On October 25, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, as part of a forum titled “How to Start My Professional Career in the IT Industry?” Joined by talented panelists from Ernst & Young and SAP, I had the opportunity to connect with senior students embarking on their IT career paths. This group of bright minds is on the verge of stepping into the tech industry, a landscape that is rapidly evolving thanks to the relentless pace of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Drawing on my 15+ years of experience in technology, particularly within data, I crafted my talk around a central question to these students and their respective future: How can you leverage AI to stand out in today’s IT job market? 

Here’s a breakdown of what we covered, a reflection on some of Wizeline’s approaches in this area, and why I believe that having a strong AI foundation is crucial for the IT leaders of tomorrow.

The Impact of AI on the IT Job Market

We kicked things off by discussing how AI is reshaping the IT job market. AI’s rapid adoption is revolutionizing job roles and creating demand for skills that didn’t exist even five years ago. In 2024, IT companies are not just looking for coders but for professionals who understand how to implement machine learning (ML) algorithms, apply data science techniques, and use tools to automate tasks previously handled manually. This shift is particularly evident in areas like cybersecurity, data analysis, and software engineering, where AI is automating routine tasks and freeing up time for professionals to focus on innovation.

At Wizeline, for example, we see how AI enables our teams to accelerate development timelines, improve accuracy, and introduce more nuanced, data-driven insights. The message to the students was clear: AI isn’t just transforming the market; it’s redefining what companies need from future IT professionals.

AI’s Influence on Various Industries

AI’s impact extends far beyond IT; it’s woven into the fabric of nearly every industry. From healthcare and finance to entertainment and retail, companies are turning to AI to gain a competitive edge and provide personalized customer experiences. I shared examples of how data-driven AI is being applied to predict consumer behavior in retail, streamline logistics, and even improve patient outcomes in healthcare.

It’s fascinating to see how AI is not just a trend but an essential element across industries. For students, this highlighted a crucial takeaway: Specializing in AI opens doors to various sectors, not just traditional tech. By understanding AI’s applications across different domains, they can tailor their skills to roles in diverse environments, from startups to large-scale enterprises.

AI in Software Development Processes

We dove deeper into AI’s transformative effect on software development, a process that has traditionally required extensive human input and iteration. Nowadays, AI tools like generative code assistants and ML-powered testing frameworks are enhancing efficiency and consistency in the development lifecycle. I explained how this evolution in software engineering is positioning AI skills as foundational for anyone entering the field.

In my own experience, and at Wizeline, we are leveraging AI to accelerate software development, using automation to test code, predict bugs, and even generate functional code snippets. These advancements mean that engineers can focus on more strategic aspects of development, such as architecture and design, while routine tasks are increasingly handled by AI tools. In fact, according to HCAMag, “80% of employees who use AI tools report increased productivity in areas like workflow automation, and data analysis.” As an example, we presented several studies, one of them was the Research: quantifying GitHub Copilot’s impact on developer productivity and happiness in which we found these stats:

AI’s Role in Real-World Solutions

One of the more engaging discussions revolved around how AI contributes to solving real-world problems. AI is uniquely suited to tackle complex, data-intensive challenges, from predicting traffic patterns in smart cities to detecting fraud in financial transactions. We explored how students could look at problems in their communities and think about ways AI might provide scalable solutions.

Real-world applications of AI highlight its practical value, not only as a theoretical skill but as a powerful tool for change. Companies like Wizeline often focus on creating meaningful AI-driven solutions for clients, aiming to build products that address genuine needs rather than simply adopting the latest tech trends.

Key AI Skills: Technical and Non-Technical

In today’s job market, excelling in AI requires more than just technical know-how. I emphasized to the students that while technical skills remain critical —such as proficiency in programming languages like Python and knowledge of frameworks like TensorFlow—non-technical skills are equally vital. Creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to think thoughtfully about ethical implications are essential in navigating AI’s potential and limitations.

I recommended a few key technical skills in AI, like machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), that are currently in high demand. However, I also highlighted that soft skills, including collaboration and communication, are essential in working with cross-functional teams and conveying complex AI concepts to stakeholders without a technical background. At Wizeline, we value the balance between technical expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams, understanding that this is what truly drives successful AI initiatives.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on this event, I felt privileged to share my insights and learn from the curiosity and ambition of these students. The questions they asked and the perspectives they brought to the table further emphasized how AI is shaping the future of IT. For those of us already established in the field, it’s an exciting time to be in tech—and for these students, it’s only the beginning.

This experience was a reminder of the importance of mentorship and sharing knowledge to inspire the next wave of IT talent. AI is not just a technology; it’s a bridge to opportunities and solutions that we have only just begun to explore.