It’s not surprising IT professionals worry whether robots and artificial technology will take over their jobs. The media loves bad news and often focuses on worst case scenarios, but is there cause for concern?

Automation Will Change IT Roles

Undoubtedly, automation is a disruptive force in IT, but not in the way most people believe. It does change business models and modifies roles, but it also reveals new opportunities. Forward-thinking companies see a future which blends AI and robotics with human power to better serve needs. IT professionals that adopt this new way of thinking can flourish in this new environment since it offers so many challenging new opportunities.

Automation Leads To Higher Value Work

Infosys research on AI used in over 1,000 global large organizations in varied markets revealed some significant information. Not surprisingly, 45% of C-level executives reported AI improved process performance. Surprisingly, AI also improved productivity in 40% of businesses due to the free time IT could spend on higher value work. With machines handling mundane tasks, IT professionals focus on innovation. Even with machine learning, computers still lag in areas such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and value judgments.

Automation Can Enrich Jobs

The same study found over half of all respondents received extensive training when companies deployed automation. IT personnel need new skills to properly handle their new roles and training can enrich their position and secure their future. Ninety-five percent of IT decision makers said their company plans to include a dedicated team of IT professionals with AI skills.

Automation Doesn’t Lead To IT Unemployment

Technological change doesn’t eliminate jobs - it changes roles. A very comprehensive OECD study on jobs over 5 decades found “technological progress has been accompanied not only by higher output and productivity, but also by higher overall employment.” For instance, Robotics & Motion, one of the largest robotics companies on the globe, reports the countries with the most robots also have the lowest unemployment rates. As robot density rises, unemployment rates fall. Automation is a reality and it will grow. It’s no longer restricted by industry and there will be more demand in warehousing, manufacturing, and food and beverage, to name a few. These companies will need humans since they’re more creative and flexible, but professionals in IT need to adapt to the new landscape.

Full Automation Isn’t A Realistic Threat To IT

Robots are good at automating tasks, but they’re very narrow in scope. The likelihood of replacing entire IT positions is still very slim. Companies will need the interplay between humans and automated counterparts for a long time yet. A McKinsey report suggests less than 5 percent of all jobs are suitable for full automation now. Plus, the tech sector only accounts for less than 4 percent of all U.S. jobs. That’s less than a .0002 percent likelihood of job loss from full automation.

New IT Opportunities

Companies that choose to automate need IT professionals to do so. Check the job postings and you’ll see positions such as Automation Analyst, Automation Developer, Application Engineer, Intelligent Process Consultant, and more. It’s not a matter of losing your job - it’s all about adding to your skills to stay relevant. ***** If you’re interested in discovering what you need to stay current in this growing industry or you’re looking for work in the Greater Las Vegas area, contact us. Taurean Consulting Group has helped IT professionals for over 25 years. We’ll connect you with training, review your resume, and match you to quality employers. Let us help you move forward on your career path.