Google's head of Android said the computer science major needs a 'rebrand'
"It is thought of as, 'go learn how to do Java coding,'" Samat said of the major, adding that if that's what you want to do, "you don't need a degree."
That's not how Samat, who studied computer science himself at UC San Diego, views a major in computer science.
"It's definitely not learning to code," Samat said. "It is the science, in my opinion, of solving problems."
While coding is a skill taught as part of the major, the discipline is more about breaking down problems, learning how to design a system, and collaborating on those tasks, Samat said.
As software engineering becomes more automated, more individuals are beginning to question the practicality of pursuing a computer science degree. AI is increasingly handling fundamental tasks like coding, making it harder for some computer science graduates to secure full-time positions and internships.
To be clear, Samat still thinks the degree is valuable and that "learning to code is really important," even as tools like Codex become more prominent and companies like Google and Meta and generate some code with AI.
The head of Android said that when he learned to code, people had just stopped learning Assembly, a low-level programming language, and started coding in other languages. Samat said he still learned how to write code with Assembly because it was instructive on how the machine underneath works.
There will always be a higher, more abstract language that computer programmers will learn to build new technology, Samat said.
"Maybe someday it'll be natural language, where we're just talking about what we want, and something is building the underlying software for you," Samat said. But he doesn't think that time will come for "a while."
Students shouldn't become computer science majors just because they think others will find it valuable, Samat said. The Android executive said that mindset won't necessarily be shared by their prospective employer, and job seekers should have "passion" outside of computer science.
"I don't think that the degree enough is enough to make yourself relevant for some of the most important companies," Samat said, adding that you need to take it "to the next level."
Samat draws from personal experience, having launched two startups in his early twenties, one of which led to an introduction to Sergey Brin. He said that building a startup early in his career ultimately made him a more effective contributor when he later joined Google.
Whatever other interest you have, said Samat, "I think it's really important that it be something that you're really excited about going deep in and really becoming a 5% top expert in the field."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
AI Could Replace Millions of Jobs: Robert Kiyosaki Shares How To Stay Safe
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it will have a significant impact on the workforce as we know it. According to a recent McKinsey report, 30% of hours currently worked across the U.S. economy could be automated by 2030, and a National University report found that 300 million jobs could be lost to AI globally. Check Out: Read Next: 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author Robert Kiyosaki views this as a major cause for concern, especially for those who are just entering the workforce. 'AI will cause many 'smart students' to lose their jobs,' he shared on X. 'AI will cause massive unemployment. Many still have student loan debt.' However, all hope is not lost, as Kiyosaki offered his advice on how to prevent AI from eliminating your income. Robert Kiyosaki: AI Can't Take a Job That You Don't Have Kiyosaki isn't personally worried that AI advances will affect his cash flow. 'AI cannot fire me because I do not have a job,' he wrote. Kiyosaki bucked a traditional path to wealth and instead relies on his own business and investments for his income. 'Years ago, rather than listen to my poor dad's advice of 'Go to school, get good grades, get a job, pay taxes, get out of debt, save money, and invest in a well-diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and mutual funds,' I followed my rich dad's advice,' he said. 'I became an entrepreneur, investing in real estate using debt, and instead of saving fake money, I have been saving real gold, silver and, today, bitcoin.' Learn More: Kiyosaki's Advice for AI-Proofing Your Wealth To avoid losing your income to AI, Kiyosaki advised workers to take action now to diversify their income sources. This means meandering off the typical path to wealth and focusing on earning money through entrepreneurship and investments rather than being reliant on an employer. 'Please take proactive action,' he wrote. 'Please do not be a victim of this time in history. Please take care, invest in your self and think for yourself. These are not ordinary times.' More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement This article originally appeared on AI Could Replace Millions of Jobs: Robert Kiyosaki Shares How To Stay Safe
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Data Science Course FAANG Interview Prep 2025 - Data Scientist Jobs at Google Amazon Meta Apple Netflix Updated
Santa Clara, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2025, AI-driven data analytics is transforming industries by enabling real-time decision-making, predictive modeling, and automation. Companies like Google and SAS are leading this revolution with platforms like BigQuery and SAS Viya, which integrate AI to process complex data and support advanced analyses in real-time. This shift underscores the growing demand for professionals skilled in AI and data science, particularly in roles that require navigating and leveraging these advanced tools. For more information, visit: Interview Kickstart is at the forefront of preparing professionals for this evolving landscape. As a leading upskilling platform, IK offers a comprehensive Data Science Course designed by FAANG+ experts. This program equips learners with the skills needed to excel in data science roles, focusing on areas such as data structures, algorithms, system design, and technical program management. The course is structured to provide a deep understanding of data science fundamentals and their practical applications. Over the first three weeks, learners explore the principles of designing scalable and efficient systems, a crucial skill for data scientists working with large datasets and complex algorithms. For the next six weeks, the course delves into managing technical projects, emphasizing the coordination between data science teams and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. Participants focus on a specific technical domain, allowing them to tailor their learning to areas such as machine learning, AI, or big data analytics. The course includes dedicated career coaching where the program offers guidance on resume building, LinkedIn profile optimization, personal branding, and behavioral interview preparation, ensuring learners are well-prepared for job applications and interviews. A typical week at IK involves a blend of foundational content, live sessions, and practical exercises. On Thursdays, learners receive high-quality videos and course materials covering fundamental concepts and case studies. Sundays feature four-hour online live sessions that apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, including mini mock interviews with live feedback from Tier-1 instructors. From Monday to Wednesday, participants work on practice problems and case studies, applying the concepts learned and engaging in live doubt-solving sessions with FAANG+ instructors. Daily, learners have 1:1 access to instructors for personalized coaching and solution walkthroughs. The program also includes up to 15 mock interviews with hiring managers from top-tier companies like Google and Apple. These domain-specific interviews provide detailed, personalized feedback, helping learners identify and work on improvement areas. The transparent, non-anonymous format ensures a realistic interview experience. In the context of the rapidly evolving AI-driven data analytics landscape, Interview Kickstart's Data Science Course offers a structured and comprehensive pathway for professionals aiming to enhance their skills and secure roles in top tech companies. By focusing on both technical proficiency and career development, IK ensures that learners are well-equipped to navigate and succeed in the dynamic field of data science. For more information, visit: About Interview Kickstart Founded in 2014, Interview Kickstart is a premier upskilling platform empowering aspiring tech professionals to secure roles at FAANG and top tech companies. With a proven track record and over 20,000 successful learners, the platform stands out with its team of 700+ FAANG instructors, hiring managers, and tech leads, who deliver a comprehensive curriculum, practical insights, and targeted interview prep strategies. Offering live classes, 100,000+ hours of pre-recorded video lessons, and 1:1 sessions, Interview Kickstart ensures flexible, in-depth learning along with personalized guidance for resume building and LinkedIn profile optimization. The holistic support, spanning 6 to 10 months with mock interviews, ongoing mentorship, and industry-aligned projects, equips learners to excel in technical interviews and on the job. ### For more information about Interview Kickstart, contact the company here:Interview KickstartBurhanuddin Pithawala+1 (209) 899-1463aiml@ Patrick Henry Dr Bldg 25, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States CONTACT: Burhanuddin PithawalaSign in to access your portfolio


Newsweek
22 minutes ago
- Newsweek
DOGE AI Tool to Target 100K Federal Rules for Elimination: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly using a newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) tool to accelerate the rollback of federal regulations, with a stated goal of eliminating 50 percent of all federal rules by the first anniversary of President Donald Trump's second inauguration, according to a Saturday report from The Washington Post. Internal documents reviewed by the newspaper, along with interviews with four government officials familiar with the project, reveal an ambitious timeline and a wide-ranging use of the tool across various agencies. Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment via email on Saturday. Why It Matters DOGE was created by Trump through an executive order to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the federal government. It was led by billionaire Elon Musk who departed the administration in May. The reported plan represents one of the most aggressive attempts by the Trump administration to overhaul the federal regulatory system. By automating the deregulation process, the administration aims to reduce government spending and compliance burdens significantly. However, the use of AI to interpret complex legal language and determine regulatory necessity raises legal and practical concerns, particularly regarding accuracy, oversight, and the future role of civil servants in shaping public policy, according to the Post. What to Know The "DOGE AI Deregulation Decision Tool," developed by engineers brought into government under Elon Musk's DOGE initiative, is programmed to scan about 200,000 existing federal rules and flag those that are either outdated or not legally required. According to a PowerPoint presentation dated July 1 that was obtained by the newspaper, the tool estimates that approximately 100,000 of those rules could be eliminated, primarily through automation with minimal human input. The projection claims this could save trillions in compliance costs and spark increased external investment. At the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), AI has already reviewed over 1,000 regulatory sections in under two weeks. Similarly, it was responsible for "100% of deregulations" at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), according to the PowerPoint presentation. The Post, however, reported it was not able to confirm the use of AI at the agency independently. When asked about the use of AI for deregulation, White House spokesman Harrison Fields emphasized to the newspaper that "all options are being explored" to meet the president's deregulation goals. He clarified that no single plan has been finalized, and the effort is still in early, creative stages with ongoing consultation within the White House. DOGE plans to complete agency-specific deregulation lists by September 1 and finish nationwide rollout by January 20, 2026—labeled in internal documents as "Relaunch America." Agencies are currently receiving training on how to integrate the AI tool into their regulatory review process. The presentation claims the tool could save 93 percent of the labor typically required to gut federal rules, reducing what would usually take 3.6 million work hours to just 36. Despite these goals, some federal employees expressed concern about accuracy. One HUD employee told the Post that the AI misinterpreted statutes and flagged legal language as non-compliant when it was accurate. HUD confirmed to the newspaper that while the agency is exploring AI to streamline efficiency, the system is not intended to replace expert judgment. The push to eliminate regulations is not new for Trump. In January, he issued an executive order mandating the repeal of 10 rules for every new one added. Departments like Transportation and Labor have already reported dozens of regulatory cuts. However, experts question whether such repeals will withstand scrutiny under the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the legal process for rescinding rules. Previous attempts to bypass procedural safeguards—such as Trump's reversal of showerhead regulations—have faced legal scrutiny. DOGE's lawyers have reportedly vetted the tool, but concerns remain about whether its recommendations will be upheld in court or trusted by the private sector. While DOGE initially tried to play a leading role in the deregulation campaign, internal resistance from federal employees has slowed momentum. Agencies questioned DOGE's subject matter expertise and hesitated to outsource rulemaking authority to a third-party system. Moreover, the administration's efforts to downsize the federal workforce have hampered its ability to implement the deregulation strategy. An American flag waves at the U.S. Capitol Building on June 10 in Washington, D.C. An American flag waves at the U.S. Capitol Building on June 10 in Washington, People Are Saying Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan, told The Washington Post about Trump's unilateral efforts to cut regulations: "There's been some flashy sideshow efforts to avoid the legal strictures, but in general, they don't stick." White House spokesman Harrison Fields wrote in an email obtained by The Washington Post: "The DOGE experts creating these plans are the best and brightest in the business and are embarking on a never-before-attempted transformation of government systems and operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness." What Happens Next? Over the next several months, agencies will use the DOGE AI tool to select rules for repeal, respond to public comments, and finalize deregulation plans. Whether the courts, the public, and the agencies themselves accept that transformation remains uncertain.