What Engineering Leaders Predict for the Future of AI and Coding

rtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and computer science education is no exception.

In a recent discussion on Bloomberg with Emily Chang, industry leaders Aparna Chennapragada (Chief Product Officer of Experiences and Devices at Microsoft), Osi Imeokparia (CEO of Kode With Klossy), and Amjad Masad (Founder & CEO of Replit) explored how AI is revolutionizing coding education, the skills needed for future engineering roles, and the broader implications for the workforce.

Their insights paint a picture of a rapidly evolving landscape where computational thinking, creativity, and adaptability are paramount.

The Rise of "Vibe Coding" and AI-Assisted Development

Amjad Masad introduced the concept of "vibe coding," a paradigm shift in software development where the focus is on ideas rather than syntax. "Typically when you're writing software, you're thinking about the ideas and the business logic for a little bit.

But vibe coding kind of flips this where you're actually just worried about the ideas and how the software looks and then the software agent just taking care of the syntax," Masad explained.

This approach leverages AI to handle technical complexities, allowing creators to focus on innovation.

This shift has profound implications.

With tech giants like Meta and Microsoft already generating significant portions of their code through AI—Mark Zuckerberg predicts all of Meta’s code will be AI-generated within 12 to 18 months, and Satya Nadella notes 30-35% of Microsoft’s code is already AI-produced—the question arises: Do kids still need to learn how to code?

The Enduring Value of Coding and Computational Thinking

The panel unanimously agreed that coding remains a critical skill. Aparna Chennapragada offered a bold perspective: "Betting against computer science and coding is like betting against reading in the 14th century.

It’s such a critical core skill… It’s actually that logical thinking, critical thinking. And if you’re going to work with AI systems, you need more of it." She emphasized that coding fosters essential problem-solving skills, even as AI automates parts of the process.

Osi Imeokparia echoed this sentiment, highlighting the durability of computational thinking. "Even if you paint the picture to its logical conclusion… and say in X number of years, we’re going to have fewer people hands-on-keyboard producing code, but we’re going to have lots of agents that we need to orchestrate… you need to be able to think computationally, decompose problems, find the whitespace, find the problem to solve," she said.

For Imeokparia, learning to code builds transferable skills like problem decomposition and abstraction, which remain vital in an AI-driven world.

Masad took a slightly different angle, focusing on empowering non-coders.

"Roughly the way we think about it today is to unleash everyone that has a software idea to be able to kind of make it and push it… The kind of objective is to learn how to make things. I think learning how to code is the secondary effect of making things with the AI," he noted.

He shared an example of a product manager who used Replit to turn a multi-year idea into a reality, driving tens of millions in impact—demonstrating how AI tools democratize software creation.

The Jobs of the Future: Tastemakers, Entrepreneurs, and Full-Stack Builders

As AI reshapes roles, the panel discussed what the "IT job of the future" might look like. Imeokparia pointed to the rise of "tastemakers" who apply judgment to navigate a flood of AI-generated software.

"Sarah Bakewell dropped an immensely compelling article about this idea of taste being the next skill… How do you then apply judgment and taste to actually find the spikes that are going to be those breakthrough innovations?" she asked, emphasizing the human skills of discernment and creativity.

Chennapragada highlighted the need for computational literacy and ambition.

"Imagination and ambition for these models… you need to know what they can do… I would think of that as computational thinking. It’s the literacy of today," she said, likening coding to a foundational skill like reading.

Masad envisioned a future of entrepreneurship: "The job of the future is entrepreneur… A lot more people are going to be able to start companies. And within companies, you’re going to see a lot more entrepreneurs, people that have ideas… and finally, they’ll have the tools to build those ideas."

Navigating Workforce Challenges in the AI Era

The discussion also addressed concerns about job displacement, with Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei predicting that 50% of white-collar jobs could disappear in five years.

Chennapragada offered a balanced view: "It’s cliche to say, oh, every technology shift, there’s new jobs created… but it’s also true… The jobs that we know as they exist today, I think they’ll get restarted and reshaped in ways that it’s hard for us to imagine right now, but it will happen."

She cited roles like social media managers, which were unimaginable in 1995, as evidence of this trend.

However, Imeokparia noted immediate challenges for early-career professionals, particularly women entering the workforce through programs like Kode With Klossy.

"The speed with which both the economic climate and AI together have softened the early career ladder is alarming… It’s longer and harder to find internships, to find that first job," she said.

To stand out, she recommended building project portfolios to showcase skills like decision-making and critical thinking.

Chennapragada added that the modern résumé is evolving: "I really love the idea of what is the new résumé… It’s the full-stack builders… This unbundling of opportunity to allow people to pursue and create in ways that didn’t exist before is really exciting."

Addressing Diversity and Inclusion in AI

The panel also tackled the lack of diversity in AI development and usage, particularly as some tech companies scale back DEI initiatives. Imeokparia noted the real-world impact: "Some people have stopped answering my calls… Whole CSR teams have disappeared."

Yet, she remains optimistic about working with a "coalition of the willing" to maintain inclusive practices, emphasizing that companies prioritizing diversity will be the winners by 2030.

Chennapragada stressed the importance of accessibility: "Preserving the importance of making sure that folks who didn’t have access to the technology, at least in terms of using and building, we continue some of those things… You don’t have to have a computer science degree to be able to start building."

She cited examples of non-coders, including women in fashion startups, using AI tools to create prototypes, highlighting how these tools lower barriers to entry.

Advice for Thriving in the AI Era

The panel concluded with practical advice for navigating this transformative moment:

Amjad Masad: "I’ve been trying to invent new ways for me to learn… I put Grok in voice mode and say, ‘Hey, teach me quantum computing and quiz me on it.’… Continuously learn all the time, even passively."

Aparna Chennapragada: "My very simple cheesy thing… I have a browser extension. As soon as I open a new tab, it says, ‘Whatever you’re going to do, can you use AI to help you do it better?’ It just works as a reminder."

Osi Imeokparia: "Tying your learning to something you’re passionate about helps you get through that learning journey… … Combining your curiosity with that learning journey can be powerful."

The Path Forward

AI is not just changing how we code—it’s redefining how we learn, work, and innovate. As Chennapragada, Imeokparia, and Masad made clear, computational thinking, creativity, and a willingness to adapt are the cornerstones of success in this new era.

Sources

Sources & Further Reading

OECD. (2023). Future of Education and Skills 2030. https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/

UNESCO. (2023). Global Education Monitoring Report 2023. https://gem-report-2023.unesco.org/en/

World Bank. (2024). AI and the Future of Work. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education

McKinsey & Co. (2023). The Future of Work in the Age of AI. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/education