OpenAI’s Codex product lead, Alexander Embiricos, has urged computer science students to be cautious about choosing programs that prohibit the use of artificial intelligence tools. Speaking on the A16z podcast, Embiricos said that if a college doesn’t allow AI use, students may feel they are falling behind in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. He emphasized that computer science remains a strong field, predicting a surge in software development and, consequently, a continued need for software engineers. However, he stressed that success in the future will depend on students’ ability to integrate AI into their work. “Figure out how to be using AI constantly while you do it,” he advised. While OpenAI isn’t currently hiring many entry-level candidates, Embiricos said he places high value on applicants who have built real projects. “The thing that I take the most signal from is if they’ve built something and if it’s linked from their profile,” he said. The rise of advanced AI tools like GPT-5 and Codex is reshaping how computer science is taught and learned. At institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, professors such as Thomas Cortina have observed a shift in student behavior. Many students initially relied heavily on AI to complete assignments, only to realize they lacked a deep understanding of the code they were producing. This has prompted a reevaluation of teaching methods. Embiricos believes that future CS education should focus on mental flexibility and practical outcomes. He suggested a curriculum that includes some hands-on, low-level work to help students grasp foundational concepts and build confidence. Beyond that, he would prioritize projects and real-world results—whether it’s learning a new concept or building a functional application. He also echoed broader sentiments from OpenAI leadership. Chairman Bret Taylor has said a CS degree still offers valuable training in systems thinking, while researcher Szymon Sidor encourages young people to keep learning to code. For Embiricos, the goal isn’t to resist AI but to master it—using it as a tool to amplify creativity, productivity, and learning in the new era of software development.