AI

timeless · ‎02-18-2022

Currently, my son is pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

He's always been that "mathy" kid, and loves coding, etc.

But lately AI has been touted as a job-killer for anyone wanting to go into Software Engineering, Coding, IT, etc.

Does anyone here that has family in this field think it's all over and so maybe he should move into something more "hands on"?

He has a mentor that suggests he go into Electrical Engineering, perhaps as a secondary degree.

Sucks that things shifted so fast on him.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I don't have an answer for you but I feel for your son. It used to be if you were an IT person a job was no problem. But, that isn't the case anymore.

AI is doing the jobs of what used to be called entry level. I'm reading all the time how hard it is for young people to find a job. I think AI is still new enough for us not to know where it is headed.

I'm thinking that an engineering degree certainly wouldn't hurt. I wish him well.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@timeless

It may be too early to drop / switch his current studies because of all the press AI is getting. As AI's story develops, it may turn out that the degree your son is pursuing becomes important in managing AI.

There are a few colleges starting AI degrees...perhaps his taking a few of this type of course would enhance his career choice and its progression over time.

I would suggest he talk with others in the workforce that use / manage AI to see what insights they can share with him before starting a second degree. Another degree or certificate may be indicated as AI progresses; however, only time will tell. The computer science degree could be the best foundation for him.

It is very important in today's world to network with practitioners in the main and associated fields to understand what is happening and how to grow the needed skills which will become obvious. Also, these folks can be instrumental in his pursuit of his first career job !

My background degree, BA and MA, was in French literature. My first post-college job was on a fast track management program that started in the computer billing division of Accounting. The reason I was hired was my answer to a key recruiting question. From my five summers working in the textile division of a chemical corporation, I was able to demonstrate initiative, commitment, team spirit, and leadership.

Ability to speak a foreign language gives confidence in speaking one's native language. The ability to write clearly in another enabled me to mentor the programmers in my group so they could communicate more clearly with their users. They began to be promoted over their peers in other programming groups !

Over many years I had several major careers in and out of corporate America. Opportunity and the willingness to learn new things are important elements in career development.

Good Luck to your son as he determines his career path.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

The biggest issue as I see it in anything IT is the ability to offshore the work for that employer. People willing to work for 25% of what Americans work for. Some work is sensitive and must be kept in the US.

Bloomberg has an article that Open AI/Oracle has decided to only build one half of a data center in TX citing inability to get funded. Another data center planned here in MI was also scrapped recently.

AI may not be the Boogey Man we were told to fear.😉

timeless · ‎02-18-2022

Thank you to everyone who took the time to give advice!

Son asked his University (state) if they will teach any classes in AI and they have said so far they won't.

I'm thinking if AI becomes as important as some are saying, they will be forced to.

He still has some time before graduation, so +crossing fingers+

all will work out for him.

ScrapHappy · ‎03-28-2010

@timeless wrote:
Currently, my son is pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
He's always been that "mathy" kid, and loves coding, etc.

But lately AI has been touted as a job-killer for anyone wanting to go into Software Engineering, Coding, IT, etc.

Does anyone here that has family in this field think it's all over and so maybe he should move into something more "hands on"?

He has a mentor that suggests he go into Electrical Engineering, perhaps as a secondary degree.

Sucks that things shifted so fast on him.

My husband has been in IT for over 40 years. BS Computer Science.

. the company he works for was talking about AI in their meeting (the igher ups). My husband said he'd be worried about job if he wasn't so close to retirement.

sunshinestory · ‎04-10-2010

My son is a software engineer and worked for Nasdaq. Nasdaq sold off his division in October to Insight Partners a global company that breaks apart companies and downsize manpower as AI gets better. The company has bought over 500 companies worldwide.

They have laid-off 50% of their company and will blend 5 companies together. My son was not laid off, but he beleives it will be coming within the next 1-2 years. They are using the most advanced AI, Claude. (Not sure of the spelling.). He says he won't go back to school to do something like Robotics, because AI changes so fast that what they teach in colleges would still be behind.

The best thing to do is to learn the fast-pacing AI that is being used, and be a part of the change in a company making AI better. That experience will help in another smaller company who doesn't has the latest technology. My son says there will always be software developers who manage AI and fixes the glitches. It is still very glitchy, but technology changes and improves quickly. They need to have more safety nets. Robotics is up and coming very fast and they will need software developers to oversee robots.

There is still a need for software engineers, but only a handful compared to what we needed in the past. Some say in 10 years there will be a 95% unemployment rate due to AI.