Forever Junior: The Skills AI Can't Develop for You
A software engineer discusses the risks of over-relying on AI tools for coding tasks. The author argues that junior developers must continue to learn core skills rather than just reviewing AI-generated output to avoid a future shortage of senior-level expertise.
Why it matters
It highlights a growing concern in the tech industry regarding skill atrophy and the long-term sustainability of engineering talent in an AI-augmented workforce.
Software engineering is going through an AI revolution we’re all still trying to understand. For years, we’ve been told software engineers are six months from extinction. Some still believe the job is disappearing. Others say it’s simply changing.
I’ve seen a real shift in priorities for engineers, but the job itself is very much still needed. At Criteo, engineers are still hired, still valued — and increasingly asked to lean on AI agents to boost productivity as much as possible. But every one of those messages comes with the same addendum: keep a firm hand on the wheel. Use the tool, but don’t stop knowing what you’re doing.
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