The role of IT has fundamentally changed
IT used to be simple. You had a dedicated team managing hardware, networks, and software. They operated separately from business decisions, supporting operations, not driving them. That model is outdated.
Today, IT is central to business strategy. IT leaders now work directly with executives, shaping digital transformation, optimizing customer experiences, and driving revenue growth. Security has become a core responsibility, with cyber threats targeting companies at every level. AI and automation are redefining workflows, and no-code/low-code platforms are shifting technical capabilities into the hands of non-technical employees.
David Foote, Chief Analyst at Foote Partners, calls this the rise of “business technologists.” These are professionals without formal IT training who use AI and digital tools to make strategic decisions. They are the ones shaping product development, market strategies, and cost structures.
Ignoring IT’s evolution is no longer an option. Companies that fail to integrate technology into decision-making will lag behind. Those that embrace it will lead.
AI is reshaping software development, fast
Software development isn’t what it used to be. AI is accelerating the pace of coding, testing, and debugging. Tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s Codex help developers write code up to 60% faster. But raw speed can’t be the only focus, as accuracy, security, and strategic thinking matter just as much.
Developers now need to master AI oversight. They must be responsible for managing AI-generated suggestions, selecting the best outputs, and making sure that software meets security and compliance standards. AI is powerful, but it has limitations, namely bias, hallucinations, and security risks. Skilled developers know how to navigate these challenges.
The real shift is in responsibilities. Developers will most likely take on more product management roles over the next six years. They’ll focus less on writing code and more on defining business needs, training AI tools, and overseeing software quality. The companies that invest in reskilling their developers now will see the biggest benefits.
AI and automation are restructuring IT jobs
Let’s be clear: automation is replacing jobs. AI can analyze data, troubleshoot systems, and even handle basic coding. This is already reshaping entire sectors, including IT consulting. Many firms are cutting human analysts and turning to AI-driven insights instead.
That means the skills required are shifting. IT professionals must move beyond routine tasks and focus on AI integration, security, and system architecture. The demand for AI-literate professionals is rising, while traditional roles, especially entry-level IT jobs, are disappearing.
Foote Partners reports a decline in IT consulting roles as firms rely on AI for analysis. But the demand for AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, and cloud engineers is only growing. Companies that don’t prepare for this shift will struggle to stay competitive.
The skills gap is slowing business growth
“The biggest challenge right now is the lack of people who know how to use AI effectively.”
AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are advancing faster than companies can train their employees. This has created a global skills gap, and it’s a major threat to business transformation.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights the problem:
- 63% of employers say the skills gap is their biggest barrier to transformation.
- 85% plan to upskill their workforce, but many lack structured programs.
- 50% expect to transition employees into tech-driven roles.
Without rapid upskilling, companies will fall behind. Businesses must take action, whether through in-house AI training, partnerships with technology firms, or investments in continuous learning programs. The companies that solve the skills gap will dominate their industries.
AI training is now a necessity for IT professionals
Job security in IT revolves around adaptability. The demand for AI-related skills has surged 2,000% in 2024, but training programs haven’t kept pace. This is a problem for businesses and individuals alike.
Companies must partner with AI firms to secure talent and training resources. The companies that do this will build a workforce capable of leading. The ones that don’t? They’ll lose their top talent to AI-forward competitors.
IT professionals must act, too. The ability to write AI prompts, evaluate AI-generated outputs, and integrate AI into daily tasks is becoming as important as traditional programming skills. Those who don’t acquire these skills risk obsolescence.
“The future of IT belongs to those who move fast, learn faster, and understand that AI is redefining what’s possible.”
Entry-level IT jobs are disappearing
AI is automating the tasks that once formed the foundation of entry-level IT jobs. Routine coding, debugging, and basic technical support are now being handled by AI tools. This is eliminating many traditional starting points for IT careers.
Companies hiring for IT roles today are looking for higher-level expertise in areas like software architecture, AI oversight, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering. Entry-level developers who once focused on writing simple scripts are now expected to understand how AI-generated code integrates into a broader system.
Pure coding skills are becoming less relevant. Instead, developers need to focus on designing better applications, improving architectures, and making sure AI-driven software meets quality standards. Businesses that fail to recognize this shift will struggle to find IT talent that meets their needs.
AI agents are changing software development
AI agents are making software development more accessible. Low-code and no-code tools help business users to define and manage their own workflows without traditional coding expertise. This is accelerating development cycles and allowing more teams to adapt processes quickly.
AI-powered automation can now handle repetitive coding tasks, process optimization, and workflow adjustments. It increases efficiency thereby freeing up software engineers to focus on higher-value work, such as system architecture, security, and performance optimization.
A recent Salesforce & YouGov survey of 250 U.S. developers found that 91% believe AI agents will improve their roles. Executives should see this as an opportunity to increase productivity and reduce bottlenecks in development, but only if they equip their teams with the right AI tools and training.
The rush to AI training is unprecedented
The demand for AI-related training has never been higher. IT professionals and business leaders alike are enrolling in AI courses at record rates. AWS reports that its AI certification programs have seen record-breaking participation, with some courses attracting 20 times the usual number of applicants.
The rapid integration of AI into business operations means that employees who don’t upskill risk becoming obsolete. While some workers remain skeptical, the majority are recognizing that AI is now central to their careers.
Jenni Troutman, Director of Product and Services for AWS Training, notes that AI adoption is moving faster than most workers expected. Companies that prioritize training will have a competitive edge. Those that don’t will see talent drain to AI-forward organizations.
IT professionals must develop management and communication skills
Technical expertise is no longer enough. IT professionals now need strong management, communication, and collaboration skills to succeed. AI is automating many technical tasks, but human oversight is still required to make sure AI tools are used effectively.
IT teams must be able to:
- Work closely with business leaders to align AI strategies with company goals.
- Communicate AI-driven insights in clear, actionable ways.
- Collaborate across departments to integrate AI into operations without disrupting workflows.
Every developer must become a manager, not necessarily in title, but in practice. They will be responsible for overseeing AI-assisted work and guiding teams on AI best practices. The ability to lead and manage AI-driven projects will become as invaluable as technical proficiency.
AI-driven workforce restructuring is happening now
Companies are already restructuring their IT teams in response to AI. Some are cutting traditional IT roles, while others are expanding hiring in AI-related areas such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and automation engineering.
This is a historic reshaping of the technology workforce. Economic caution and AI acceleration are driving distinct hiring trajectories, demand for AI-skilled professionals is increasing, while demand for routine IT roles is declining.
Executives need to recognize this shift and act. Businesses that adapt quickly will lead. Those that hesitate will struggle to compete.
Final thoughts
The role of IT has fundamentally changed. AI, automation, and changing business needs have redefined what it means to be an IT professional. Traditional job descriptions no longer apply, and the skills required to succeed are shifting rapidly. Companies that fail to recognize these changes will struggle to attract talent, retain a competitive edge, and drive innovation.
Executives must act now. Prioritizing AI adoption, structured upskilling programs, and workforce realignment have become competitive necessities. The organizations that embrace this shift will lead the next wave of digital transformation, while those that resist will fall behind.
