TLDR: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman asserts that AI is now capable of performing entry-level job tasks, predicting its rapid evolution into a sophisticated problem-solver. While some experts warn of significant job displacement, Generation Z is notably embracing AI as a collaborative tool and even a ‘work friend,’ demonstrating a distinct generational comfort with the technology.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently declared that artificial intelligence has reached a pivotal stage where it is ready to undertake entry-level job functions, a development that could significantly reshape the global workforce. Speaking at the Snowflake Summit 2025 and Sequoia Capital’s AI Ascent event, Altman highlighted AI’s current capacity to perform tasks akin to those of an intern, with projections for rapid advancement.
Altman articulated his vision for AI’s progression, stating, “Today [AI] is like an intern that can work for a couple of hours, but at some point it’ll be like an experienced software engineer that can work for a couple of days.” He anticipates that within months, AI agents will evolve to handle more complex tasks, operate continuously for extended periods, and autonomously solve intricate business problems, even discovering new knowledge. This evolution suggests a future where AI becomes an indispensable component of modern enterprises.
In a notable contrast to concerns about job displacement, Generation Z appears to be readily integrating AI into their professional lives. A recent survey by Resume.org revealed that a significant 51% of Gen Z respondents view generative AI as a co-worker or even a friend. This perspective stands in stark contrast to older generations, with only 40% of millennials and 35% of Gen Xers or Baby Boomers sharing a similar view. Altman further observed generational differences in AI utilization: older individuals often use tools like ChatGPT as a substitute for Google, while those in their twenties and thirties might leverage it as a ‘life advisor,’ and college students are increasingly adopting it as an ‘operating system’ for their daily tasks.
Despite Altman’s optimistic outlook, the rapid integration of AI into the workforce has sparked warnings from other industry leaders. Dario Amodei, CEO of AI company Anthropic, cautioned that AI could lead to substantial job displacement, potentially eliminating up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years and causing unemployment rates to surge to between 10% and 20%. This divergence of opinion underscores the ongoing debate about AI’s societal and economic impact.
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However, the evolving landscape also presents new opportunities. The emergence of roles such as AI prompt engineers, commanding salaries up to $335,000 without traditional technical backgrounds, illustrates the shifting skill requirements. Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya even suggested that the roles of engineers could become primarily supervisory within 18 months, advising parents to guide their children towards fields like philosophy, psychology, and English writing, rather than solely focusing on coding, in preparation for an AI-driven future.
