Google’s Sergey Brin acknowledges he’s bringing on board a large number of employees who don’t have college degrees: ‘They manage to solve problems independently, often in unconventional ways’

Stanford’s Lasting Influence on Tech Leaders

Some of the most prominent figures in business—such as Phil Knight of Nike, Reid Hoffman from LinkedIn, and Sergey Brin of Google—can attribute part of their achievements to their time at Stanford University. Located at the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford has long served as a springboard for the tech industry’s most influential innovators.

The AI Revolution and the Changing Value of College Degrees

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is prompting a reevaluation of the traditional benefits of higher education. As technology transforms entry-level positions and companies reconsider their hiring practices, the return on investment for a degree from a prestigious university is increasingly being questioned.

Sergey Brin’s Perspective on Education and Passion

Despite these shifts, Sergey Brin stands by his educational journey. Addressing Stanford engineering students recently, Brin explained that his choice to pursue computer science was motivated by genuine interest, not by the pursuit of credentials.

“I picked computer science because it fascinated me,” Brin shared. “It was an obvious choice for me. I suppose I was fortunate to be drawn to such a dynamic field.”

Even as AI becomes capable of tasks like coding, Brin advised students not to select—or abandon—fields of study solely out of concern for automation.

He remarked, “Don’t switch to comparative literature just because AI is adept at programming. Honestly, AI might be even more proficient at comparative literature, too.”

High-Paying Careers Without a Degree: Industry Leaders Weigh In

Brin first met Larry Page, his future Google cofounder, in 1994 while pursuing graduate studies at Stanford. Together, they created the PageRank algorithm, which evolved into Google and became a company in 1998.

Today, Google’s approach to hiring reflects a significant industry transformation, as the company increasingly welcomes employees without college degrees.

Brin noted, “While we’ve certainly brought on many academic standouts, we’ve also hired countless individuals without bachelor’s degrees. These people often find creative solutions on their own.”

Between 2017 and 2022, the percentage of Google job postings requiring a degree fell from 93% to 77%, according to research by the Burning Glass Institute. Other tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Cisco have also reduced degree requirements, highlighting a broader move toward hiring based on skills rather than credentials.

This trend is sparking a wider debate about what a degree truly represents and whether it remains a dependable indicator of ability.

As JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon stated in 2024, “Attending an Ivy League school or having top grades doesn’t automatically make someone a great employee or person.” He emphasized that for many positions, practical skills are far more important than formal qualifications: “If you examine people’s abilities, it’s remarkable how talented they are in certain areas—even if their resumes don’t reflect it.”

Alex Karp and the Declining Importance of Elite Credentials

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, echoes this sentiment. Despite holding multiple degrees—including a law degree from Stanford—he has been vocal about the undue pressure on young people to obtain prestigious qualifications, and he questions their relevance in the workplace.

During a recent earnings call, Karp explained, “Whether you didn’t attend college, went to a lesser-known school, or graduated from Harvard, Princeton, or Yale, once you join Palantir, you’re part of the team. Your background doesn’t matter.”

A Growing Shift Across Industries

This attitude is spreading beyond the tech sector and financial world. Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, observes that more organizations are realizing the drawbacks of strict degree requirements.

“Almost everyone is coming to understand that insisting on a degree means missing out on exceptional talent,” Bush told Fortune. “That realization is gaining momentum.”

The Future of Universities

For Brin, the consequences extend beyond hiring practices. As academic credentials lose their traditional gatekeeping role, he believes universities themselves may need to adapt.

“It’s time to reconsider what it truly means to be a university,” Brin reflected.

This article was originally published on Fortune.com