AI's Influence on Software Engineering: A Personal Journey

Meet Maahir Sharma, a software engineer who's witnessed AI transform his profession. Based in Dublin, Sharma's journey is a testament to the shifting landscape in tech. What does it mean to have machines encroach on tasks once reserved for humans? Sharma's story offers insight.

The Evolution of a Role

Sharma began coding as a fifth-grader, pouring years into mastering the craft. But as AI started handling simple bugs and website tweaks, he felt a sense of loss. Initially, it seemed like AI threatened his job. But as Sharma transitioned from junior to senior roles, he realized coding was never the end game.

Today, Sharma identifies more as a product engineer, a mini entrepreneur of sorts. He no longer simply codes what's handed to him. Instead, he delves into consumer needs, business ecosystems, and devises products with an AI collaborator in tow. It's a shift from task executor to strategic thinker.

The New Product Mindset

Sharma's daily work no longer revolves around predefined requirements. Now, it's about understanding the full spectrum of product development. With AI as his assistant, he breaks down problems, drafts plans, and ensures every technical decision aligns with broader business objectives.

Sharma explains, "I iterate on prompts, sometimes up to nine versions, to refine plans before AI generates code." He treats AI as a collaborator, not a tool. This partnership requires oversight and nuanced decision-making, transforming Sharma from coder to business-minded engineer.

Adapting Skills for the Future

Communication is now essential in Sharma's toolkit. Gone are the days of speaking without clarity. He emphasizes understanding stakeholders and markets, skills he honed through tools like the STAR method. This framework helps Sharma articulate situations, tasks, actions, and results effectively.

Sharma spends around 20 hours a week sharpening his skills with online courses. It's a necessity, he argues, given tech's rapid pivot towards AI engineering. "The industry's move to AI isn't just future talk, it's now," Sharma asserts.

His optimism for the next decade is rooted in this proactive learning. "I spend time on what matters," Sharma says, highlighting his focus on intelligent workflows and staying ahead of AI trends.

Sharma's story prompts a question: Are we ready to adapt alongside AI, or risk obsolescence? His evolution from coder to product strategist exemplifies how embracing AI can lead to new, fulfilling roles.