Notes to Engineers in the AI Era

The AI boom has created a mix of excitement, confusion, and serious FOMO (fear of missing out) for developers at all levels.

Whether you’re just getting started, switching careers, or wondering “Am I already outdated?”, this post is for you.

Is web dev still relevant?

Yes. But also—learn to pivot. Web dev is still the backbone of most products. UIs need to be built. APIs need to be consumed. Code needs to be readable, testable, and maintainable.

But… ignoring AI right now is like ignoring mobile in 2010.

Learn your fundamentals, but carve time out to understand AI tools and what’s changing.

Is This a Bad Time to Start in Tech?

Not really. But it is the most competitive time to be in tech.

You're not just competing with other humans—you’re competing with AI tools that can generate code, design systems, and even pass coding interviews.

So the real question is: can you stand out?

Junior Devs Have It Tough

Yep. It’s harder for juniors than ever before.

Many companies are hiring seniors who can understand, use, and "control" AI tools. Startups want to move fast. Mid-sized companies are experimenting. Big tech is laying off or hiring cautiously. There are lesser opportunitites for the freshers.

It’s not your fault, but it is the reality.

So What’s the Game Plan?

1 . Get a Job (Any Job)

Bills don’t pay themselves. If you need to switch domains or work in a non-glamorous role, do it. A foot in the door is better than waiting for a perfect opportunity.

2 . Go Deep, Not Just Wide

Surface-level tutorials won’t cut it anymore. Learn deeply—whether it’s backend, frontend, AI/ML, or DevOps. The deeper your understanding, the more control you have over how you use AI.

3 . Use AI, But Don’t Depend on It

Learn how to use Copilot, ChatGPT, etc. But don’t outsource your thinking. Experienced devs know how to ask better, debug better, and judge what AI spits out.

4 . Degrees Are Making a Comeback (Yeah, Really)

Companies are getting cautious. Many are leaning back on traditional signals like CS degrees. You don’t need one—but you do need the knowledge they represent.

5 . Double Down on Fundamentals

DSA, system design, networking, operating systems—these are timeless. These are the skills that separate someone who can build production systems from someone who can only follow tutorials.

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This is a vicious cycle. Everyone's chasing AI, but no one fully understands what’s next. In that chaos, the engineer who can build, adapt, and think clearly will win.

Don’t put all your eggs in the AI basket. But don’t ignore the basket either.

Your Goals

Short-term: Get a job, pay bills, keep learning.

Long-term: Build deep, foundational skills that make you employable and future-proof.

Remember: AI doesn’t know everything. But a good developer knows what to ask, when to trust, and how to build what matters.

Stay curious. Stay sharp. Keep building.