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Is studying Software Engineering still worth It?


Published on Nov 28, 2025 - Last updated on Nov 30, 2025

#programming#ai

Is Software Engineering Still Worth It?

Short answer: Yes-but with nuance.

The reality:

  • Entry-level coding jobs (e.g., CRUD app development, junior web development) are shrinking due to AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT.
  • Mid-to-high level roles-like systems design, AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and DevOps-are still growing.
  • AI isn’t replacing software engineers; it’s changing the skill set required (less about typing code, more about understanding architecture, integration, security, ethics, and optimization).

##To stay competitive, software engineers now need:

  • Deep understanding of algorithms, systems design, and distributed computing
  • Skills in AI/ML, cybersecurity, embedded/real-time systems, or robotics
  • Strong ability to integrate AI tools into real-world products
  • Soft skills: communication, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration

Alternative or Complementary Fields with Strong Future Demand

If you’re skeptical about software engineering, here are fields that are:

  • AI-resistant (not easily automated)
  • Cross-disciplinary (less likely to be commoditized)
  • On the rise in the next 10–20 years

1. AI & Machine Learning

  • Not just building models-understanding ethics, explainability, data pipelines, regulation.
  • Fields like AI operations (MLOps), edge AI, and AI safety are just beginning.

2. Cybersecurity

  • With more systems online, attack surfaces grow.
  • Huge talent gap globally.
  • Governments and critical infrastructure will always need protection.

3. Robotics / Mechatronics

  • Intersection of hardware + software.
  • Applications in elder care, agriculture, logistics, and defense.
  • AI-enhanced robotics is booming.

4. Bioinformatics / Computational Biology

  • The merger of software with biology, especially genomics and synthetic biology.
  • Think: personal medicine, vaccine design, CRISPR modeling.

5. Climate Tech / Energy Systems

  • Software + hardware for optimizing grids, EV systems, carbon tracking.
  • A wide-open field where engineering skills are in short supply.

6. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) / Cognitive Science

  • Designing systems that people can actually use.
  • Very important as AI grows: how do we interact with it safely and effectively?

7. Education Tech / Digital Learning Design

  • The transformation of education is still in early stages.
  • Software engineers with teaching or learning science knowledge will be valuable.