In a context where artificial intelligence raises doubts about the future of technical professions, the perspective of Lino Hofstetter, a student at ETH Zurich, is revealing. He firmly defends that studying computer science remains a wise decision. His argument does not ignore AI, but integrates it as a fundamental part of the ecosystem that every professional must master, highlighting the enduring value of a solid theoretical foundation.
Beyond the code: human training in the algorithmic era 🤔
Hofstetter not only values technical knowledge. In his advice to new students, he emphasizes the critical importance of personal hobbies and physical presence on campus. This vision resonates deeply in industries like 3D and digital, where AI is a powerful tool, but does not replace creativity, criticism, or human collaboration. University training provides the framework to develop that complex thinking, while institutional advisory services, like those at ETH, are key to managing pressure. The true professional of the future will be the one who combines technical mastery with soft skills and independent judgment.
AI as a companion, not a substitute ⚙️
The final message is one of adaptation, not obsolescence. AI redefines technical professions, automating tasks but creating space for higher-value work. In fields like 3D, design, or development, the professional evolves toward a role as supervisor, creative director, and solver of complex problems. Studying computer science now means learning to orchestrate these new tools, maintaining relevance through a deep understanding that goes beyond the user interface.
Is AI redefining the foundations of computing so profoundly that the career no longer trains professionals, but makes them obsolete before graduation?
(P.S.: trying to ban a nickname on the internet is like trying to cover the sun with a finger... but in digital)