Computer Science isn’t going away—it’s evolving. In a world where AI can write code, employers are no longer looking for just coders. They want systems thinkers, problem solvers, and creators who can work across technology and business. In this fireside chat, Larry Waldman—Carnegie Mellon CS alum, early Microsoft Teams PM, and former DoorDash product leader shares how students can still thrive in CS, what the top colleges are teaching now, and why mindset matters more than the major itself.

📺 Watch the Full Conversation:

Why This Question Matters in 2025

From ChatGPT to autonomous cars, AI is rewriting the rules of the tech world. As these tools become more powerful, many parents and students are asking:
Is majoring in Computer Science still a good bet for the future?

Some worry that AI will replace entry-level coding roles. Others are unsure how to stand out in competitive college admissions for CS programs.

At Future Forward, we invited Larry Waldman—a Carnegie Mellon CS graduate, former Director of Product at Microsoft Teams, and product leader at DoorDash—to give us his take.

Spoiler: CS is not only relevant—it’s evolving into something even more valuable.

Key Takeaways from the Fireside Chat

1. Computer Science Is About Thinking, Not Just Coding

“CS was never about programming languages. It was about learning how to learn, problem-solving, and systems thinking.” — Larry Waldman

Top CS programs like those at CMU, MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley don’t just teach syntax. They teach students how to break big problems into solvable parts—a skill that’s more future-proof than any language.

2. Top CS Colleges Evolve—Fast

Leading universities are constantly updating their curricula. AI, robotics, computer vision, and machine learning now dominate course catalogs.

📍 At CMU, students were working on self-driving cars years before it was trendy. Professors weren’t just teaching—they were inventing the future.

3. College Is More Than Classes

Larry emphasizes that college shaped his social and professional life as much as it did his career. Networking, teamwork, and emotional intelligence were just as critical.

“Some of the people I’d call first if I wanted a job—I met them in college.” — Larry Waldman

4. Students Must Learn to Create, Not Just Apply

In a world where AI automates repetitive tasks, companies don’t just want coders. They want creators.

“Most grads come out with a checklist mindset. That’s not enough anymore. You need to walk into an interview and show what you’d build and why.”

5. CS Isn’t the Only Path, but It’s a Great Foundation

If your child loves math, problem-solving, or tinkering, CS remains an ideal launchpad. But fields like data science, applied math, product design, and business analytics also benefit from a CS foundation.

What Skills Should Students Build Now?

Here’s Larry’s advice for future CS majors and tech creators:

• Learn how to use AI tools like Perplexity, Cursor, ChatGPT, and GitHub Copilot
• Follow YouTube channels and podcasts on AI
• Identify real-world problems and try building simple solutions
• Focus on learning how to learn
• Be okay with failure—and treat experimentation as a superpower

Fast Forward

At Future Forward, we believe that the best way to stand out in college admissions, especially for competitive STEM majors is by finding a student’s authentic spark and helping them build a story around it.

Whether your child is preparing for CS at MIT or data science at Georgia Tech, what matters most is curiosity, depth, and evidence of self-driven learning.

Ready to Craft Your Child’s Future in STEM?

Our college admissions experts help families:

✅ Build a customized college list for CS, AI, or other tech-focused majors
✅ Strengthen profiles through targeted extracurriculars and summer projects
✅ Write compelling college essays that go beyond buzzwords
✅ Understand the admissions expectations of schools like MIT, CMU, Stanford, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, and more

👉 Book a free consultation to learn how we personalize the college-to-career journey for your student. Start by filling the form below.