Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin: Degrees are still very important, but to be rewarded you need…

In an era where AI reshapes industries at unprecedented speed, Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin argues that viewing degrees and skills as competing forces misses the point entirely—calling for "cohabitation" between traditional education and ongoing professional development.

He dismisses as "silly" the notion that education received in one's early twenties will suffice for an entire career.The CEO emphasizes the need for "ongoing, continuous evolution of the skills portfolio" to remain adapted to evolving job markets. This perspective comes as Gen Z increasingly questions higher education's value amid rising unemployment rates for recent graduates.

Degrees deliver 682% ROI but don't guarantee career success

Sarrazin, who holds three degrees including two from Stanford, credits university with teaching him "how to think"—a skill he considers timeless.

Research supports this view, with bachelor's degrees yielding a 682% lifetime return on investment, though it takes approximately 11 years to recoup costs.The foundation gained from formal education serves as essential groundwork, but practical skills are required to maintain workplace relevance. Universities function as "launching pads," Sarrazin explains, with subsequent success depending on skills development.

Judgment, curiosity, and flexibility now top technical expertise

Udemy's 2026 Global Learning & Skills Trends Report identifies adaptive skills—including judgment, curiosity, flexibility, and risk tolerance—as crucial yet underappreciated workplace traits. These capabilities enable professionals to ask the right questions, recognize when to use or pause AI tools, and anticipate broader impacts.LinkedIn data mirrors these findings, highlighting AI literacy, conflict mitigation, adaptability, process optimization, and innovative thinking as the fastest-growing essential skills.The message is clear: degrees open doors, but continuous learning keeps them open. As AI transforms the workplace, professionals must commit to lifelong education—combining academic foundations with evolving skill sets to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic job market.