesting that students might be better off focusing on niche areas of study intertwined with AI or, in some cases, forgoing traditional degrees altogether.

Tarifi's assertions reflect a broader concern among tech leaders about the relevance of higher education in the face of AI advancements. Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, previously remarked that college may not be adequately preparing students for today's job market, acknowledging the growing sentiment that not all careers necessitate a college degree. "Maybe not everyone needs to go to college," Zuckerberg noted, pointing out that many lucrative jobs do not require formal higher education.

Moreover, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has claimed that AI models can already perform tasks at a level comparable to that of PhD-level experts. He described GPT-5, for instance, as being able to engage in conversations akin to discussions with a highly educated individual, further highlighting the rapid evolution of AI technology and its implications for traditional education pathways.

Currently, the job market for AI-focused PhD graduates appears robust, with about 70% of AI doctoral students transitioning into private sector roles post-graduation, a significant increase from two decades ago. However, this trend has raised alarms about a potential "brain drain" from academia, as many experts choose to work in the tech industry instead of pursuing academic careers.

Henry Hoffmann, chair of the computer science department at the University of Chicago, noted that the growth in job offers for AI students is creating a dilemma for academic institutions. "When students can get the kind of job they want [as students], there’s no reason to force them to keep going," he said, underscoring the shifting priorities of students in light of lucrative job opportunities in tech companies.

As the landscape of education and employment continues to evolve in response to AI advancements, aspiring professionals in law and medicine may need to reconsider their educational trajectories. Tarifi advocates for a more introspective approach, advising young individuals to focus on personal development and emotional connections rather than solely accumulating academic credentials. "Thriving in the future will come not from collecting credentials but from cultivating unique perspectives, agency, emotional awareness, and strong human bonds," he stated, urging students to invest in their personal growth rather than traditional degrees that may soon lose value.

In conclusion, the warnings from figures like Jad Tarifi highlight a growing uncertainty about the future of traditional education in the face of rapid technological change. As AI continues to advance, those pursuing careers in fields like law and medicine may need to adapt their strategies and consider alternative paths to success in an increasingly automated world.

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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