AI won't threaten computer science jobs, dean says

Advances in technology have impacted the job market throughout history. When it comes to computer science, a frequently discussed concern is the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the job market.

But Interim Head of Computer Science Chris Clifton said it is unrealistic for AI to eliminate computer science jobs entirely.

“When I was little, I got to sit in a DC 10 airline cockpit simulator, and I learned how to use the autoland system,” Clifton said. “Airliners used to have a crew of five. Now, they have a crew of two since navigation technology has improved.”

With AI teaching itself, such issues are critical to address. This is why people will always be needed in CS-related positions; similar to how there are still pilots in the cockpit.

“I don’t think (AI) is going to have the level of change in our day-to-day lives that we saw from electricity or refrigeration,” he said. “One of the things we’re finding with machine learning is that machine learning can exhibit types of bias that are very similar to what we see in humans.”

Aarini Panzade, president of Purdue’s chapter of the Computer Science Women’s Network, said when it comes to finding jobs in tech, the number of applicants is a more significant concern than AI. Computer science is still one of the most demanded jobs across industries.

“There are fewer jobs because of AI, but the job opportunities for computer science students are much more than any other students because CS is applied everywhere, in every industry.”

As a rising senior, Panzade said there are ways for students to make their job application process easier.

“Even if you don’t have an internship after junior year, I feel like doing your personal projects, taking mock interviews and going to career fairs will help you,” she said. “Also, doing LeetCode questions is definitely the main thing for CS interviews.”

“Try to learn about the new technologies and how to use them, but also learn how to learn and understand that things are going to change,” Clifton said.

It is crucial for computer science majors to be able to pick up skills that aren’t taught in class and be open to change.

“There are jobs that go away and new jobs that are created,” Clifton said. “In the end, advances are our standard of living.”