The Evolving Role of AI in Software Development and Hiring Practices
As the landscape of software development continues to shift, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday coding practices is becoming increasingly prevalent. This transformation is not only reshaping how developers approach their work but also influencing hiring strategies at major tech companies. One such example is Intuit, where Chief Technology Officer Alex Balazs reflects on the changing dynamics of education and technology.
Balazs recalls his time as a mechanical engineering student at Kettering University, where professors debated whether students should be allowed to use calculators in class. Today, he sees a parallel with the acceptance of AI coding assistants. These tools, such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Windsurf, are gaining traction among junior developers, while more experienced professionals remain skeptical about their impact on job security.
Despite these concerns, many CTOs and chief information officers highlight the productivity benefits that AI coding assistants offer. They help employees learn company-specific programming languages more quickly and contribute to faster project timelines. However, the increasing reliance on these tools has prompted a reevaluation of the skills required for a modern developer workforce.
Deborah Golden, Chief Innovation Officer at Deloitte, emphasizes that the focus is shifting from memorizing APIs to demonstrating good judgment in the workplace. Developers must now assess potential risks or biases in AI-generated code. “AI doesn’t just level the playing field; it tilts towards those that can adapt quickly,” she notes. This adaptability is crucial for both new graduates and seasoned professionals navigating an evolving industry.
While some CEOs claim that 20% to 30% of code is written by AI tools, Andrew Rabinovich, Head of AI and Machine Learning at Upwork, cautions against taking these numbers at face value. He points out that AI tools often generate unnecessary lines of code, inflating reported usage rates. Additionally, these tools may struggle with personalization, leading some senior engineers to reject AI-written code if it doesn’t align with their preferences.
Brendan Humphreys, CTO of Canva, acknowledges concerns about candidates using AI to mask their coding abilities during interviews. However, he believes the focus should shift toward demonstrating proficiency in using AI tools to enhance productivity. Canva has adjusted its assessment criteria to make the process more challenging and ambiguous, ensuring candidates can work with AI intelligently.
Autodesk’s CTO, Raji Arasu, highlights a growing enthusiasm for AI across industries, citing a recent report showing a 56% increase in AI-related job listings in the first four months of 2025. This trend has led Autodesk to encourage a more collaborative and adaptable environment, where developers are encouraged to disrupt traditional workflows.
Nikhil Krishnan, Senior Vice President and CTO of C3 AI, emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and reasoning skills in hiring. While in-person interviews reduce the risk of cheating with AI tools, Krishnan prioritizes candidates who demonstrate curiosity, a passion for learning, and strong teamwork abilities. He notes that the hiring process has become more selective, making it harder for junior developers to secure their first opportunities.
As AI continues to reshape the tech industry, companies are adapting their hiring practices to reflect the changing demands of the workforce. The integration of AI tools into daily operations is no longer a question of if, but how effectively organizations can leverage these technologies to drive innovation and growth.
