Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella urges Computer Science students to master computational thinking fundamentals, even as AI reshapes the software industry. Speaking with tech YouTuber Sajjaad Khade on June 9, 2025, Nadella emphasized that breaking down problems into logical steps remains essential for any software architect timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Despite AI’s growing role—now writing up to 30% of Microsoft’s code—Nadella warned that success still hinges on giving clear, structured instructions to AI tools. “Just getting real fundamentals of software matters a lot,” he said, noting that systems thinking and problem decomposition complement AI-driven development timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Nadella also shared a personal example: fixing a complex bug by collaborating with GitHub Copilot. He highlighted that understanding underlying concepts like SQL filtering allowed him to guide the AI effectively and create new features. “All of us are going to be more software architects,” he added, predicting a future where human creativity and AI collaboration accelerate innovation timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Aspiring tech professionals should therefore focus on computational thinking, system design, and clear communication with AI agents. By building a strong foundation today, students can leverage AI to boost productivity and drive the next wave of software breakthroughs.
