Question for industry software engineers

AI has dramatically changed the software engineering, and anyone can build software now using all the available tools. Despite this, how should we balance using AI with developing our own critical thinking, creativity, and CS fundamentals for employment?

That's a question for ChatGPT 😉

Well
You are wrong about "anyone can build".
Most of the time that will not compile well.
Making a simple calculator or a to do app is fine with Ai.
But add a bit complexity, the ai slop production increases expotentially.
Even if you were able to make one,
Maintainablility becomes impossible.

I think it's for the individual to choose when and when not to use AI, and that can help them stay up-to-date and using their noggin. Then beyond that I think they need to make a concise effort to stay up-to-date, whether their job gives them that opportunity or they do it outside of work at home.

AI isn't new to this issue, when we were hiring we had a lot of trouble because people lose the desire to learn, the longer they work. I couldn't tell you how many SDEs we interviewed that used 10 year old versions of php/c#/jquery/etc, and had no intentions of learning modern tech.