According to research conducted by Goldman Sachs, generative artificial intelligence could boost global GDP by 7% over the next decade. However, the same study warns that AI could automate up to 300 million jobs worldwide, representing about 9% of all positions. The IT sector appears to be among the most exposed to these changes, as underscored by Meta’s recent announcement to replace mid-level programmers with AI by 2025. Experts, however, assure there is no need for excessive concern.
While optimistic forecasts about economic growth abound, employee concerns persist. A study by Grant Thornton reveals that 28% of workers fear AI will diminish the importance of their roles or entirely replace them—particularly in IT-related positions. OpenAI’s GPT-4 model already demonstrates impressive results in programming tasks, with its o3 model achieving “Grandmaster” status on CodeForces with a score exceeding 2700—a level previously attained only by elite programmers.
“Despite the significant effort invested in developing current AI models, they still leave much to be desired. Yes, AI can partially replace junior roles today, but if we eliminate juniors, there won’t be any mids or seniors in the future. Without them, the industry’s progress would stagnate,” explains Marcin Kucharski, Senior Project Manager at NFQ, a technological partner for many global brands.
Transformation, Not Elimination
A key point is that algorithms, regardless of their computational power, can only perform tasks for which they are programmed. As technology advances, simpler IT tasks may be automated, but this will also create new, more challenging, and creative roles.
“Instead of worrying about losing less engaging tasks, we should look to the future where people will increasingly act as orchestrators of processes rather than manual task executors. Prompt engineering is just the first example of this trend, requiring individuals to precisely articulate their ideas,” adds an NFQ representative.
Growing Importance of Soft Skills
While AI excels in data analysis and generating insights, it still lacks the ability to understand human behavior, emotions, and broader contextual nuances. According to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2023, soft skills such as critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and complex problem-solving will be the most sought-after competencies in the coming years. These areas will remain the domain of humans for a long time, perhaps indefinitely.
Soft skills also encompass the ability to understand a client’s business needs holistically and guide them through complex technological solutions. In the AI era, engineers must not only code but also identify and implement solutions tailored to specific situations and enterprise characteristics.
Ironically, AI may also become an ally in addressing one of the IT sector’s biggest challenges—burnout. Research by the Upwork Research Institute indicates that 65% of IT workers face performance-related pressure. Automating routine tasks through AI could help reduce this burden, allowing specialists to focus on more creative and fulfilling aspects of their jobs.
“Experienced professionals in the industry have an important role as mentors for newcomers, and AI can support this process. In my mentoring role at NFQ, I combine traditional coaching methods with AI tools, such as behavior pattern analysis and personalized development pathways. My goal is to help colleagues broaden their horizons, find a work-life balance, and maintain their passion for work. This is even more crucial than technical skills and will gain importance in the near future,” predicts Marcin Kucharski.
The Future of IT
The transformation of the IT job market seems inevitable, but it does not spell massive job losses. According to IDC forecasts, over 97 million new jobs related to AI and automation will be created by 2025. Rather than eliminating roles, we will witness the evolution of professional responsibilities, where creativity, complex problem-solving, and interpersonal skills will take center stage.
“The challenge for IT professionals won’t be to defend against AI but to adapt to this new reality by continuously upgrading their qualifications and developing soft skills that machines cannot replicate,” concludes the NFQ expert.
Source: Manager Plus