Should students study engineering in AI era? Khan Sir explains job market reality amid layoffs. 'There will be a Super AI'

The rise of artificial intelligence has again pushed an old question into daily conversations, especially among students and parents who are thinking about careers. If machines can code, analyse data and even assist doctors, then what happens to engineering jobs? Will studying engineering still make sense in the coming years, or is the fear of job loss real? These questions came up during a recent podcast featuring educator Khan Sir in conversation with Raj Shamani, where he addressed concerns around AI and employment.

Fear of job loss is not new

Khan Sir pointed out that such fears are not new and have appeared during every major technological shift. He referred to the time when computers were introduced in India.

He said, “The same discussion happened in 1985, when computers came. People said, ‘Oh no, a computer can do the work of ten people alone.’”

At that time, many believed computers would eliminate jobs, but over time, they created new kinds of work. According to him, the same pattern is likely to repeat with AI.

Jobs may change, not disappear

Addressing the concern directly, Khan Sir explained that work will evolve rather than end. He said, “A person does not work alone anymore. They work along with computers… and in the coming time, people will work along with AI.”

His point was simple: just as people learned to work alongside computers, future professionals will work alongside AI systems. Engineering, especially in fields like IT, may see disruption, but it will also open up new roles that do not fully exist yet.

Transition phase may feel uncertain

He did not deny that the current phase can feel unstable. Layoffs in the tech sector and reports about automation replacing roles have added to the anxiety. Referring to such concerns, he acknowledged that some jobs may go in the short term but also suggested that new opportunities will emerge within AI itself.

He said, “Right now, new kinds of code will be built for AI. There will even be a ‘super AI’ that controls other AI systems.”

This suggests a shift in skill demand, where engineers may need to adapt to newer tools, rather than leaving the field altogether.

Simple example to explain change

To make his point clearer, Khan Sir used a basic everyday comparison. He said, “People have not stopped washing their faces. It’s just that instead of soap, facewash has come in.”

Through this, he explained that the core need remains the same, but the method changes. In the same way, engineering jobs may not disappear, but the nature of work will look different.

AI in healthcare and decision-making

Speaking about sectors like medicine, he explained that AI is already assisting doctors but not replacing them entirely. He said, “Ultimately, the decision will remain with humans.”

He described how AI tools can help identify complex patterns, such as blood supply in a tumour, but the final call still rests with human experts. This indicates that engineering roles connected to such technologies may grow in importance.

What should students do now?

For students considering engineering, the message is not to panic but to prepare for change. The discussion suggests that while AI may reduce certain repetitive roles, it will also create demand for new skills. Learning how to work with AI, rather than fearing it, could become essential.

In simple terms, engineering is not becoming irrelevant. It is shifting. And like past technological changes, those who adapt are more likely to find opportunities than those who step away out of fear.