Replit CEO Amjad Masad advised young people not to study computer science solely for financial gain, urging them to pursue the field only if they are genuinely passionate. During a recent podcast interview, he called it "dumb" to enter CS based on promises of earning a fortune at companies like Google. Masad emphasized that intrinsic interest, not external rewards, should drive such a career choice.
Masad cofounded Replit in 2016, a platform that has evolved from an integrated coding environment into an AI-agent-driven application builder. The company now competes with major players such as Microsoft's GitHub, Cursor, and emerging vibe-coding tools. Its investors include prominent firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Coatue.
The CEO's remarks come amid broader debates about AI's impact on software engineering jobs. Some tech leaders still see enduring value in a computer science education, even as automation transforms coding tasks. Masad, however, warns that the field may not offer the easy riches some anticipate.
For students weighing career paths, the advice signals a shift in expectations around tech employment. Those without a deep love for computers might face disappointment if they chase financial incentives alone. The message resonates as AI tools increasingly handle routine programming work.
Critics argue that a CS degree still provides valuable problem-solving skills and high earning potential, even without raw passion. The debate underscores how rapidly the tech landscape is changing, leaving room for multiple perspectives.