In a job market often marked by uncertainty and concerns over artificial intelligence replacing roles, a Bengaluru-based software engineer has shared how he successfully used AI to switch careers and secure a more fulfilling position.

Rathesh Prabakar, 26, decided to leave his tech job after spending four years performing similar tasks and feeling increasingly dissatisfied with his routine. Having joined a billing company after graduating in 2021, he had worked his way up to the position of senior software engineer.

However, he felt it was time to explore new opportunities and understand how different industries solved user problems.

Taking a calculated career risk

After considering the decision for several months, Prabakar submitted his resignation in October 2025. Despite supporting his parents financially, he remained confident that stepping away from his existing role would help him focus on finding a better opportunity.

Initially expecting a 90-day notice period, he later learned that he had only 15 days before leaving. This prompted him to accelerate his job search and interview preparation.

For the first few days, he updated his résumé and LinkedIn profile, highlighting recent projects and technical skills. He then dedicated hours every day to applying for jobs and preparing for interviews.

How AI became his career coach

Prabakar said he used ChatGPT extensively during the process. He asked the AI tool to review his experience, analyse job descriptions and create customised interview preparation plans based on the time available to him.

The AI-generated interview questions often resembled those asked by recruiters, helping him prepare more effectively. When he encountered unfamiliar topics, he used the tool to understand concepts and improve his responses.

At the same time, he verified information independently and cross-checked doubtful answers before relying on them.

Networking played a key role

Beyond AI, Prabakar credited LinkedIn networking for helping him secure interviews. A professional contact who had followed his posts referred him for a software engineering position, ultimately leading to an offer.

Less than a month after beginning his search, he landed a role at a product-based company where he says he now works on projects he genuinely enjoys.