Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang shares what he would study if he were 20 today—and it’s not just coding. Discover the future-proof college field he says will dominate the next decade and why AI is the smartest career move now.
What if you could get career advice from one of the most powerful tech CEOs of our time?
Well, that’s exactly what happened when Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently shared what he would study if he were 20 years old in today’s world.
Spoiler alert: it’s not business or finance. It’s not medicine or law either.
Instead, Huang doubled down on a field that’s shaping the future of everything from gaming and self-driving cars to climate science and national defense.
In this blog, we’ll unpack:
- What field Jensen Huang would study
- Why it matters in today’s economy
- How it connects to Nvidia’s massive rise
- What it means for students, professionals, and parents
- How this field could make you seriously wealthy
Let’s dive in.
🎓 Jensen Huang’s Advice: Study Computer Science — But Not Just That
Speaking at the World Government Summit, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang didn’t hesitate when asked what he would pursue in college if he were 20 again.
“Computer science is the single most important field you could be in right now. But more specifically, focus on AI, accelerated computing, and robotics.”
This isn’t just coming from any CEO. Jensen Huang is the founder of Nvidia, the company that is fueling the AI revolution, dominating chip manufacturing, and worth over $3 trillion—more than Amazon and Google at certain points in 2024.
He’s someone who saw the AI wave decades before the rest of the world caught on.
So when he speaks, the tech and investing worlds listen.
🔍 Why Is Computer Science So Critical in 2025?
Let’s break it down: Why is Huang so laser-focused on this field?
Because computer science isn’t just about writing code anymore. It’s the backbone of AI, machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, automation, and more.
Here’s where it shows up in real life:
- 🚗 Self-driving cars like Tesla rely on machine learning algorithms
- 🧠 ChatGPT, Sora, and Gemini are all built on AI models and trained using massive GPUs
- 🏥 Healthcare diagnostics now use AI to detect cancer faster than doctors
- 🌎 Climate models use accelerated computing to forecast future weather and disasters
- 💼 Business operations run on cloud infrastructure and AI-powered tools
In other words, computer science is the engine of innovation. And those who build it are driving the future.
🚀 Nvidia’s Success Proves the Point
Jensen Huang’s advice isn’t hypothetical—it’s backed by Nvidia’s explosive growth.
Here’s what’s happened in just the last few years:
- Nvidia stock surged over 250% in 2023
- The company became a $3 trillion giant, briefly surpassing Apple
- Its chips are in every major AI model, from OpenAI to Meta
- Nvidia is at the heart of the AI infrastructure boom
All of that success comes down to one key factor: Nvidia makes the GPUs (graphics processing units) that train, run, and scale AI models.
These chips are built for accelerated computing, which is essential for deep learning and neural networks.
So when Huang says “focus on AI and computing”, he’s not guessing—he’s living it.
💼 How This Advice Impacts Careers (and Salaries)
Wondering what this means for the average 20-year-old or working professional?
It’s simple: majoring or transitioning into computer science or AI-related fields could be the smartest move you ever make.
Here’s what the job market looks like:
| Job Title | Average Salary (USA) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Learning Engineer | $150,000+ | 23%+ |
| AI Research Scientist | $160,000+ | 20%+ |
| Data Scientist | $130,000+ | 35%+ |
| Robotics Engineer | $110,000+ | 15%+ |
| Cloud Solutions Architect | $140,000+ | 20%+ |
And we’re just getting started.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information research are projected to grow faster than almost every other sector over the next decade.
So whether you’re in college, thinking of going back to school, or upskilling online—this is the field with the highest ROI.
🧠 Not Just Coding: Interdisciplinary Is the New Smart
Jensen Huang emphasized that pure coding is no longer enough.
Here’s what he said:
“The most exciting breakthroughs happen at the intersection of disciplines. Combine computer science with biology, law, design, or education. That’s where you’ll find the next Google or OpenAI.”
This is huge. Because it means you don’t have to be a hardcore coder to succeed in AI.
You can combine your existing interests with tech. For example:
- Biology + AI → Drug discovery, gene editing
- Finance + AI → Algorithmic trading, fraud detection
- Law + AI → AI regulation, compliance tech
- Design + AI → UX for smart devices, AI-generated content
- Education + AI → Personalized learning, EdTech tools
This hybrid approach is what Huang believes will future-proof your career.
🧑🎓 What Should Students Do Today?
If you’re a college student or planning to enroll soon, here’s a game plan based on Huang’s advice:
1. Major in Computer Science or AI-Related Fields
Look for programs that include machine learning, deep learning, and robotics.
2. Focus on Accelerated Computing
This is Nvidia’s bread and butter. Learn about parallel computing, GPUs, and frameworks like CUDA or TensorFlow.
3. Get Internships at AI Companies
Even small startups in AI are goldmines of learning.
4. Stay Curious About Interdisciplinary Innovation
Take electives outside your major that complement your technical skills.
5. Use AI Tools to Learn Faster
Platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, and AI Tutors can help accelerate your learning in real time.
📈 Investors Take Note: The Future Is Built on AI Talent
This advice doesn’t just apply to students.
Investors should be paying attention to the sectors where this kind of talent is pouring in. Companies focusing on:
- AI infrastructure (like Nvidia, AMD, Supermicro)
- Software automation (like UiPath, Palantir, Snowflake)
- AI applications in healthcare, robotics, finance, and education
are set to dominate the next decade.
Follow the talent, follow the engineers, and you’ll likely be following the money too.
📣 Final Thoughts: Huang’s Advice Is a Blueprint for the Future
Jensen Huang didn’t just offer career advice—he laid out a blueprint for future-proof success.
He’s urging today’s youth—and really anyone looking to build a better life—to:
- Learn how computers work
- Understand artificial intelligence
- Build solutions that solve real-world problems
And most importantly: don’t be afraid of the future—help shape it.
Whether you’re a parent helping your kid choose a major, a student debating what to study, or a mid-career professional looking to pivot, this is advice worth taking seriously.
Because if the CEO of one of the world’s most valuable companies says “this is the field I’d bet my future on”—it might just be the smartest bet you can make too.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says if he were 20 again, he’d study AI, accelerated computing, and robotics.
- Computer science is the foundation of the modern economy, powering everything from chatbots to medical breakthroughs.
- You don’t need to be a hardcore coder—interdisciplinary innovation is key.
- AI-related careers are some of the highest-paying and fastest-growing in the U.S.
- Now is the time to invest in your tech skills or your children’s education to stay ahead of the curve.