Sameer Samat, Vice President of Android at Google, is calling for a broader understanding of what a computer science degree truly represents. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Samat expressed concern that the degree is often misunderstood as merely training in Java or basic coding. “If that’s what you want to do, you don’t need a degree,” he remarked, emphasizing that the discipline is fundamentally about problem-solving.
A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Samat highlighted that computer science is not limited to writing code—it encompasses analytical thinking, system design, and collaborative skills, all of which remain essential in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Even as AI begins to automate significant portions of programming—generating between 30 to 50 percent of code in many companies—Samat maintains that a strong foundation in computer science is more important than ever.
Reflecting on his own academic journey, he pointed to learning Assembly language during a time when it was already becoming obsolete. Despite this, the experience gave him a lasting appreciation for understanding computing at a fundamental level. “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,” he said, noting that such a future remains distant.
For students considering computer science solely for its job market potential, Samat offered a clear piece of advice: pursue it only if you are truly passionate about the field. “It’s really important that it be something that you’re excited about going deep in—and really becoming a top 5% expert.”
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