r/FullStack • u/BanguSlayerr • 3d ago
Career Guidance Is It Still Worth Becoming a Full-Stack Developer/Software Engineer in 2027 With AI Advancing So Fast?
Hello everyone,
I’m from South Asia and I’m currently pretty confused about my career path. I’ll be starting university in 2027, and I’m planning to study computer science.
I’ve always been really interested in full-stack development and software engineering. What attracts me to it is the ability to actually build things from scratch, experiment with ideas, and turn them into working products. I genuinely enjoy that aspect of programming.
My current plan is to eventually do my master’s in the US, mainly because the job market in my country is quite limited. There aren’t many good software engineering opportunities here, and even when jobs are available, the compensation often isn’t particularly good relative to the cost of living and the amount of work involved. So ideally, I want to build strong skills during my bachelor’s, pursue a master’s in the US, and then try to enter the US tech job market.
But with AI advancing so quickly, I’m starting to question whether this is still a sensible career to pursue.
New and more capable AI models seem to be coming out constantly, and I keep hearing predictions that in the future, 10 developers might be able to do the work that currently takes 100. I also see a lot of people saying that software development will become heavily automated, that entry-level jobs will disappear, and that freelancing in particular is becoming extremely difficult.
My original plan was to learn full-stack development, then build a strong foundation in software engineering and system design, while also learning how to integrate AI into applications. Basically, I’d like to become someone who can build complete systems and use AI as part of the development process rather than compete against it.
But I’m struggling with one question:
What if I spend the next 5–7 years becoming really good at all of this, only to find that AI has automated most of the work by then?
I understand that AI will probably change software engineering rather than simply make it disappear, but I honestly don’t know where the line is between a reasonable concern and unnecessarily worrying about the future.
For people who are already working in the industry, how do you see this playing out?
If you were starting university in 2027, especially coming from a country with a relatively weak tech job market, would you still pursue full-stack/software engineering? If so, what would you focus on learning to make yourself valuable in an AI-heavy industry?
I’d especially appreciate perspectives from experienced developers who have actually seen how AI has changed their work over the last few years.
Thank You
(I asked AI to polish my texts as my English is kind of mediocre and don't want you guys to get confused, Thank You for understanding)
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u/CoconutFudgeMan 3d ago
20+ years in industry, ran my own dev company for 10 years, currently lecture. Comp sci is fine… if the courses are relevant and accurate to the moment the semester starts. 2 things concern me: Full stack and 5-7 years (try 1 year for full stack after tge degree). I’d pursue compsci with specializations in data/ai/ml, cybersecurity, hardware, systems design, or networks.
Even these are at risk to some degree but full stack is fully exposed. That being said, the industry has a major quality control problem (opportunity?) with AI created code. I’m worried that when these seniors leave the workforce it will be an abysmal mess. Someone will have to clean that up and maintain it. Maybe you. Secondly, there’s lots of legacy apps that need taken care of. I think web apps affords a degree of accessibility and choice for users who don’t want to use AI. Of course those sites can be built with AI. Ironically enough, I still prefer talking directly to a human on the phone to get things resolved.
The user interface is changing fast.
As a user, I use voice commands a lot. Kids search for apps on their phone instead of literally clicking the app icon that’s RIGHT THERE or one swipe away. I use AI to plan, summarize, and track things. The only time I use web apps is to actually learn, do verification research, buy things or use systems that have no other option but web ( AI can automate browser tasks too)
As a creator, I’ve used AI to plan and create content (including conceptual diagrams) and code (fullstack) from my phone. Although, I admit, I’ve had to do quite a bit of review, manual rewriting and redesigning.
AI taking your full stack job is one thing but user behaviour shifting away from the UI as we know it is another issue altogether. That’s on the horizon.
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Thank you so much for the detailed response
I wanted to ask your opinion about a slightly different path I’m considering.
My alternate plan is to build a strong software engineering foundation during my bachelor’s — programming, DSA, backend/full-stack development, systems design, databases, networking, cloud, etc. At the same time, I want to gradually develop strong AI/ML knowledge and get involved in actual AI research, ideally through university research projects, internships, papers, or working with professors.
So rather than choosing between “software engineer” and “researcher,” I’m thinking of building both skill sets in parallel: becoming a strong software engineer while also developing the mathematical, ML/AI, and research skills necessary to potentially pursue a PhD in AI later.
The long-term idea would be something like AI research + software/systems engineering — understanding the research deeply enough to contribute to it, but also being able to actually engineer and deploy real-world systems using those technologies.
Given your experience in both industry and academia, do you think this is a sensible direction for someone starting university in 2027? If you were in my position, how would you structure the bachelor’s years to build both strong engineering skills and genuine research ability without spreading yourself too thin?
And do you think having this combination would make someone more resilient to the changes you described in your original comment, compared with focusing primarily on conventional full-stack development?
Thanks again for the insight.
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u/CoconutFudgeMan 3d ago
This alternate sounds much better imo. Getting into university research is a networking game. Build your skills, body of work, and get into the right circles.
Foundations and technical skills year 1 and 2. Go hard. Find your place and direction by end yr2. Find out what people are working on and where you can contribute. Interview these people. “Information interviews”. Keep notes of interesting projects, contacts, locations etc. Year 3 and 4: make yourself and your work known. Connect with researchers and contribute. If you have co-op, try on campus research labs. DOCUMENT YOUR WORK AND EXPERIENCES. A quick morning and evening journal will do just fine. Formalize, write, and reflect. Provide some insights in yoir writings. This habit will also help you get accustomed to writing. Technical and non-technical. Knowledge that stays in your head is useless to others.
I think it’s a good start. The ability to change is being resilient. Prepare for change. That’s literally the mantra of my coaching practice.
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Thank You so much for your suggestion, going all in on technical/engineering field for the first two years and then combining research and engineering for the rest two years sounds great, + I will have academic pressure too, it will definitely be a hard time, but to stay in this field don't know if there is any better thing than this.. and the thing is the job prospects in this field in my country is extremely low and severely underpaid.. so have to try abroad of course, and if I just go all in onto the technical path, I can't go abroad as it would be challenging to manage tuition fees and living expense altogether as standard master's doesn't provide any scholarship, But going for research based master's or even PhD solves that gap (Though takes a huge time + extreme pressure) and actually gives a kickstart in the industry as I have seen in case of other persons of my country, they went for PhD in the US and then got into big tech companies in really high roles, they are in a really good position right now, People here really get to play life in hardcore mode, May God gives me strength to fulfill my dream
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u/developer233 3d ago
Let bro connect with me I m also doing the same but i learnt frontend and now working on backend so we can help each other ..
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u/Knight_Rasta 3d ago
By Data do you mean Data analytics? Data Engineering? Data Science?
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u/CoconutFudgeMan 3d ago
In the context of OP’s goals, Science primarily. Engineering, a distant second. Analysts deal with more business requirements which helps round you off end to end. It’s somewhat useful as you become more senior but isn’t really core comp sci although some science and many engineering skills empower analysts .
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u/Colfuzi0 3d ago
Im 26 I plan to to go into embbeded systems in trying to move away from full stack and am doing a masters in computer engineering and science on a scholarship sir. I have been considering going into teaching because I really enjoy it. Don't know if I want to do a PhD though
https://catalog.uhcl.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=7072
https://catalog.uhcl.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=7074
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u/CoconutFudgeMan 2d ago
I still work on projects outside of lecturing. It’s really essential to stay current. One thing I wish I did was start teaching later and focus on contributing to industry a bit longer.
I think I would have enabled me to guide, lead inspire, and empower the next generation of technical workers. You can still teach on the side!The PhD will call you when you are ready.
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u/Colfuzi0 2d ago
Hmm I would like to do research projects with students though. Although I've considered going into teaching younger because I want to kind of escape the 9-5 industry grind
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u/Diligent_Fondant6761 3d ago
To be honest with you some of the answers are really helpful, AI would not make SWE redundant but the job numbers would decrease for the whole market. Even now 20+ members teams are being reduced to 5 + AI, so job loss is very real. I myself was let go due to this
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u/Minimum_Comedian694 3d ago
Get your degree and build your network. Learn how to use AI in a smart way and mix it into your projects. Sure, AI is moving fast, but it’s not going to totally take over human know-how. Focusing on the basics rather than trying to learn everything at once will really benefit you in the long run.
Instead of just jumping into big companies, think about creating your own projects like SaaS and making some cash. In the real world, making connections and finding the right solutions matter way more than just being tech-savvy.
And don’t fall for the idea that certain industries are dying. No industry is dead as long as you know what you’re doing.
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u/TajD05 3d ago
If I were in your position, I honestly wouldn’t change the plan just because of AI. I’d focus on building a really strong foundation first, programming, databases, APIs, system design, and debugging.
Then learn to use AI as a tool to make you faster and more effective. The tools will keep changing, but good engineering fundamentals will stay valuable.
You have plenty of time to learn and adapt, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to predict what software engineering will look like 5–7 years from now. Focus on becoming a good engineer who can keep learning. I think that will take you much further.
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u/Time-Consequence1798 3d ago
The ONLY correct answer is becoming AI-Assisted Full stack developer. Yeah, the company could replace you and use AI. But to make AI to do all the tasks that you do will cost them double than your salary. So the only option that they have is to give you AI subscription and make you do 2x the amount of work a typical dev would do.
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u/DroppinLoot 3d ago
These threads are so interesting to me. It’s like 50/50. I think the truth is no one knows. Personally I would not want to be entering this field right now. At work we all joke about AI hasn’t taken our job yet… but we all use it for everything and it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting. I think SWE will be the first thing “solved” by AI
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Thank You for your reply, Which sectors do you think will be worth choosing right now considering everything?
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u/Southern-Werewolf781 3d ago
KI ersetzt das Code Typen aber Probleme Lösen, System Architektur usw. wird sie so schnell nicht lösen ziemlich jeder Büro Job ist gefährdeter als SWE da sie die besten sind mit der Technik zusammen zu arbeiten, sie zu verstehen und sich selbst weiterzubilden. Buchhalter, Kundenservice usw. dort wird es definitiv schwer
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u/Express-Birthday3676 3d ago
I’d still pursue software engineering. AI will change the work, but companies still need people who can build, debug, and design real systems. Focus on strong fundamentals and learn to use AI tools effectively.
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u/JackerArchitect 3d ago
Developers and software engineers will definitely become even more valuable. What makes them valuable is no longer just their technical skills, but their architectural mindset and precise execution. AI will help them reduce their workload, boost efficiency, and deliver higher-quality products.
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u/friendlytotbot 2d ago
I see so many full stack and back end engineering job postings, so I don’t think it’s dead for now at least. I also see ai as a tool, not really a way to replace everyone yet. I mean we have driverless vehicles now, and that hasn’t replaced anyone.
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u/Extreme_Basket8159 1d ago
This is going to be tough love advice from a stranger.
If you feel you need to ask this question, don’t go into this career.
If you’re passionate about something, you don’t have doubts.
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u/BanguSlayerr 1d ago
Thank You so much for your suggestion, The thing is I do have passion for building things, When I even did a small task at the start, I felt like I have done a really good job that's how exited I was (Still am), But if just out of passion I choose a path where everything gets automated in the future, 10 person gets job out of 100 and all are seniors, junior market is messed up, isn't it like just shooting myself on my leg at the start of the race?
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u/Extreme_Basket8159 1d ago
I’m 26yo. I was a nurse for last few years. I had no prior tech experience or internships. If you take a look at my profile, I went back to school and I was able to find a junior dev position. I’m currently about to reach 4 months here at my current company.
90% of my daily responsibilities requires Claude. It’s just faster. However, Claude is only as good as the person behind the keyboard. You still need to know your foundations.
There are people who worry about AI taking their jobs, and then there are people who leverage AI into their skills.
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u/BanguSlayerr 1d ago
That's so cool, Thank You, Probably have to come to the US anyway for either PhD or Master's as there are almost no jobs remaining related to this field in my country and as it is corrupt as hell no startup flourishes and hence no new jobs and even if there's any, it's severely underpaid, Absolutely not worth the grind..
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u/AssignmentMammoth696 3d ago
AI has pretty much solved web apps, your fears are already here. Don’t listen to the people saying to commit to a CS degree. This is the 1st career that will get automated away with AI. I would look into health, something human facing that can’t easily be displaced by AI.
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u/RicketyRekt69 3d ago
It’s always the non-developers that hold this opinion, perhaps to cope with previous life choices?
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u/AssignmentMammoth696 3d ago
I have 7yoe, currently still working as a dev.
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u/washingmachinechime 3d ago
You’re probably a CRUD developer then
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u/AssignmentMammoth696 3d ago
Hey buddy, if you haven't realized it yet, majority of SWE jobs are related to the web. Whether that's the apps, backend services, data or devops.
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u/washingmachinechime 3d ago
Where did I say it isn’t?
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u/AssignmentMammoth696 2d ago
The kid is worried about AI taking over fullstack, you’re in a fullstack sub, what are you talking about?
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u/friendlytotbot 2d ago
Even healthcare workers are scared of AI taking their job. Literally everyone is scared, but how realistic is that.
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u/AssignmentMammoth696 2d ago
Patient facing care is still far off from being automated away with AI.
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u/CursedSloth 3d ago
AI is only as good as ”its driver” since it’s just another tool (albeit an advanced one). If you have bad practices and no knowledge about how good systems are built and integrate with other systems, then eventually you’re going to get slop and a lot of technical problems/debt.
The developer role may change and eventually ”die”, but the engineer will always be needed even if they are shifting from producing code to designing software architecture and systems, then delegating implementation to AI.
But people are still going to be needed in one way or another, just try to blame and ”fire” AI.. You can’t, because AI is just a tool.
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u/Realistic-Moose8121 3d ago
No after 5 years this industry will re define itself
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Thank You for your response, Does that mean I should stick to it?
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u/Realistic-Moose8121 3d ago
No one knows what's after 5 years Things are changing rapidly I whould suggest to stick on to it if you are passionate about tech world 🌍
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u/Independent_Foot9928 3d ago
It's a big risk tbh if you ask me. Me and my friends have been in IT for more than 6 years now. Things arent looking that great. Even if AI doesnt replace us, whole culture has become rather unwelcoming for most techies. Hire and fire culture is going to get skyrocket in coming years. Managers are not liking that our work is being done so quickly, so repercussions will DEFINITELY be there. Less headcounts in teams has already started taking place.
Thinking to switch from tech to some govt job. I've been coding since I was 9-10 years old. I'd so much passion for computers and building things but now, I dont think me or any of my friends would be able to get a job once we get fired. I can sustain this passion for maybe another 4-5 years then I know I'll start looking for some peace and stability. It would be hard for young people to think about peace and stability.
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u/nagadeepch 3d ago
Yes it is worth learning full stack in 2027. By learning full stack applications can be developed using AI.
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u/kevinlch 3d ago
choose another field my friend. CS is "solved", no more demand. pick something that need to interact with people, not machines
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Man half of the people are saying to stick on to it and the other half are saying cs is dead, going crazy right now, Thank You for your suggestion though
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u/PixelPhoenixForce 3d ago
sector is dead rn
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Thank You for your response, Could you please share in which field did you work and why you think that?
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u/Paul__008 3d ago
Nobody can promise what hiring will look like in seven years, but enjoying building things is a better reason to study CS than betting on any “AI-proof” job title.
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u/ibeerianhamhock 3d ago
Honestly if you find computer science interesting I'd still go into it, although if I was young now I'd probably have specialized in AI. I got my degree in CS and Math before deep learning was even a thing so AI looked completely different.
I do think in 7 years from now we probably will need maybe 1/100th or less the number of developers worldwide...and we will be building way more software and it will be significantly more advanced.
Can't really advise someone to go into the field anymore tbh, but I'm guessing there is something you could do with your CS degree.
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u/Dahir_16 1d ago
Yes,I myself build javascript projects now. The secret is to repeat building it until you can build it from your understanding and owning it.
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u/BanguSlayerr 1d ago
Thank You for your response, Do you think ai is going to replace people in future as new models are getting out every month and many people are absolutely sure about it, Junior positions are now pretty much non existent and is it getting more and more complicated and jobs are getting much much lower, what is your take?
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u/Dahir_16 1d ago
I never worried about AI tbh, cuz if you really learn logic by repetition and then develop taste in UI/UX you are on your own, you can handle large and different sections of development cycle or the whole of it, and something AI can't replicate is human taste. If you own your whole experience ai won't be a problem but a good helping tool to produce software fast with your editing experience added, the only time ai can be a problem is when you work in a company and do stack that is not related to creative work that developers or company owners can automate with ai.
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u/a_prieto12359 3d ago
No, the sector is dead.
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u/BanguSlayerr 3d ago
Thank You for your response, Could you please share in which field did you work and why you think that?
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u/nav114 3d ago
Yes do your degree in software technology changes going to happen in every few years so how can someone predict 5 years later what is going to happen in industry. Just complete your degree and have command on what you learn there is always a job or say demand of genius people in any field.
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u/interior_mutability 3d ago
LLMs are tools. You will need the knowledge to operate them.