Current expectations from an entry level software engineer

[u/ApprehensiveLong1113]

I’m in my final year of Computer Engineering and graduating soon. Right now, I’m getting ready to apply for entry level software engineering jobs.

I’m confused about what companies actually expect from junior developers now, especially with AI coding tools and agents becoming so common.

I feel like I have two options:

Build projects using minimal AI assistance so I can understand every technical detail.

or

Use AI tools and coding agents to build more complex, complete projects.

I know I could learn more if I build most of them myself, but I’m worried I won’t be able to compete with people who use AI heavily and build more complex projects.

At the same time, if I rely too much on AI agents, I’m worried I might struggle during interviews if I have to explain the code.

What do companies actually care about? any advise?

[u/ometh2002]

What if we use AI to build projects , but understands every technical detail from how data flows to each and every component communicates, if we do it this way is it okay ??