Microsoft execs worry AI will eat entry level coding jobs (www.theregister.com)

Microsoft executives Mark Russinovich and Scott Hanselman have expressed concerns that AI coding agents may threaten entry-level programming jobs. In their paper, "Redefining the Engineering Profession for AI," they argue that while AI enhances productivity for senior developers, it can hinder early-career developers. The executives warn that current AI tools often produce faulty code, and without adequate mentorship, juniors may struggle to identify and correct these issues. A referenced Harvard study shows that companies adopting generative AI are reducing junior developer roles, potentially undermining the future talent pipeline in software development. To address this challenge, Russinovich and Hanselman advocate for a mentorship-focused approach, encouraging senior engineers to guide juniors in navigating AI outputs. They suggest creating a "preceptor-based organization" where experienced developers partner with newcomers to enhance both coding skills and AI interaction. Additionally, they propose an "EiC mode" for AI assistants to support junior developers, though they acknowledge the complexities of AI errors. The pair emphasizes that universities need to rethink their curriculum to account for AI's role, asserting a balanced approach is vital to ensure the longevity and skill development of future software engineers amid rapid AI advancements.