Microsoft and CMU launch program to train junior engineers in AI-accelerated software development
Microsoft and CMU Team Up to Train Early Career Software Engineers
Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft have created PRAISE, a certificate program that lets early-career Microsoft engineers take online CMU computer science courses while receiving hands-on mentorship from senior colleagues. The idea came from a 2025 visit by Microsoft CTO Mark Russinovich, who noted that AI tools help senior engineers far more than juniors. Students take classes like Machine Learning in Production and AI-Augmented Software Engineering, with credits applicable toward a master's degree.
AI changes the work, but it doesn't eliminate the need for junior engineers or for human judgment and accountability.
- optimiz3
52 open software engineering positions in a company of over 100k. Most will likely to be filled by internal folks getting downsized. Who are they kidding?
https://apply.careers.microsoft.com/careers?start=0&pid=1970...
- layer8
> "With so many companies worldwide faced with upheaval due to AI in software development, I believe this program will become a template for rapidly leveling up new developers across the industry."
This seems cognitively dissonant with the AI upheaval resulting in the industry needing fewer developers. Maybe they want cheaper developers?
- bradfa
Curious how realistic the skills learned in such a program are still applicable in 1-2 years. This industry is moving very fast, it feels like the self motivated, self starter, self learner has been thriving. Probably a good thing to have such a program, but I have doubts.
- geraldwhen
Microsoft? Maybe they’re hopeful the next admin will make OPT cheap labor again.
- amelius
At this point AI is learning faster than I've ever seen a human learn ...