Forget the STEM safety net. Peter Thiel warns AI is a bigger threat to technical roles than to creative thinkers

Fortune

by Jake Angelo

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market, with Peter Thiel warning that STEM professionals face greater risks than creative thinkers. Thiel’s comments align with a LinkedIn report highlighting the growing demand for communication and storytelling skills, which doubled in job postings over the last year. Companies are increasingly seeking strong communicators, with top roles in communications fetching salaries exceeding $1 million. This shift reflects a broader trend where AI is making certain STEM skills obsolete while creating opportunities in areas like AI prompt engineering and data annotation, which require both technical and creative expertise. The article contrasts the past decade’s emphasis on coding as a desirable skill with today’s evolving job market. While STEM degrees were once seen as a sure path to success, AI’s expansion into fields like programming and data analysis is making traditional STEM skills less relevant. Thiel himself admitted he hasn’t written code in months, relying instead on AI tools. However, new technical roles centered around training AI are emerging, offering salaries of up to $128,000. Despite these changes, the job market remains challenging for recent graduates, particularly in fields like computer engineering, which faces high unemployment rates. This underscores the need for professionals to adapt by developing skills that complement AI, such as storytelling and creative thinking. The demand for these skills is driven by the growing recognition that human creativity and communication are increasingly valuable in an era dominated by technology. For businesses, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. Companies must rethink their hiring strategies to prioritize skills like empathy, creativity, and strong communication. By valuing these traits alongside technical expertise, organizations can better navigate the evolving workforce landscape. The rise of storytelling as a critical skill also highlights the importance of adaptability in the modern workplace, where human qualities are becoming essential for innovation and

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/26/2026