OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Predicts AI Agents Will Discover New Knowledge and Act as Junior Employees Next Year

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is on the brink of helping humans discover new knowledge and is increasingly taking on roles akin to those of junior employees. During the Snowflake Summit 2025, Altman discussed the evolving capabilities of AI agents with Snowflake Computing CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy. He observed that many professionals are now delegating tasks to AI agents, evaluating their outputs, providing feedback, and integrating their contributions—similar to managing a team of junior staff. Altman envisions significant advancements in AI within the next year, suggesting that AI agents will be capable of solving complex business problems and contributing to knowledge discovery in various fields. This prediction aligns with recent trends where AI is not only augmenting but sometimes replacing human workers. Revelio Labs economist Zanele Munyikwa found that the share of AI-doable tasks in online job postings has decreased by 19% over three years. For roles particularly susceptible to AI, such as database administrators and IT specialists, hiring has dropped by up to 31%. Shopify, for example, now requires managers to justify why a job cannot be managed by AI before requesting new hires. Similarly, Duolingo, the language learning app, announced plans to replace contract workers with AI, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. Altman pointed out that OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-4.5, launched in February, marks a significant step forward in AI interaction. He described it as "the first model that feels like talking to a thoughtful person," emphasizing its advanced conversational abilities, though access is currently restricted to Pro subscribers due to GPU shortages. In addition to the conversational model, OpenAI has also introduced Codex, an AI agent designed to streamline coding tasks for developers. Codex can write code, fix bugs, run tests, and even interact with external software to perform tasks like making dinner reservations. Altman noted that Codex is already being utilized by OpenAI’s internal engineering team, showcasing its practical value and potential to enhance productivity. These developments highlight the rapid evolution of AI from mere tools to multifaceted agents capable of handling complex tasks. Altman’s comments suggest a future where AI will be an integral part of the workforce, potentially leading to new ways of working and knowledge creation. The integration of these advanced models is likely to reshape job requirements and workflows across industries, prompting companies to reassess their hiring practices and training needs. However, experts caution that while AI can complement human skills, it may also exacerbate job displacement if not managed carefully. The transition to AI-driven work environments requires thoughtful implementation and re-skilling programs to ensure that workers can adapt and remain relevant. Companies like Shopify and Duolingo are leading the charge, but the broader implications for the labor market and employee welfare remain a critical consideration. Industry insiders praise Altman’s vision for AI’s future, noting that OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve. The company’s innovative models are setting new standards in AI capabilities, although the high computational costs and limited availability of GPU resources pose significant challenges to widespread adoption. Despite these hurdles, the trajectory of AI development is clear: it is becoming more integrated into daily business operations, with the potential to revolutionize not just how we work but what we are capable of discovering and achieving. OpenAI’s mission is to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity, and Altman’s predictions signal a future where collaboration between humans and AI will drive significant advancements. The company’s ongoing research and development efforts aim to create AI that is both powerful and ethical, addressing concerns about bias and transparency while continuing to expand its capabilities.