At Sangam 2025, the annual conference hosted by the IIT Madras Alumni Association, experts emphasized how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of software jobs and redefining what it means to be a software engineer. OpenAI’s Vice President of Engineering, Srinivas Narayanan, underscored that software professionals must evolve beyond just coding and become strategic thinkers—much like CEOs. According to him, engineers today must focus more on defining problems and asking the right questions, while AI increasingly takes care of the “how” behind solutions.
AI-First Mindset: Redefining Product Design and Skills in the Age of Natural Language Tools
Aparna Chennapragada, Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, echoed this vision by urging companies to adopt an AI-first approach instead of treating AI as a simple add-on. She noted a paradigm shift where natural language-based tools are replacing traditional user interfaces in apps and platforms. The conversation, moderated by Shyamala Rajaram, CEO of Unimity and IITMAA President, delved into how AI is reshaping not just jobs, but also education, safety, and product design.
Chennapragada also highlighted the growing importance of flexible skill sets and deep domain knowledge. She humorously remarked that “prompt sets are the new PRDs” (product requirement documents), describing how modern product teams are now experimenting with prompt engineering instead of relying on detailed traditional documentation.
Balancing AI’s Promise and Perils: Accessibility, Ethics, and the Future of Innovation
Narayanan shared real-world examples of AI’s impact in fields like healthcare and research, noting how OpenAI’s models have aided labs associated with UC Berkeley in identifying rare genetic conditions. However, he also acknowledged the risks of AI—such as misinformation and unsafe outputs—and revealed that OpenAI recently pulled back a model that was becoming overly sycophantic, showcasing their cautious, phased approach to deployment.
Both leaders stressed the need for democratizing AI, with Narayanan noting that the cost of using AI models has dropped 100-fold in just two years. Chennapragada emphasized that computer science and AI must be integrated into educational curricula. She concluded with a thought-provoking message: in an era where intelligence is no longer a barrier, ambition and agency will define who leads the future.
Summary:
At Sangam 2025, experts highlighted AI’s role in reshaping software careers, urging engineers to think strategically. Microsoft’s Aparna Chennapragada promoted an AI-first approach, while OpenAI’s Srinivas Narayanan stressed AI’s research potential and risks. Both emphasized democratizing AI, integrating it into education, and valuing ambition and agency over pure intelligence.
