Flatiron Software Engineering Instructor Thompson Plyler compares the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) to the “…release of MOSAIC and Netscape in 1994. Or the mobile revolution that followed the release of the iPhone in 2007.”
Put simply, it’s the next big thing you should not miss, especially if you aspire to be a software engineer. In Plyler’s words, “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of learning to use AI tools as part of a developer’s toolkit. If a developer claims otherwise, they haven’t done enough research.”
Are you ready to hop on board and become the next AI-savvy software engineer? Read on as we tackle what it takes to be an AI-informed software engineer and how Flatiron School can get you started.
Why Should You Learn AI as a Software Engineer?
Artificial intelligence has taken over many aspects of our lives—from app filters we love to security tools corporations rely on—and tech roles like software engineering are evolving right along with it.
Here’s how AI can boost your career in software engineering.
1. Boost Your Productivity with AI
If you’re an aspiring software engineer, don’t worry, AI is not taking over your job. Just the opposite: it can actually make you better at it.
AI has the power to automate mundane and repetitive tasks. Think about the intuitive auto-complete feature on search engines. Well, AI can do the same for coding, allowing you to save time, minimize errors, and focus on higher-level tasks. It can even analyze vast amounts of data, spot trends, and extract critical insights for you to help you make informed decisions.
In other words, AI makes you tenfold more efficient, so you can deliver optimal results in a fraction of the time it would otherwise take. And that’s enough to make you an invaluable asset to any organization!
“There’s going to come a threshold for software developers (and almost every other job) where the only options are to get on board or be left behind,” says Plyler. “Whether that’s a 2023 or 2025 question is hard to say. The specifics are less relevant than the short answer to the question: learning to use these AI tools well is going to be as essential to software engineers as knowing how to declare a variable.”
With Flatiron School’s Software Engineering bootcamp, you can master the skills needed to build technologies that shape the world and gain the confidence to pursue a fulfilling career in software engineering.
Get started here.2. Be Part of the New Reality
The potential of AI is truly awe-inspiring. Already, AI is going beyond the boundaries of the tech industry. In the past few years, we’ve witnessed AI-generated art, articles, and copy. It’s even being used for early disease detection, a crucial advancement in the healthcare sector.
As AI continues to improve and intertwine with every aspect of our lives, businesses are strategically investing in these tools to stay ahead in the market. But let’s not forget that behind every AI breakthrough are skilled developers who bring it to life.
Software engineers are, therefore, crucial in harnessing the power of AI. They’re the architects, constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By staying at the forefront of AI development, you, too, can shape the future.
Want to know how to get started? Flatiron Schools unveils the enhanced curriculum for its Software Engineering bootcamp.
Learn AI at Flatiron School’s Software Engineering Bootcamp
Flatiron School prides itself on having one of the most well-designed tech courses in the market with solid results. And with the enhancements in its Software Engineering bootcamp, Flatiron School is opening up even more opportunities for aspiring developers like you!
Here’s what you can expect from the bootcamp.
Learn the Basics
All incoming students must complete Flatiron School’s Software Engineering Prep. Think of this as a test of whether you have the commitment and aptitude to complete the program. It’s also an excellent time to assess your interest in software development.
During the Software Engineering Prep, you’ll dive into the following topics:
- Environment Setup & The Command Line Interface
- HTML & CSS
- GIT
A Solid Primer for AI Integration
Once the Software Engineering bootcamp begins, you’ll tackle even more advanced concepts in front-end and back-end development, plus how to integrate AI to boost your productivity. It’s like building your stamina before you jump into the real world.
Plyler explains, “The primary focus of the Flatiron School curriculum is still to teach software engineering. [In the process,] our AI content will accelerate the student’s learning process and development productivity. Our team has surveys such as the StackOverflow 2023 Report and in-depth discussions with engineers actually using AI in production to understand how they use AI in their role, as well as its limitations.”
“For some fraction of our student body, it’s important to think about consistent prompt engineering. For our web development students, we have exposed them to the various APIs (such as OpenAI’s) that will enable them to make their bespoke chatbots and applications like ChatGPT with the same underlying model (GPT-4).”
Working on projects that mimic realistic problems, you can utilize AI technology to simplify and accomplish tasks, like in AI-assisted debugging for efficiency. You will also learn AI-assisted Auto Code Completion and Automated Testing, fast-tracking procedures, and lessening the likelihood of errors. Other AI integrations in the curriculum include AI model integration and Project Assistance with AI.
Accessible Program for Everyone
The shift to online education has rippled across the globe to make learning more accessible. But with this transition comes the risk of experiencing isolation, learning fatigue, or burnout. Flatiron School addresses this problem head-on by putting students at the center of their teaching methodology.
The Software Engineering Live bootcamp features live lectures and up to 180 days of one-on-one career coaching after graduation. You will gain access to:
- Study groups
- One-on-one consultation with your instructor
- Instructor-learning platform Canvas
- Personalized 180 days of career coaching
Finally, flexibility is key! That’s why Flatiron School offers two options for enrollment: (1) a 15-week full-time bootcamp and (2) a part-time bootcamp, paced at 40 weeks — whichever best fits your schedule!
Level Up Your Developer Career with Flatiron School
As Plyler explains, “Flatiron [School]’s reputation didn’t come from the ether. It was earned [by having a group of] developers who masterfully spearheaded all our curriculum initiatives. And our latest AI enhancements are no different in that regard. With our agile team and a real passion for technology that changes lives, we will continue to be the best in class.”
Have more questions? Speak with Flatiron School’s Admissions team, or attend the next info session to learn more!
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
