Product Driven Why We Still Need Software Engineers in the Age of AI with Brian Jenney
Aug 14, 2025
Brian Jenney, a seasoned software engineer and founder of the coding bootcamp Parsity, shares insights on the evolving role of engineers amid AI advancements. He differentiates between 'code that runs' and 'code that lasts,' emphasizing craftsmanship. Discussing the risks of over-relying on AI, he warns against blindly shipping generated code. Brian champions the importance of foundational skills in coding and highlights how diverse backgrounds contribute to the tech field, preparing career-switchers to tackle real-world challenges.
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Founder Journey From Late Learner To Bootcamp Owner
- Brian shared he learned to code at 30 and later took over Parsity after partnering with its owner.
- He turned the bootcamp into a smaller, niche program emphasizing outcomes and personal growth.
Hire For Discipline And Learnability
- Evaluate candidates for discipline and ability to learn, not just prior careers or degrees.
- Teach students how to schedule study and 'learn to learn' because those skills predict success.
Degrees Matter Less Than Skill
- Employers rarely ask for degrees; they test whether a candidate can do the work.
- Self-taught developers often outperform formally educated peers because they demonstrate continuous learning.