Microsoft and CMU Team Up to Train Early Career Software Engineers

Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft launched the Preceptorship for AI-accelerated Software Engineering (PRAISE) to equip early-career Microsoft software engineers with practical skills for AI-augmented development. The program pairs selected new hires with senior engineering preceptors at Microsoft for hands-on mentorship while allowing participants to take online courses through CMU’s Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science. Participants apply coursework directly to their day-to-day projects, receive structured guidance on when and how to use AI tools, and can enroll in classes that count toward a master’s in software engineering. CMU frames the effort as extending high-quality academic instruction to nontraditional learners and accelerating workforce readiness.

The initiative grew from industry concern that junior engineers were not yet benefiting fully from AI tools, prompting CMU and Microsoft to combine academic curriculum with practitioner experience. Current offerings include Machine Learning in Production and an initial Preceptorship in AI-Augmented Software Engineering, with spring courses adding DevOps and the second preceptorship sequence. Program leadership intends to expand enrollment, use the certificate as a model for other industry partnerships, and rapidly elevate junior developers’ judgment and accountability when building AI-accelerated software.