In a recent talk at Stanford University in late 2025/early 2026, Google co-founder Sergey Brin offered candid reflections on why he chose to study computer science and why students today shouldn’t overthink their academic paths in response to artificial intelligence.
“I chose computer science because I had a passion for it,” Brin said, calling the decision a “no-brainer.” He emphasized that his choice wasn’t driven by ambition to build a tech empire or chase Silicon Valley success, but rather by genuine curiosity and interest in how computers could amplify human intelligence.
Passion Over Career Strategy
Brin’s remarks come amid growing anxiety among students questioning whether a computer science degree still holds value as generative AI becomes capable of writing code, debugging software, and automating workflows. Addressing this concern, Brin advised students to avoid chasing trends or trying to game the job market.
Instead, he urged them to focus on what excites them intellectually. “You shouldn’t switch to comparative literature just because AI is getting good at coding,” Brin joked. “The AI is probably even better at comparative literature, just to be perfectly honest.”
His broader point was that intrinsic motivation matters more than predictive career planning, especially in fast-moving fields shaped by constant technological disruption.
Skills Matter More Than Degrees
Brin also highlighted how Google’s hiring philosophy has evolved. He noted that the company increasingly prioritizes skills and problem-solving ability over formal credentials. According to Brin, Google has hired “tons of people who don’t have bachelor’s degrees” because they taught themselves technical skills independently.
This shift reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward skills-based hiring, where portfolios, projects, and practical expertise often outweigh traditional academic backgrounds.
The Foundations of Brin’s Journey
While passion drove Brin’s decision, his early environment played a significant role. His father, Michael Brin, was a mathematics professor, and Sergey was exposed to advanced math and programming from a young age. By nine, he was working on computers like the Commodore 64, and he completed his undergraduate degrees in computer science and mathematics at the University of Maryland in just three years.
At Stanford, Brin’s doctoral research in data mining led directly to the creation of PageRank, the algorithm that became the foundation of Google alongside co-founder Larry Page.
What Students Can Learn Today
Brin’s message is clear: in an era shaped by AI, automation, and rapid innovation, curiosity, adaptability, and passion matter more than choosing the “safest” major. Rather than fearing technological disruption, students should lean into what fascinates them because genuine interest fuels long-term success in any field. As Brin’s journey shows, following passion can sometimes change the world.
