Tech CEO Navigates AI Uncertainty: Why She's Still Backing Computer Science for the Next Generation
The tech industry is at a crossroads. While artificial intelligence fuels unprecedented valuations, its impact on the workforce is sowing deep uncertainty. U.S. computer programming employment has hit a multi-decade low, and some AI firms report near-total automation of coding tasks. In this climate, even top executives are hesitant to make predictions.
"The landscape is shifting beneath our feet," admits Yamini Rangan, CEO of the $15 billion software giant HubSpot, in a recent podcast appearance. "Trying to pinpoint what a specific job will look like in two years, let alone ten, is increasingly difficult."
For Rangan, this volatility is familiar. Her own career path included roles like Chief Customer Officer—positions that didn't exist when she earned her MBA. This perspective shapes her advice to the next generation, including her college-freshman son, who recently declared a computer science major.
Despite narratives proclaiming "the death of coding," Rangan encouraged his choice. "It's not merely about mastering a programming language today," she explains. "It's about cultivating a foundational ability to deconstruct problems, ask incisive questions, and learn continuously. Depth in a domain, paired with learning how to learn, is what endures."
Her stance comes as HubSpot continues hiring for over 250 roles globally, with some positions offering compensation up to $400,000. However, Rangan emphasizes that technical skill alone isn't enough. She prioritizes candidates with a "scientist's mindset": comfort with experimentation, hypothesis testing, and deep curiosity, especially about customer needs.
"AI is only a tool," Rangan stresses. "Its effectiveness hinges on understanding real-world problems. Can you identify broken workflows? Can you discern where AI truly adds value? That requires being close to the ground."
Career experts echo the need for adaptability. "AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable, in-demand skill," notes Andrew Seaman, a LinkedIn career development expert. "The opportunity lies in leaning into these accessible tools to augment human capabilities."
To stay ahead, Rangan maintains a rigorous schedule, with days often spanning from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Yet, she fiercely guards personal time on Fridays and Saturdays for family, yoga, and reading—a deliberate strategy to prevent burnout. Sundays, however, are for focused, self-directed work. "I enjoy Sundays. It's completely my schedule," she says, a sentiment shared by leaders like Nvidia's Jensen Huang and Apple's Tim Cook, who also embrace unconventional, intensive work rhythms.
Voices from the Community
Marcus Chen, Software Engineer, San Francisco: "Rangan gets it. The fundamentals of computational thinking are forever. AI automates tasks, not insight. My worry is whether academia can pivot fast enough to teach that 'scientist's mindset' she describes."
Dr. Elena Rodriguez, Career Counselor, University of Texas: "This is a nuanced and necessary message. We must stop selling education as mere job training. It's about building resilient, agile thinkers. Her point about 'depth' counters the dangerous trend toward superficial, jack-of-all-trades profiles."
Jordan Finch, Tech Blogger & Commentator: "It's rich hearing a CEO worth millions preach 'depth' and 'learning' while her industry vaporizes stable careers. She's hedging her son's bet with a safety net of wealth and connections the average student doesn't have. 'Learn to think' is a platitude when companies prioritize quarterly profits over investing in people."
Priya Kapoor, Gen Z Founder, EdTech Startup: "As a recent grad, this resonates. We're told to 'follow our passion' but also see the ground shifting. Rangan's blend of realism about uncertainty and faith in core skills is actually empowering. It moves the focus from chasing hot job titles to building durable intellectual muscle."
This article is based on reporting originally featured on Fortune.com.