The Changing Landscape of Tech Careers
Anton Osika, the CEO of Lovable, is challenging the traditional belief that a computer science degree is essential for a career in technology. In an interview with Business Insider, he emphasized that while the degree isn’t entirely obsolete, its value has shifted significantly. “I wouldn’t say it’s worthless, but I do think the leverage has moved,” he said.
Osika, who is 35 years old, pointed out that the barriers to entering the tech industry have changed over time. “In the past, the bottleneck was technical know-how, which required years of training to even get started. But now, people have the tools to go from idea to working product without ever touching a formal CS education,” he explained. This shift has made it possible for individuals to build, ship, and even start companies without a traditional computer science background.
While Osika acknowledges that a degree still holds value—especially for those interested in deep systems, theory, or research—he argues that it’s no longer the default path. “The default path—‘I need a CS degree to be relevant in tech’—feels much less true today,” he said. Instead, he believes that qualities like curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to deliver high-quality products quickly are becoming more important than formal credentials.
The Rise of AI-Driven Development
Lovable, the company Osika co-founded in 2023, is a prime example of this changing landscape. It’s a vibe coding platform that enables people with limited programming knowledge to create software using artificial intelligence. The startup currently has 45 employees, according to PitchBook, and is actively hiring for 16 open positions.
The company recently attracted significant attention when it was reported that venture capital firm Accel was set to lead a new funding round that would value Lovable at $1.5 billion. Accel is known for its early investments in companies like Facebook and Slack, making this development a major milestone for the startup.
This trend aligns with broader shifts in the tech industry. Paul Graham, founder of Y Combinator, recently stated on X that low-level programming jobs are “already disappearing” due to AI. He noted that AI is particularly effective at handling scutwork, but the best programmers—who can start their own companies—are being paid exceptional amounts.
Graham advised individuals to focus on doing something so well that they operate above the level of routine tasks. “The best general advice for protecting oneself from AI is to do something so well that you’re operating way above the level of scutwork,” he wrote.
The Future of Hiring in Tech
Osika’s approach to hiring reflects these changes in the industry. He places more emphasis on a candidate’s ability to learn and adapt than on their current skills. “I care more about how fast someone learns and adapts than where they are today,” he said.
He added that if a conversation feels engaging and leaves him with new insights, it’s a strong indicator that the person will thrive in his team. “If I walk away having learned something new, that’s a strong sign they’ll push our ways of working forward,” he explained.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, the importance of formal degrees may diminish, but the demand for creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning will only grow. Osika’s perspective highlights a broader movement toward valuing practical skills and innovation over traditional academic paths.
With AI reshaping the way we develop software and the job market, the future of tech careers looks increasingly dynamic and open to those who can adapt and innovate.
