Adapt or Fade: The IT Roles Facing Extinction by 2025 and How to Stay Ahead

The rapid rise of technologies like AI, cloud computing, and automation is ushering in a transformative era for IT professionals. While these advancements present unparalleled opportunities, they also pose challenges for those whose skills risk becoming obsolete. As CIOs prioritize emerging technologies to drive business value, IT veterans must rethink their roles to remain indispensable.

This article dives into the changing fabric of IT careers, highlighting roles that need to evolve and strategies for IT professionals to future-proof their careers in 2025 and beyond.

The Shifting IT Landscape: What CIOs Are Prioritizing

A recent Deloitte report reveals that CIOs are prioritizing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced cybersecurity methods, and automation. These technologies are not only reshaping how organizations operate but also redefining the skills needed to succeed in IT roles.

However, this shift brings a paradox: while CIOs aim to close skills gaps with advanced technologies, many IT roles are becoming redundant, particularly those focused on routine, manual tasks. The challenge for IT veterans lies in evolving their skill sets to align with these new priorities.

IT Roles Under Threat (and How to Adapt)

1. Entry-Level Software Development

Basic coding is increasingly being automated by AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, reducing demand for junior-level programmers.

• Threat: Modular coding and documentation are now largely handled by AI, making entry-level roles less critical.

• Solution: Developers should expand into areas like project management, cybersecurity, or AI-enhanced development to stay relevant. CIOs like Munir Hafez of TransUnion advise learning to collaborate with AI tools to boost productivity rather than compete with them.

2. Network Management

Network automation, including software-defined networking (SDN), is reducing the need for manual configuration and monitoring.

• Threat: Routine tasks like configuring routers and firewalls are being automated, diminishing the need for traditional network management skills.

• Solution: IT professionals should focus on advanced areas like network function virtualization (NFV) and centralized network management. Upskilling in these domains ensures continued relevance in the evolving IT landscape.

3. Manual Security Threat Identification

As AI takes on a larger role in cybersecurity, manual threat detection is becoming obsolete.

• Threat: The sheer volume of data makes manual detection unsustainable, with AI and machine learning (ML) stepping in to fill the gap.

• Solution: Professionals must pivot toward advanced skills like threat intelligence, reverse engineering, and cybersecurity data science. Developing expertise in these areas can secure long-term career prospects.

4. Quality Assurance and Application Testing

AI is already streamlining application testing, with automated systems now handling much of the workload.

• Threat: Automated testing tools and AI-driven bug detection are reducing the need for traditional QA roles.

• Solution: QA professionals should specialize in strategic areas like identifying security risks and enhancing human-centric design. Leveraging AI as a tool to augment rather than replace their skills will be key.

5. Database Management

Cloud-native and serverless databases are changing the game for database managers.

• Threat: Tasks such as backups, maintenance, and optimization are increasingly automated by cloud-based tools.

• Solution: Professionals should shift their focus to database architecture, data governance, and cloud management, areas where human insight remains critical.

What IT Leaders Recommend

1. Leverage Mentorship: Building a network of mentors across teams can provide valuable perspectives on career growth. TransUnion’s Hafez suggests seeking out leaders who “derive satisfaction from advancing someone else’s career.”

2. Embrace Lifelong Learning: As technology evolves, so must IT professionals. Upskilling in areas like AI, cloud computing, and hybrid IT operations can open new opportunities.

3. Adopt Soft Skills: Technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient. Professionals who can communicate, collaborate, and think strategically will stand out in a competitive job market.

The Role of Strategic Thinking in IT Careers

As automation takes over repetitive tasks, the value of human intuition and strategic oversight becomes increasingly important. Roles that merge technical and business skills, such as guiding AI applications to align with organizational goals, will become indispensable.

Agustín Huerta, SVP at Globant, underscores the importance of adaptability: “While technology is changing roles faster than ever before, new opportunities will emerge for those with a forward-looking mindset.”

Future-Proofing IT Careers: Practical Steps

1. Focus on Emerging Tech: Stay ahead by learning about technologies like AI, ML, and cloud computing.

2. Develop a Growth Mindset: Approach new challenges as opportunities to evolve your skill set.

3. Align with Business Goals: Understand how technology supports broader organizational strategies.

4. Invest in Upskilling: Take advantage of training programs to gain expertise in high-demand areas.

5. Think Beyond Technology: Develop soft skills that enhance your ability to collaborate and lead.

Conclusion: Embracing Change for Long-Term Success

The IT industry is at a crossroads. While certain roles face obsolescence, the emergence of new technologies is creating opportunities for those willing to adapt. By embracing AI, automation, and strategic thinking, IT professionals can secure their place in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The future belongs to those who can merge technical expertise with business acumen, creating value for their organizations while navigating the challenges of a tech-driven world. The key to success lies not in resisting change but in mastering it.