Breaking into the tech industry might no longer require a computer science degree, according to Matthew Candy, IBM’s global managing partner for generative AI. In a recent interview with Fortune, Candy shared insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize the way we work in technology
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(Image: Google) |
Candy highlighted that AI could soon handle the coding aspect, making it feasible for anyone with an idea to create products without diving into the intricacies of coding. "The speed at which people will be able to come up with an idea, to test the idea, to make something, it’s going to be so accelerated," Candy mentioned. Importantly, he emphasized that possessing soft skills like creativity and innovation would become more valuable than specific technical expertise in the AI era.
"In the age of AI, questioning, creativity skills, and innovation are going to be hugely important because I think AI’s going to free up more capacity for creative thought processes," explained Candy. This suggests that focusing on creativity rather than technical know-how could be the key to success.
AI's impact, Candy believes, extends beyond the tech industry. He noted that AI image-generation technology could transform the arts, allowing individuals to take on the role of a designer without the need for a graphic design or art degree.
While tech executives are optimistic about the AI wave, the sentiment among working professionals is not uniformly positive. A report by edtech startup Hero Vired revealed that 82% of professionals expressed concerns about job redundancy due to AI advancements. IBM itself acknowledged the potential influence of AI on employment, with CEO Arvind Krishna stating that around 30% of the company’s back-office roles could be replaced by AI over a five-year period, affecting over 7,800 positions.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of technology careers, driven by the integration of AI, suggests a shift towards valuing creativity and soft skills over traditional technical qualifications. The future of tech work may no longer be confined to those with specific degrees but rather open to anyone with innovative ideas.