I'm an engineer who hasn't touched code in months. I'm excited about AI, but sometimes I worry about my future.

A seasoned engineer shares his thoughts on the transformative impact of AI in the workplace, revealing both excitement and apprehension about the future of coding. Rohan Gore, 38, works as an AI engineer at Reach3 Insights in Vancouver, and reflects on how the advancement of AI has reshaped his role. Graduating with a computer science degree in 2010, Rohan began his journey as a software engineer tackling intricate marketing research challenges. However, as he transitioned into AI engineering, he faced a pivotal moment when he delegated all his coding tasks to AI in December. While the technology performed admirably, Rohan felt a sense of loss, realizing that his coding days were effectively over. Despite relinquishing coding responsibilities, Rohan emphasizes that the expectations for output and quality remain high. He often experiences burnout as he strives to meet demands, even with AI assisting in various tasks. Rohan believes that while AI is beneficial, it also requires substantial oversight, underscoring the continued importance of his engineering expertise in today's landscape. Engaging in software architecture and design has become a focal point of Rohan's work, allowing him to leverage his systems knowledge. He appreciates the opportunity to conduct more research and critique product decisions, a shift that has broadened his role within the engineering team. The speed at which he can now deliver features—completing tasks in days instead of months—fills him with excitement. However, Rohan grapples with uncertainty about the future. As AI technology evolves at an astonishing rate, he contemplates the implications of fully autonomous systems. The rapid advancement leaves him contemplating his relevance in a world where AI might dominate coding tasks. While he embraces the changes brought on by AI, he also voices the fear of a future where human skills may be overshadowed, raising questions about the sustainability of traditional engineering roles in the face of automation.