There’s something spooky on the horizon, and we’re not talking about ghosts and goblins. AI is changing the future of software development. And while change is scary, AI could be more about treats than tricks. So says Julia Neagu, CEO and Co-founder of Quotient AI. In this episode of Off the VPN, Julia sheds a little light on an AI-assisted future and reigns in some of our scariest AI expectations. Can AI control the weather? No. Should AI-assisted engineers get paid less? Also no.

For a full discussion on how AI is changing the developer role and why it won’t be taking over for software engineers anytime soon, be sure to give this episode a listen. And stick around for some seasonally appropriate terror tales from the darkest recesses of the tech industry—if you dare.

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Highlights:

• Developers vs. AI: Julia shares her take on how AI is transforming the developer role, debunking the myth that AI tools like ChatGPT will replace engineers. Instead, she emphasizes the evolving nature of engineering, where AI assists rather than replaces human creativity.
• The Developer Pay Cut Debate: The hosts break down a shocking Reddit post where a manager slashed developer pay by 20%, believing AI could replace them. Jasmine, Allison, and Julia dive into the ethics and misconceptions surrounding AI in the workplace.
• The Future of Engineering: Julia explores how AI will reshape the future of junior developer roles, highlighting the need for education to adapt to new tools and technologies while ensuring developers still build solid foundations in core engineering skills.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introducing Quotient AI’s Julia Neagu
(02:35) AI transforms how developers work
(08:20) Trick or Tech? Weird AI claims
(13:47) Manager cuts developer pay due to AI
(19:15) The future of junior devs in an AI world
(23:58) Collaboration between developers and non-tech teams
(30:10) AI's impact on engineering and future education