Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world as we know it. Tech companies like Google and Microsoft are doubling down on AI. This has increased concerns about the job market, especially for students. Now, AI godfather Yann LeCun has some advice for computer science (CS) students who want to remain future-proof in the ever-evolving job landscape.

Lekan gave a direct message to CS students, saying that they need to focus on mathematics. “If you’re a CS major and take the minimum required math courses for a typical CS curriculum, you may find yourself unable to adapt to major technological changes,” he told Business Insider. The AI ​​Godfather’s comments indicate that those who want to remain relevant in the job market amid rapid advances in AI will need to double up on math courses.

Yann LeCun is a pioneer in the world of AI. He was previously the Chief Scientist at Meta AI. Currently, he is teaching computer science at NYU.

Yann Lecan says to focus on fundamentals, not trends

Previously, Yann LeCun had joked that he was a “computer science teacher who is arguing against studying computer science.” However, the AI ​​guru has now given a clarification. According to LeCun, students should take CS as a major as long as they focus on building their foundation in mathematics and physics rather than relying on trendy technology. He explained, “My recommendation was not to avoid CS as a major, but to take the maximum number of courses on the foundations (such as math, physics, or EE courses) rather than taking courses on the trendy technologies du jour.”

Laken elaborated on the need for basic knowledge during his appearance on “The Information Bottleneck” podcast. He stressed that it is important for students to learn things that can be connected to reality. “What we should do is learn some basic things in mathematics, in modeling, in mathematics that can be connected to reality,” Yann LeCun said. He added, “You learn these kinds of things in engineering in some schools that are related to computer science, but also electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, et cetera, et cetera.”

LeCun also commented on the differences between engineering and computer science curricula, “Engineering disciplines, you know, in America, you learn Calculus 1, 2, 3 which gives you a good foundation, right?” He said. In computer science, you can just avoid Calculus 1. That’s not enough, right?” He emphasized that engineering exposes students to concepts like control theory and signal processing, which are “really useful for things like AI.”

You still need to know core programming

Despite the emphasis on fundamental topics, LeCun made clear that core programming skills are essential. “Obviously, you need to learn enough computer science to use some kind of program and computer,” he said. “And even though AI will help you become more skilled at programming, you still need to know how to do it.”

Yann LeCun’s comments come at a time when companies are pushing toward greater AI integration. Many companies, including Google, Microsoft and Amazon, have laid off thousands of employees to prepare for this future. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has gone a step further and claimed that AI and robots will take over all jobs in the future. However Musk emphasizes that humans would no longer need to work in this scenario, because there would be “universal high incomes”.