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18-Year-Old CS Student Builds AI Career Roadmap

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Muhammad Murtaza Khan, an 18-year-old Computer Science student at Pakistan's Habib University, is confronting career anxiety over AI displacement. He describes a tech market that has transformed from a welcoming environment to a competitive "big bad wolf," where graduates risk being replaced if they aren't at the industry's forefront. His goal is to become a top-tier AI engineer by 2029.

To avoid being left behind, Khan is rejecting shortcuts like "vibe coding" tools. Instead, he's committing to a three-phase plan: mastering fundamentals like Python and system design first, then leveraging AI as a tutor. This hands-on approach aims to build deep expertise, making him "too valuable to be turned down" and allowing him to bug-proof his own code.

Khan cites NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's warning about losing jobs to those who use AI effectively. His roadmap is a direct response to that challenge, focusing on evolving his skills rather than waiting for the industry to change. He plans to share his progress publicly, building a community of developers determined to set the standard, not just follow it.