AT&T CEO John Stankey on the Future of Education and the Power of AI

During a fireside chat at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference on December 9, John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T, joined the podcast "In Good Company" to share his insights on the evolving landscape of education and the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in personal and professional growth.

Guidance for the Next Generation

John Stankey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at AT&T. | Image credit – AT&T

Stankey emphasized that the traditional university curriculum, often set years in advance, is becoming less relevant in a world where technology and business models evolve rapidly. “The notion that we can learn everything in a classroom from a curriculum developed over five or six years is fading fast,” he said. Instead, he encouraged young people to view their careers in chapters lasting four to five years, requiring continuous reinvention and skill building.

“Every few years, you need to acquire a new foundation of skills, embrace new opportunities, and be intentional about your education,” Stankey explained. “With the vast resources available today, the key is to be the dean of your own learning.”

He noted that while information is limitless, the advantage goes to those who know how to effectively absorb and apply that knowledge. Artificial intelligence amplifies this opportunity by enabling faster synthesis of information and providing constant access to learning tools. Those who master AI, he believes, will be best positioned to succeed over time.

AT&T's Recent Price Adjustments

As of December 1, AT&T began implementing price increases across all its home internet plans. Customers will see an additional $5 charge on their monthly bills regardless of the plan they are subscribed to. This move follows a trend where price hikes occur annually for some subscribers.

Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence

Despite strong optimism around AI, Stankey acknowledged its current limitations. He highlighted incidents where AI systems still make glaring errors, such as basic arithmetic mistakes. Recent testing has also suggested that senior coders can sometimes experience slower work pace when collaborating with AI tools.