In the age of Al, what it really means to be a software professional

As AI reshapes coding, Great Learning reveals why soft skills, real-world problem-solving, and strategic thinking now define the future of tech careers.

- By Shrikanth G

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, AI is rewriting the rules of the game. Given the new ways of learning and working, what it means to be a software professional? The shift is far deeper than swapping one tool for another. As automation takes over routine coding, the real currency is no longer just syntax mastery but the ability to solve problems, architect solutions, and lead execution. In this wide-ranging conversation with Dataquest, Dr. Pavankumar Gurazada, Associate

Director, AI/Data Science at Great Learning, unpacks how soft skills are becoming a force multiplier in an AI-first world, why relevance in tech education comes from real-world grounding rather than hype, and how learning models must adapt to the time and financial constraints of professionals outside big-city tech hubs.

From the changing nature of the developer's role to the disciplined process Great Learning uses to integrate emerging tools like AI agents and low-code platforms, Dr. Gurazada offers an unvarnished, practical perspective on building future-ready talent. This isn't about chasing buzzwords—it's about blending technical rigor with the human skills that AI can't automate. Excerpts.

The push for soft skills is being hailed as the new secret sauce for tech careers. But let's be honest, can communication or critical thinking really offset shrinking demand for core coding roles in an AI-first world? What's the deeper value proposition here for coders?

The growing emphasis on soft skills isn't about replacing technical expertise; it's about redefining what makes a technology professional effective and future-ready. As AI begins to automate routine coding tasks, the demand is shifting toward professionals who can go beyond execution—those who can understand context, solve complex problems, and contribute to cross-functional teams.