If I could Redo College, I'd Major In This...

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their decision to major in East Asian Studies at Yale, admitting it wasn’t the most fulfilling choice. They explore how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and robotics are set to dominate the next decade, urging viewers to consider STEM fields. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding disruptive innovations and developing technical skills, even for those with humanities backgrounds. As a call to action, they suggest researching these technologies and considering careers in fields like data science, computer science, and engineering to stay ahead in the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker regrets choosing an East Asian Studies degree, admitting it didn’t provide much value and that most knowledge could have been gained through independent reading.
• 😀 The speaker encourages viewers to imagine and write down what they believe will be the most lucrative industries in the next 20 years as part of an interactive exercise.
• 😀 A history lesson is provided, explaining how dominant technologies and companies like Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Facebook, and Amazon have shaped the last decade (2010s).
• 😀 The speaker points out that while software engineers, product managers, and influencers have made millions in recent years, the technological landscape is shifting.
• 😀 The speaker highlights how technology has reached a saturation point, with apps for almost everything, and people have tried to create shared economy models for every possible service.
• 😀 Five key disruptive technologies are identified for the next decade: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, DNA sequencing, Blockchain & Crypto, Energy Storage, and Robotics.
• 😀 The speaker notes that while AI and blockchain are in their infancy, DNA sequencing and energy storage are nearing maturity and will drastically change industries.
• 😀 Kathy Wood, founder of ARK Invest, is quoted to emphasize the importance of understanding and investing in disruptive innovation.
• 😀 The convergence of technologies like autonomous vehicles (AI, robotics, energy storage) is identified as a promising area for innovation in the next decade.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that, if given a chance to redo their education, they would choose a STEM degree, such as statistics in data science, computer science, or molecular biology, to build a technical foundation for future success.
• 😀 The speaker encourages even those in the humanities to learn how to market, sell, and distribute disruptive technologies to the public, as technical knowledge alone won’t be enough to succeed in the future.

Q & A

What is the speaker's primary regret about their choice of major at Yale?

The speaker regrets choosing East Asian Studies as their major, feeling that it did not provide much value in terms of knowledge. They believe they could have learned the same information by reading books in a library, and they now think they should have majored in a STEM field.

What is the 'million dollar imagination game' mentioned in the video?

The speaker invites viewers to imagine which industries will be the most lucrative in the next 20 years. Viewers are encouraged to write down their predictions before the speaker reveals his own answer key.

What significant trend in technology and companies does the speaker discuss from the 2010s?

The speaker highlights the rise of companies focused on tackling inefficiencies and providing instant gratification, such as Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, streaming services like Netflix and Spotify grew significantly during this period.

What are the five disruptive technologies the speaker predicts will dominate the next decade?

The five disruptive technologies the speaker highlights are: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, DNA Sequencing, Blockchain and Crypto, Energy Storage, and Robotics.

What role does Kathy Wood and Ark Invest play in the speaker's perspective on future technologies?

The speaker refers to Kathy Wood and Ark Invest as the source of the list of disruptive technologies. Ark Invest focuses on disruptive innovation, and the speaker cites Wood's research on the five platforms driving technological change.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of a technical foundation?

The speaker stresses that a strong technical foundation is crucial for understanding and participating in the innovations of the future. They believe that technical skills, such as those gained from STEM degrees, are essential for thriving in an increasingly technological world.

What specific majors does the speaker suggest if they could redo their Yale education?

The speaker suggests pursuing majors in statistics and data science, computer science, molecular developmental biology, chemical engineering, or the new major of computing and the arts. They believe these fields are critical for the future.

How does the speaker address people who are not interested in coding or technical fields?

The speaker acknowledges that some people might not enjoy coding or technical subjects, but encourages them to focus on the adoption side of technology—learning to sell, market, and distribute these innovations to the public.

What example does the speaker give to illustrate how people can succeed without designing technology?

The speaker uses the example of social media influencers. While influencers may not have created the Instagram algorithm, they can still profit by understanding how to engage with the platform and generate likes, shares, and comments.

What is the significance of the convergence of disruptive technologies mentioned by the speaker?

The speaker explains that these disruptive technologies—such as AI, robotics, and blockchain—are not just progressing independently, but are converging with each other to create entirely new forms of innovation, like autonomous vehicles. This convergence is expected to drive new industries and opportunities.