Jiaona Zhang, Chief Product Officer at AI firm Laurel and a lecturer at Stanford University, argues that the traditional path of obtaining a computer science degree to secure a tech job is rapidly changing. She observes a decline in entry-level offers, pushing students toward entrepreneurship and smaller startups. Zhang stresses that in the age of AI, the focus should shift from academic credentials to practical skills in building products. Curiosity and drive are the key qualities she seeks in candidates, highlighting that success depends on their ability to identify user needs and leverage AI tools effectively. In her Stanford course, she teaches students to understand market problems and develop unique insights. During interviews, she evaluates candidates on their proactive use of AI and their capability to replace tedious tasks with technology. This reflects a broader trend where the ability to build and innovate is becoming more valuable than traditional educational pathways.