Future-proofing the developer: The skills that stand out in the AI era
Companies must actively invest in upskilling their teams to remain competitive
AI is transforming software development, but not in the way some predicted. While the buzz word sparked debate on whether developers' jobs would be replaced, instead the tool is proving to be a powerful teammate.
AI is boosting productivity and automating workflows. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2028, 75% of enterprise software designers will have adopted these AI coding assistants, compared to less than 10% at the beginning of 2023.
While AI tools speed up coding, they also introduce new complexities that require human oversight, such as technical debt and orphaned code. As AI transforms development, the question isn’t whether the tool will replace developers but rather what skills developers need to stay ahead.
Success not solely depends on one’s technical proficiency but also on human strengths. Mastering AI skills and human skills is crucial to staying competitive in a rapidly transforming market and will define the next generation of standout developers. Organisations that fail to invest in the technical skills of their teams could leave them falling behind to competitors.
The AI-savvy coder skills
To fully embrace the shift towards AI implementation, developers must widen their skillsets beyond traditional coding. It is important for developers to also understand how AI models generate responses and use data to identify patterns. Additionally, learning how to manage vector databases is essential to integrating search and recommendation capabilities into AI applications.
Other techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), which improves AI model results by providing personalised data to upgrade the accuracy and detail in responses, are also key. Lastly, mastering low-code to develop faster and more flexible application development allows developers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation.
Beyond technical skills, developers must keep their soft skills finely honed to thrive in the AI era. AI lacks the ability to think strategically or make nuanced decisions and it cannot replicate the strong understanding of the business context and the bigger picture that a developer would have. This allows them to align AI solutions with strategic objectives to add real value.
Creativity is a powerful soft skill that drives innovation. Developers bring creative thinking to their work and can unlock new possibilities as a result. Many great innovations have come from the human mind, so it’s vital to leverage the creative thinking developers bring to their work.
Problem solving is also a vital asset in an ever-changing environment. This includes tackling unexpected technical issues as well as complex challenges such as algorithmic biases or ethical questions. The ability to learn and assess risks is crucial to keep pace with the rapid technological advances and ensure responsible AI use.
As AI continues to advance, the most valuable developers will be defined by their technical skills alongside their ability to master human soft skills, as these skills that AI cannot replicate. The future-proof developer is one who can work alongside AI while bringing distinctly human strengths to the table.
Fuelling the future: investing in both tech and people
To succeed, companies must actively invest in upskilling their teams to remain competitive. As employers offer developers opportunities to acquire new skills and refine expertise, companies stimulate innovation, boost productivity, and create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. As a result, this investment benefits both the developer and the company.
Amidst the ongoing talent shortage, recruiting and retaining developers is becoming an increasingly complex challenge. Manpower’s 2024 Global Talent Shortage Survey revealed that just over three quarters of IT employers struggle to find the qualified candidates. While facing a talent shortage, the demand for AI savvy developers is growing. Instead of waiting for the perfect candidates, companies need to invest in their existing teams - offering hands-on AI training. The advantages are too significant to ignore including productivity gains, shorter delivery times, and reduced operating costs.
The focus of AI development should be less on replacing humans and more about maximising capabilities. Companies that invest in both AI and upskilling developers will succeed. Those who neglect one of these aspects risk falling behind their competitors. As AI evolves, developers who master both technical and behavioural skills will be able to leverage AI and stand out in shaping the future of software development.
Miguel Baltazar is vice president of developer relations at OutSystems