Careers in IT: Navigating the Skills Upgrade for Software Development
Careers in IT: The Imminent Skills Upgrade
Generative AI is anticipated to transform careers in IT, placing new demands on software development. According to a recent report by Gartner, 80% of developers will need to upgrade their IT skills by 2027 to remain relevant. A survey conducted across 300 organizations in the US and UK revealed that 56% of employers consider AI and machine learning skills as the most demanded roles for 2024.
The Impact of Generative AI on Developers
This shift signifies a significant gap in IT training, as organizations struggle to apply AI/ML effectively in applications. Junior developers face increased risk of being phased out as AI tools evolve, even if initial coding copilots show mixed productivity results. Gartner predicts three primary effects of AI on software developers:
- Short-term: AI tools will complement existing work patterns, primarily aiding senior developers.
- Medium-term: Automation will streamline development tasks, leading to a rise in AI-native software engineering.
- Long-term: The efficiency gained through AI will necessitate a greater number of skilled developers.
Philip Walsh, Gartner's senior principal analyst, emphasizes that while AI will indeed transform the future of software engineering, human creativity and expertise remain irreplaceable in delivering complex and innovative software solutions.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.