In The Age of AI
Software Engineer In The Age of AI

My career has been a circuitous journey, one that defies previous society’s standards of a clear trajectory. I have been concerned that ageism and my non-linear career path would be a hindrance to finding another job. In my research to answer my curiosity I have come across the term ‘multi-spired engineer’. A Multi-spired Engineer is an engineer with expertise in multiple technical fields, beyond a single discipline.

In looking for a job I have presented, in a resume form, my ‘t-shaped engineer’ side of my career. In doing so I had several breaks in the timeline which looked, to Recruiter, that I was not working (or doing anything constructive). 

A ‘t-shaped engineer’ is an engineer with deep knowledge in one (in my case front-end/programming) area, with broad knowledge in other areas.

Before my research I was focused on this ‘t-shape engineer’ way, and with programming being my one area – I was considered the AI would be taking over that one area. That, along with having to worry about ageism, has made my job search more stressful than usual. Yet, I can see now that I am actually the ‘multi-spired’ engineer, the engineer that will do the best within this current Age of AI.

Those breaks in my chronological resume were filled with interesting journeys, discoveries and yes some regrouping. I took a little time to venture into the Film Industry.

I learned about Adobe Creative suite and was a background artist on two TV shows – to learn about the filming process. I also did some temp work at Warner Bros’ scripting office out in Los Angeles.

I took some time to write a novel and was able to write two. Even though I have not published them (yet) I brushed up on and improved my creative and writing skills. 

During those breaks I learned that doing temp work is a great way to learn about different fields. I had the privilege of working in a sales office, at NIH (National Institute of Health), at SEC (Security & Exchange Commission). I worked just under a year in a Human Resources office and was offered a full-time position. I worked at a small IT startup and learned about packaging and shipping. 

With AI handling routine coding, the developer’s role shifts towards creative problem-solving, architectural design, and deep human-centric skills that AI cannot replicate. 

Steve Jobs was an example that was given. “Steve Jobs created the world’s most vulnerable company by bridging the world’s most advanced technology with excellent design & incredible marketing.

At the root, if Jobs had not taken a typography class in college, and combined it with tech and business, Apple might have never existed.”