The role of programmers is undergoing a rapid transformation in the era of Artificial Intelligence. According to Jarosław Dąbrowski, Country Manager at JetBrains Poland, relying solely on technical skills is no longer sufficient for success in the IT industry.
The Impact of AI Tools
A recent JetBrains report indicates that 62% of programmers already utilize AI-based coding assistants. The efficiency gains are substantial: nearly 90% of users report saving at least one hour per week, while one in five gains an entire extra day of work. However, this shift necessitates a new focus on critical reasoning. Programmers must now be proficient in evaluating the quality of AI-generated content, defining precise criteria, and detecting errors or false assumptions.
The Importance of Soft Skills
As AI automates routine tasks, the value of emotional intelligence and communication rises. The programmer’s role is evolving into one that requires effective cross-departmental collaboration, the ability to translate complex topics, and decision-making capabilities. While AI can generate code, it cannot replicate human empathy, curiosity, responsibility, or the ability to connect facts. These human-centric traits are becoming the key differentiators for top specialists.
The Evolution of the Hybrid Model
The hybrid work model remains a vital component of the industry. When well-designed, it balances deep, focused individual work (remote) with essential human contact (office). Physical offices are transitioning into hubs for intensive collaboration, mentoring, onboarding, and community building. Dąbrowski also highlights the importance of designing workspaces that respect neurodiversity, acknowledging that sensory processing needs vary among employees. Ultimately, the priority is not just the location of work, but providing the right conditions—tools, focus space, and support—to maximize potential.
Mentoring question
As AI increasingly handles routine coding tasks, what specific steps are you taking to enhance your critical reasoning and emotional intelligence to remain indispensable to your team?