Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang encourages new grads to seize today’s career opportunities

Even while companies like Cloudflare and Snap mention AI as they let go of thousands of workers, Jensen Huang told the graduates on Sunday that the time is perfect to "start your life's journey."

During Carnegie Mellon University's 2026 Commencement, the Nvidia leader argued that AI will ultimately benefit society, including those now entering the workforce.

"Now it's your moment to fulfill your aspirations, and the timing is absolutely ideal," he stated.

The 61-year-old entrepreneur — whose fortune now approaches $186 billion — earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Oregon State University in 1984.

He pursued further studies at Stanford, obtaining a master's in electrical engineering. He founded Nvidia in 1993, during the onset of the internet era.

He conveyed to graduates that AI was bridging the "technology gap," enabling anyone to create something meaningful. This development, he stated, signals numerous forthcoming opportunities for young individuals.

Jensen's positive outlook contrasts with the public's apprehension about artificial intelligence's effects.

Research from the Pew Research Center indicated that roughly half of Americans felt that the growing AI presence in everyday life made them feel more "wary than excited."

Throughout the nation, many Americans are opposing the establishment of new data centers in their areas, which play a crucial role in supporting AI tools like chatbots.

Several major corporations have cited enhanced efficiency through AI as part of their reasoning for workforce reductions this year.

Additionally, AI has made job hunting more challenging by extending the interview process and complicating employment acquisition for new graduates. The jobless rate for recent graduates reached a four-year peak at the onset of 2026.

The concerns over AI's implications partly stem from those behind the technology. For instance, Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei warned last year that AI could potentially eliminate half of entry-level white-collar positions.

Elon Musk shared with Joe Rogan in February that there is a "20% chance of human extinction" related to AI.

Public worries could influence the upcoming midterm elections, where AI legislation is expected to be a pivotal topic.

Recently, Huang has attempted to rebut these pessimistic forecasts. On a podcast earlier this month, he suggested that tech leaders should exercise more "caution" when discussing AI advancements.

"Such remarks are unhelpful," Huang mentioned on the "Memos to the President" podcast. "They originate from people like myself — CEOs. Somehow, becoming a CEO imparts an illusion of omniscience, and suddenly, you believe you know all there is."

He continued, "I think it's important to remain grounded and commit to speaking factually."

His straightforward message to the freshly minted alumni at Carnegie Mellon was: "AI isn't likely to replace you," recognising job market concerns. "However, someone who wields AI more adeptly might gain an edge."