Meta’s chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth had a simple answer when a student asked how to enter the tech industry: stop waiting and start building. During an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session this week, Bosworth was asked by a college freshman what it takes to break into technology.

His response was direct and practical — focus less on theory and more on doing. “You just have to immerse yourself in it,” Bosworth said. “You should just constantly be building.”Bosworth’s advice comes at a time when the tech industry is changing fast, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. Instead of following a fixed path, he suggested students experiment and gain hands-on experience.“That's what's going to give you the best chance of having the relevant skill set that is needed to make a difference in technology,” he said.

Meta CTO to students: Explore vibe-coding

For software-focused students, Bosworth pointed to the growing role of AI in coding. He encouraged learners to explore “vibe coding,” where developers use AI tools to generate and refine code using natural language.While AI tools are changing how software is built, Bosworth said hardware skills still rely on more traditional methods. He recommended starting with tools like Raspberry Pi and Arduino — widely used platforms for building small electronics projects.

For more advanced learners, he suggested working with printed circuit boards, which power most modern devices.The message was clear: whether it’s software or hardware, practical exposure matters more than anything else.Bosworth also touched on a broader mindset during the session, saying he prefers action over overthinking. While he acknowledged going through “short periods of very deep and profound introspection,” he said he uses it sparingly.“For years at a time, I am who I am,” he said. “I have a vision, I have a goal, I have an ethos, I have a way of working.” For students looking to enter the industry, his advice remains simple: build, experiment, and stay involved — because that’s where real learning happens.