Sam Altman says AI skills are the new coding—and Gen Z must adapt or fall behind

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is encouraging Gen Z students to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a key career skill, arguing that AI proficiency is now more valuable than traditional coding.

In response to an inquiry on professional orientation for all Gen Z high school graduates this year, Altman responded that studying AI tools is essential to succeed at work now. He argued that AI rapidly transforms work, and studying those skills makes sense.

Altman drew an analogy by stating that during his high school days, when he studied how to program, it was the most stable route to decent-paying jobs.

AI is already having a huge influence in the tech world. According to Sam Altman, AI currently handles about half the coding at most companies.

Some experts, like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, reckon AI will be capable of 90% of coding in three to 6 months.

That shift is leading companies to rethink their hiring practices. Software engineers will not be extinct. However, businesses now need individuals who can work with and utilize AI capabilities.

This is evident in job postings at big employers like Apple, Amazon, and Meta, which recently offered seven-figure salaries for the best AI scientists.

AI literacy has become the most sought-after skill

According to a recent report by LinkedIn, AI literacy is the fastest emerging skill for 2025. Companies in all sectors want someone who understands AI and can wield it for problem-solving and innovation.

The report describes AI literacy as a general skill covering knowledge and using tools like ChatGPT and other generative technologies. No one can deny it—it’s not just an inevitable part of the life of a tech whiz anymore. Business, marketing, media, and communication professionals also use AI to enhance their work.

AI literacy allows people to leverage AI-powered tools, which can be applied without advanced technical know-how for model building or data analysis.

With artificial intelligence emerging as a powerful component in personal and professional workflows, engineers and tech professionals are adopting AI to automate processes, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.

But getting one of these lucrative AI jobs is no easy feat. As LinkedIn’s editor-in-chief, Dan Roth, reported today, while the fingertips attached to the dwindling hiring rate are at 3.4%, people are applying in droves. He said companies are hiring less. It’s not a catastrophe, but it’s not good out there.

AI skills are important, of course, but they are not the only way to future-proof yourself at work. Soft skills are more important than ever.

Indeed’s chief executive, Chris Hyams, told Fortune that employers should focus on candidates with “curiosity and an openness” to learn. Adapting and bouncing back will be crucial in navigating a shifting labour market.

Soft skills remain important even with AI expertise

While AI capabilities are an asset, technical skills alone will not be enough. Altman recommends Gen Z consider soft skills such as adaptability and resilience. As the employment landscape continues to shift, employees who can easily learn new technology will be sought after.

Indeed chief executive Chris Hyams agrees. He recommends hiring managers seek out inquisitive applicants who will be adaptable.

As AI automates more things, businesses still need people who can analyze, innovate and adapt. Despite formal education initiatives or self-instructing using AI tools like Google’s NotebookLM, younger professionals must stay ahead of the curve.

According to Altman, as AI advances and the career sector is primed for disruption, Gen Z should use such tools in their favour to stay at the forefront.