Career: AI threatens many IT jobs – experts consider these to be future-proof

Dirk Stöckmann, a former miner, has celebrated a 25-year career milestone at Cisco, an IT network equipment vendor. He began his journey in 2001 as a system engineer, later specializing in data center technologies and working as a technical solutions architect in a data analysis group. Stöckmann holds one of the most prestigious IT certifications, CCIE, which only 100,000 people worldwide possess.

Currently, he serves as a Hypershield Solutions Engineer, designing security architectures for AI-based IT to enhance data center and cloud environments' protection. His top position is a result of continuous professional development, with his CCIE certification renewed annually adding to his substantial salary.

Stöckmann emphasizes that aspiring IT professionals should be curious about technology and willing to continually learn, as AI's impact on the field is becoming increasingly significant. Almost every industry is experiencing major changes due to AI, with IT being particularly affected. AI can now write code, analyze data, identify issues, and test software, tasks previously performed by human experts.

Despite concerns about job displacement, Stöckmann's industry expects a higher demand for IT specialists. A Bitkom survey of 850 companies reveals that 80% believe the skill gap in the sector will worsen, and 42% anticipate AI creating additional demand for specialists.

However, around 27% of companies forecast job cuts due to AI. Nearly a quarter of businesses report that candidates lack specific requirements imposed by new technologies. Current needs for IT talents include possessing relevant profiles, as identified by experts and companies.