What Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer Today? | EP 01 | Beyond the Desk | Usman Bashir

What does it really take to build a career in software engineering today? In Episode 01 of Beyond the Desk, Usman Bashir (CTO, INOVAQO) sits down with one of the youngest members of the team to explore what it really means to build a career in software engineering today. As technology evolves and AI continues to reshape the industry, the path of a software engineer is changing too. This conversation looks at the realities of entering the field, building the right skills, learning beyond the classroom, and staying relevant in a world where the role of technology is constantly evolving. From portfolios and self-learning to AI, education, and the journey from software engineer to CTO, the discussion brings together perspectives from both experience and the new generation entering the industry. Topics discussed: • What New Joiners Need to Know • Understanding AI Slop • The Role of Government in Tech • Why Your Portfolio Matters • Education System vs. Self-Learning • Can Software Engineers Survive AI? • The Path from Software Engineer to CTO .............................................................................................................................. Chapters: 0:00 - 00:37 — Intro 0:38 - 1:40 — AI in Today’s Market 1:41 - 2:30 — 10 Years of AI: 2016 → 2026 2:31 - 8:08 — Jobs Are Changing. Are We Ready? 8:09 - 12:13 — Will AI Take Your Job? 12:14 - 15:43 — The Real Skills Gap 15:44 - 18:51 — Are You Using AI the Right Way? 18:52 - 20:23 — Where Is AI Headed Next? 20:24 - 22:09 — The AI Singularity Explained 22:10 - 23:29 — University vs. The Real World 23:30 - 27:15 — The Road to Becoming a CTO 27:16 - 29:37 — Final Takeaways Social media (Inovaqo) https://www.instagram.com/inovaqo?igs... https://www.tiktok.com/@inovaqo?_r=1&... https://www.linkedin.com/company/inov... Social media (Usman Bashir)   / usman-bashir   https://www.instagram.com/byusmanmirz... https://www.tiktok.com/@theusmanmirza... In conversation with (Abdullah Sufiyan) https://www.instagram.com/am_abdullah...