Alexandr Wang built an impressive career in artificial intelligence at a remarkably young age. At just 28, he co-founded Scale AI, a company that grew to a valuation of 29 billion dollars, making him one of the youngest self-made billionaires with an estimated net worth of 3.2 billion dollars. Recently, he joined Meta as chief AI officer in a major deal. His rapid rise offers valuable insights for the next generation looking to thrive in tech.
During a recent podcast appearance, Wang shared straightforward advice for teenagers aspiring to big achievements in technology. He stressed the importance of diving deep into AI-powered coding tools right now. These tools allow anyone to create software by describing ideas in everyday language rather than writing complex code from scratch. Wang calls this approach vibe coding, and he believes it represents a game-changing opportunity similar to the early days of personal computers.
He draws parallels to icons like Bill Gates, who as a teen would sneak out at night to access computers and learn programming when few others could. Mark Zuckerberg also focused intensely on coding during his youth, which fueled his later success. Wang argues that today’s teens can gain a similar edge by prioritizing AI tools over other hobbies like gaming or sports. Spending thousands of hours experimenting with these systems could position them far ahead in the evolving job market.
Vibe coding involves platforms like Cursor and Replit, where users prompt AI to generate, refine, and build apps without traditional programming expertise. Wang feels passionately about this shift, saying he has been completely transformed by experiencing AI coding firsthand. He predicts that mastering how to guide these tools effectively will become a superpower. For young people starting now, this dedicated practice could lead to building startups or landing top roles as AI reshapes industries.
The timing feels urgent to Wang because AI is advancing so quickly that coding skills are becoming more accessible yet more valuable for those who excel at directing the technology. Entry-level programming jobs may shrink as AI handles routine tasks, but creative builders who know how to leverage these tools will stand out. He encourages teens to treat this like a full immersion, logging serious time to understand the nuances better than their peers. This single-minded focus, he suggests, is the path to outsized rewards in the coming years.
Many experts agree that AI literacy will define future opportunities, much like computer skills did decades ago. Wang’s own journey from dropout to billionaire underscores how early obsession with emerging tech can pay off hugely. For ambitious young minds, embracing vibe coding today might unlock doors that are just opening.
What are your views on committing so much time to AI tools as a teenager—share your thoughts in the comments.
