Don’t Ditch Your CS Degree Yet—AI Might Need You More Than Ever!

I mean, it’s true — in 5 years there will be more professional software engineers than today. They will be using AI, but they won’t be replaced by AI, at least not within that timeline and definitely not via current technology.

It’s very strange to me that this is even… https://t.co/RIGeDLEW4y

— François Chollet (@fchollet) August 6, 2024

Francois Chollet weighs in on the AI amalgamation with key industries (Supplied: X/Twitter)

AI Tools and the Changing Landscape of Coding

AI tools like Claude and GitHub Copilot are significantly altering how coding is done, as highlighted by Cobalt Robotics founder Erik Schluntz, who managed to code effectively using voice-to-text and AI assistance despite having a broken hand, in a report by Analytics India Magazine. His experience raises the question of whether a computer science (CS) degree is still relevant in an era where AI can write much of the code. Some industry leaders argue that AI is democratising software development, allowing even non-engineers to create software, which may diminish the traditional value of a CS degree.

Debating the Need for a CS Degree

The tech industry is divided on the need for formal education in computer science. While some, like IBM’s AI chief Matthew Candy, argue that soft skills such as creativity and problem-solving are becoming more valuable than technical skills, others believe that the rise of AI could reduce the demand for traditional coding expertise. However, many experts still see a strong demand for skilled developers, with the industry expected to create millions of new coding jobs in the coming years, particularly for those who can adapt to AI-driven tools.

The Future Role of Software Engineers

As AI continues to evolve, the role of software engineers may shift from writing code to managing AI agents. Predictions from industry leaders like Russell Kaplan suggest that future AI models will excel at coding, making software engineers more crucial in overseeing and guiding these AI systems. Despite the changes, the demand for specialised software development skills is expected to remain strong, ensuring that computer science graduates will continue to play a vital role in the tech industry.

(Visit Analytics India Magazine for the full story)

*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.