What's the alternative? If AI is going to replace software engineers, there is no fundamental reason they couldn't replace almost all other knowledge workers as well. No matter the field, most of it is just office work managing, transforming and building new information, applying existing knowledge on new problems (that probably are not very unique in grand scheme of things).
Except for medical doctors, nurses, and some niche engineering professions, I really struggle to think of jobs requiring higher education that couldn't be largely automated by an LLM that is smart enough to replace a senior software engineer. These few jobs are protected mainly by the physical aspect, and low tolerance for mistakes. Some skilled trades may also be protected, at least if robotics don't improve dramatically.
Personally, I would become a doctor if I could. But of all things I could've studied excluding that, computer science has probably been one of the better options. At least it teaches problem solving and not just memorization of facts. Knowing how to code may not be that useful in the future, but the process of problem solving is going nowhere.
Mainly the various physical operations many of them perform on daily basis (due to limitations of robotics), plus liability issues in case things go wrong and somebody dies. And finally, huge demand due to aging population worldwide.
I do believe some parts of their jobs will be automated, but not enough (especially with growing demand) to really hurt career prospects. Even for those parts, it will take a long a while due to the regulated nature of the sector.
Except for medical doctors, nurses, and some niche engineering professions, I really struggle to think of jobs requiring higher education that couldn't be largely automated by an LLM that is smart enough to replace a senior software engineer. These few jobs are protected mainly by the physical aspect, and low tolerance for mistakes. Some skilled trades may also be protected, at least if robotics don't improve dramatically.
Personally, I would become a doctor if I could. But of all things I could've studied excluding that, computer science has probably been one of the better options. At least it teaches problem solving and not just memorization of facts. Knowing how to code may not be that useful in the future, but the process of problem solving is going nowhere.