Microsoft says PRAISE will prepare junior engineers for the AI era

Microsoft says it launched PRAISE, short for “Preceptorship for AI-accelerated Software Engineering,” an internal program that pairs early-career engineers with senior preceptors. Inspired by nursing’s preceptorship model, the program aims to help participants use AI tools thoughtfully and develop systems thinking, judgment, confidence and accountability for outcomes—not simply produce code faster.

According to Microsoft, the partnership with Carnegie Mellon University combines practical engineering experience with academic instruction to prepare the next generation. The company says computer science degrees remain relevant because understanding code, architecture and systems is still necessary even when AI writes part of the software; engineers must decide what deserves to be built and verify that it works safely and effectively.