Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, recently stated that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could be achieved within the next decade. Speaking at the Google I/O developer conference, Hassabis described AGI as the ultimate goal of current AI research and a milestone that could profoundly reshape society. Highlighting the dual nature of AI’s impact, Hassabis predicted major disruptions in the job market alongside the emergence of new, more engaging roles. “Over the next five to ten years, we’ll see some jobs disrupted,” he said, “but also the creation of more valuable and often more interesting jobs.” As the architect behind Google’s AI efforts—including the Gemini chatbot—Hassabis urged young people, especially college students, to immerse themselves in AI. “Whatever happens with these tools, you’ll be better off understanding how they work and what you can do with them,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in an evolving technological landscape. In a separate discussion at the University of Cambridge, his alma mater, Hassabis offered similar advice. Addressing students at Queens’ College in a conversation with Professor Alastair Beresford, he stressed the need to understand one’s own learning style and to stay agile. “The world you’re entering will face an incredible amount of disruption and change,” he warned. He pointed to AI, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and quantum computing as key areas of opportunity in the coming decade. While such innovations may displace traditional jobs, he argued, history shows they also generate entirely new industries and professions. On the Hard Fork podcast, hosted by Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, Hassabis reiterated that the generative AI boom—catalyzed by OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022—has ushered in a new era of rapid transformation. But with that change comes opportunity. “Anytime there is change, there is also huge opportunity,” Hassabis said. He encouraged graduates to combine deep knowledge of their passions with technical fluency to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.