Am I Still a Software Engineer If I Don’t Write the Code?
A Talk by Annie Vella (Distinguished Engineer, Westpac New Zealand)
About this Talk
AI coding assistants are changing more than how we build software - they’re reshaping what it means to be a software engineer.
As AI tools move beyond autocomplete to vibe coding, it’s becoming harder to ignore the quiet shift - from creator to curator - already taking shape in some workflows. We’re seeing faster development, fewer barriers - and a profound shift in how we understand our role, our craft, and our professional identity.
In this talk, I’ll unpack an identity crisis that a growing number of software engineers are starting to quietly reflect on. Drawing on my writing, industry conversations, and findings from my Master’s research with professional software engineers, we’ll explore:
- What’s being gained, and what might be quietly slipping away
- The new skills shaping this era, from prompt design to calibrated trust
- A more flexible model for engineering identity - one that embraces resistance, adaptation, and balance, and sees the pendulum swing itself as part of the role
The future of software engineering is being reimagined. This is our moment to stay grounded in what matters - to bring our craft forward, not let it fade.
Equal Experts is a global network of experienced technology consultants specialising in agile software delivery, digital transformation & data-driven solutions. Known for its collaborative, high-expertise approach, they help organisations solve complex challenges and build lasting capabilities.