Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Ex-Google Engineer: PhDs in AI May Be Outdated
An ex-Google AI engineer, Jad Tarifi, is telling people to think twice before getting a PhD in AI.
He says that AI is changing so fast that what you learn in a PhD program might be old news by the time you graduate.
Instead, he suggests gaining practical experience and exploring areas where AI is still new, like biology.
Tarifi believes this hands-on approach will keep you more up-to-date in the ever-changing world of AI.
He advises that a PhD in AI is only worthwhile for those who are truly passionate about research.
Ex-Google AI engineer Jad Tarifi warns against pursuing a PhD in AI.
Tarifi states AI technology advances so quickly that a PhD may be outdated upon completion.
He suggests focusing on hands-on experience and niche AI fields.
Tarifi says the field is evolving at an unprecedented rate.
Tarifi advises a PhD is only worth it for those truly obsessed with research.
- Who
- Jad Tarifi, an ex-Google AI engineer.
- What
- An ex-Google AI engineer warned against the value of pursuing a PhD in AI.
- When
- The warning was given recently.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- Tarifi believes the rapid advancements in AI make a PhD outdated by the time of completion.
Traditional Academic Approach
Hands-on and Niche Focus
Value of a PhD
Traditional Academic Approach
Pursuing a PhD is a good path to a career.
Hands-on and Niche Focus
The AI field moves too fast for PhDs to stay relevant.
- Source
- Business Insider
- Expert
- Jad Tarifi
- Tarifi's role
- Co-founder of Integral AI, former Google engineer
- Tarifi's PhD
- University of Florida (2012)
- Tarifi's advice
- Focus on hands-on experience and niche AI fields