Florencio Rendon described his third layoff in three years from a construction company as "the final straw."

Mastering programming and AI skills is challenging for newcomers, especially with the rapid pace of technological change.

A survey by Microsoft and LinkedIn found 66% of executives prioritize AI skills, yet what these entail is often unclear. Experts like Matt Beane stress continuous learning, while Robert Wolcott advises blending personal interests with practical courses like statistics and computer science. Key skills include problem-solving, business acumen, and clear communication, but these are harder to develop than simply learning to code. For individuals like Rendon, limited opportunities highlight the struggle to stay competitive in an evolving job market.

Dan Pickett, founder of Launch Academy in Boston, paused courses after the job placement rate dropped from 90% to under 60%. CompTIA reports that software developer job postings have fallen 56% in five years, with entry-level positions down by 67%. Venky Ganesan calls it the worst entry-level tech job market in 25 years. The once-accepted career advice to "learn to code" no longer guarantees job security, making the path less clear.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence | Off Book | PBS Digital Studios

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The Irresistible Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Since the mid-2010s, intensive programming courses have been lauded as a shortcut to lucrative careers, particularly for those without a college degree. Endorsed by then-President Barack Obama as part of his employment initiatives, these bootcamps were supported by nonprofits to help individuals from diverse backgrounds enter the tech industry. Even prestigious institutions like Harvard and Berkeley have adopted similar programs.

These efforts yielded significant results. According to a 2020 CourseReport survey of 3,000 coding bootcamp graduates, 79% credited the courses with securing tech industry jobs, and their average salaries increased by 56%.

AI programming tools are reshaping the hiring landscape. In 2022, DeepMind's AlphaCode performed at the level of a novice programmer, and tools like Google’s AlphaCode and GitHub’s Copilot can now generate code, optimize it, and identify bugs. A 2023 StackOverflow survey showed 60% of developers used AI tools. However, experts like Armando Solar-Lezama argue that AI still lacks essential skills, such as reasoning about code and tracking bugs, making it unlikely to replace entry-level programmers entirely.

AI is transforming software development, boosting productivity by 20%. Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that over a quarter of Google’s new code is AI-generated, though it still requires engineer review. While some see AI as a way to create innovative software and raise industry standards, others, like Codecademy co-founder Zach Sims, warn it creates challenges for entry-level programmers, especially bootcamp graduates.

Recruiting: GPT Monkeys

While coding remains a valuable skill, its role is evolving. Experts like Armando Solar-Lezama and Zach Sims liken learning programming today to learning long division—useful as a foundation but insufficient on its own. AI tools are reshaping entry-level programming roles, with junior developers often relegated to menial tasks and struggling with AI-generated code errors. This dynamic makes senior developers more inclined to handle tasks themselves.

As automation affects industries like tech, surgery, and finance, newcomers face limited opportunities to gain expertise. Entry-level programmers now need broader skills, such as understanding system integration and strategic problem-solving. A college degree is increasingly essential for navigating these challenges. The real shift isn’t AI replacing software engineers but making it harder to enter the field.

Stay Sharp, Keep Learning

Among the clichéd career advice of our times, "Learn AI skills" has now replaced "Learn to code."

Institutions like MIT, Cornell, Northwestern, and Columbia University are offering AI certification programs. Fullstack Academy, where Florencio Rendon once trained, has recently launched a 26-week AI and machine learning boot camp. Companies like Booz Allen and JPMorgan are also providing free AI training for their employees.

According to TIA data, the most sought-after AI-related roles include "Machine Learning Engineer" and "AI Engineer." These positions demand skills like "deploying and scaling machine learning models" and "automating the training, version control, monitoring, and deployment processes for large-scale language models."