Janne Kauppila “AI Will Not Take Away Your Job – But It Will Change It”
AI can cause frustration, fear and pressure, especially among younger software developers. Janne Kauppila, a long-term project manager at Huld, points out that although AI raises uncertainty, it is first and foremost a tool – not a threat to competence.
“It is completely understandable that people are tired of the AI hype – it comes from everywhere, and many people feel uncertain about their own skills,” Kauppila says.
However, fear is not the whole truth. AI can speed up coding, but it doesn’t understand contexts, feel empathy, or replace the unique interaction between human beings.
“AI is not a solution, but rather a tool – a bit like a new Word or Excel. It changes daily tasks, but it doesn’t remove them. In the end, people make the decisions and take the responsibility,” Kauppila continues.
Rapid Development Requires Cool Nerves
The transformation of working life is reminiscent of previous technological transitions. Kauppila points out that when test automation was introduced, manual testers feared for their jobs. The truth was that work moved to a new level – but it didn’t disappear. The same thing is happening to software developers at the moment.
According to Kauppila, many companies fall into the belief that “AI will replace everything” or that “you must take this tool now or you will be left behind”. Therefore, sales pitches and empty promises built around AI should be treated with caution.
“In reality, there is currently no one right AI tool that companies should choose. Tools change and develop so quickly that it’s not worth locking yourself into anything.”
The Experts of the Future Need a New Way of Thinking
According to Kauppila, productivity is at the core of AI. It allows us to do more, not less.
“Companies and governments want to increase production, not to stay still. This means that the market is growing, not withering. Artificial intelligence will enable things to be done on a larger scale and faster in the future.”
Kauppila’s message to both new and experienced software developers is simple and reassuring: start with small steps and be curious. The successful expert of the future will be able to find the means to use AI to support their own work.
In the end, it’s not just about new technology, it’s about a change in mindset.
“Don’t get stuck in one technology. The most important thing is systemic thinking – the ability to understand the big picture and lead the change. Artificial intelligence is evolving, but so can you.”