How does AI change the IT sector and what professional future does it create?

Artificial intelligence has entered Polish homes, e.g. using chatbots such as ChatGPT. AI has also found an excellent application in the diverse and dynamic IT sector. More and more people see its usefulness in their everyday life. Over 1/3 of IT managers declare that their organizations have already implemented or are in the process of implementing solutions using AI and machine learning, and 37% of managers plan to do so in the unspecified future or within the next 2 years. This is the result of the latest report of the Sectoral Council for IT and Antal Competences.

In the era of dynamic technological progress, companies from every industry see the benefits of using new technologies. The development of artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation create new opportunities that affect the demand for employees in these fields. Which specialists specifically?

Do revolutions in IT force new qualifications?

The respondents agree (85%) that due to the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, new competencies and qualifications will be needed to a very large extent, and the automation of business processes will translate into a significant increase in the demand for new skills (72%).

The development of new technologies will significantly affect the labor market and will change the way many industries and sectors of our economy operate. Until recently, it was estimated that as a result of progressing automation, many employees may completely lose their jobs, and only a few will be able to retrain. Currently, research indicates that the number of new jobs related to AI may increase significantly, but this will require employees to improve and adapt qualifications and competences to market demand. The progressing digital transformation means that companies that have not been directly related to the IT sector so far will have to put more emphasis on digital skills and qualifications of their employees in this area - comments Beata Ostrowska, President of the Sectoral Council for IT Competences.

Employers are looking for these competencies

In connection with the implementation of solutions using artificial intelligence and machine learning in the creation, testing, implementation and use of software, candidates require at least several years of commercial experience, the ability to solve problems and work in a team, independence and good knowledge of the technology required by the employer. Employers most often look for people at the regular, senior and lead levels, i.e. with at least intermediate knowledge in the IT industry. The most in-demand competencies will include:

Specialists with the above competencies min. such as machine learning, the ability to use Python, SQL or with experience in working with data science and artificial intelligence libraries will be in great demand on the labor market. They enable specialists and managers in the IT industry to lead innovative projects, create intelligent solutions and support the development of the company in the digital era. It is worth paying attention to the growing area of artificial intelligence. It is used in marketing, monitoring, medicine or design. Staff shortages force us to look for systemic solutions that increase work efficiency. The progressive increase in AI applications in the future, and thus the escalation of the demand for specialists in this area, is noticed by nearly half  of the respondents - comments Fabian Pietras, Business Unit Director Antal, IT Services.

What future awaits developers?

47% of respondents believe that the development of artificial intelligence applications will increase the demand for programmers, while 35% believe that it will have no impact on demand. The report of the World Economic Forum confirms that programmers will still be in demand in Poland.

The popularity of programmers-developers is constantly growing, and all the data clearly indicate that the demand on the market exceeds the supply many times over. This makes the cost of employing programmers prohibitive for many companies today. At the same time, it is difficult to imagine effective company management today without the help of business software. In our view, the demand for classic software development roles will continue to grow despite the rise in popularity of low-code/no-code platforms. At the same time, a completely new category of IT specialists is emerging before our eyes, which is growing dynamically – comments in the report Łukasz Wróbel, Vice President of WEBCON.

About the report

The survey of the Sectoral Council for Competences in IT and Antal "The impact of development trends of new technologies on the competency needs of the IT sector" was conducted on 19.01.23 -25.01.23 using the CAWI and CATI method among 202 managers of IT companies and directors of IT departments/departments of non-IT companies using in its activities, solutions in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning in accordance with the PKD codes (58.2, 62, 63.1).

Link to download the report in polish: https://antal.pl/wiedza/raport/wplyw-trendow-rozwojowych-nowych-technologii-na-potrzeby-kompetencyjne-sektora-it