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2 hours ago
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ARTICLE AD BOX
In the fast-moving world of software development, artificial intelligence is no longer optional, it is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation. Google, one of the world’s leading tech giants, has taken an unprecedented step, mandating its software engineers to rely exclusively on the company’s internal AI models for coding tasks.
The message is clear: adapt or risk being left behind.
AI proficiency: A performance metric in disguise
In June, Engineering Vice President Megan Kacholia sent an internal email outlining strict guidelines for software engineers. Employees must now use AI tools to improve coding productivity and seek approval before employing any third-party AI tools for non-coding tasks, according to Business Insider. These guidelines are not just procedural; they signal a strategic shift. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, reinforced this directive during a July all-hands meeting, emphasizing that embracing AI is essential for the company to maintain its competitive edge.“It seems like a no-brainer that you need to be using it to get ahead,” one Google engineer told Business Insider. Another noted that developing AI-powered workflows that benefit other team members is actively rewarded. While a Google spokesperson has stated that AI usage is not formally evaluated in performance reviews, insiders suggest that AI proficiency is increasingly influencing career progression, Business Insider reports.
The new coding frontier: AI as a tool, not an assistant
Google’s internal platform, Cider, leverages coding agents powered by internal models, including “Gemini for Google” (formerly Goose), specifically trained on proprietary technical data, according to Business Insider. The company reports that over 30% of code written at Google is now AI-generated, up from 25% just a year ago, a tangible indicator of AI’s integration into day-to-day engineering work.Beyond engineering, divisions such as sales and legal are also being encouraged to use AI tools like NotebookLM, and some employees are receiving training to create customized Gemini-powered solutions for their specific roles. A $2.4 billion investment to acquire talent from AI coding startup Windsurf, including CEO Varun Mohan, underscores Google’s commitment to “agentic coding,” where AI actively contributes to software development workflows, Business Insider notes.
5 ways software engineers can stay ahead
- Master internal AI tools: Familiarity with your company’s AI platforms, coding assistants, or proprietary models is no longer optional. Engineers who integrate these tools into daily workflows position themselves as indispensable.
- Build AI-powered workflows for your team: Contributing solutions that improve overall productivity is rewarded. Think beyond individual coding tasks; focus on creating tools that help peers.
- Document AI usage: Managers increasingly expect engineers to demonstrate their AI adoption. Keeping a record of AI-powered projects can showcase initiative and skill.
- Upskill continuously: AI capabilities evolve rapidly. Stay updated with internal training, participate in workshops, and explore new model applications relevant to your domain.
- Embrace audacity and experimentation: Google’s aggressive AI push reflects a broader industry trend. Engineers who proactively experiment with AI, iterate on projects, and explore unconventional approaches will stay ahead of the curve.
The broader lesson for tech professionals
Google’s mandate is a microcosm of a global shift: AI is becoming integral to how work gets done. Software engineers who resist adoption risk not just lagging behind in productivity, but potentially in career advancement. As one engineer humorously noted on internal forums, memes questioning mandatory AI use are circulating, Business Insider reports. But the underlying reality is serious: AI proficiency is fast becoming a core competency.For professionals willing to adapt, the opportunity is immense. Those who harness AI not just as a coding assistant, but as a productivity partner, will define the future of software development, and their own career trajectories along with it.
English (US) ·