Microsoft laid off 6000 employees recently. The job cuts affected hardest on software developers. They are at risk in this age of artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools are capable of writing or analyzing code previously done by engineers typing on their keyboards. At Microsoft, 30 per cent of some projects code is now written by AI.
In this AI -powered future, no role is sacred. However, there is an opportunity for those who are ready to ride the wave.
Global tech giants are reducing the layers of management. Even Indian IT sector will follow suit sooner or later. Operations will get flatter. At mid-level, only AI-savvy manpower may retain their jobs. So far coding was considered an essential skill for a high paying career in tech. A few years back, companies were hiring software engineers left, right and center. They drew attractive packages and their jobs were secure. Not any longer. AI has radically changed the game. According to a LinkedIn survey AI literacy is considered to be the top skill. Corporates are desperate to recruit those who possess AI skills.
In India, job openings in the AI sector are likely to grow to 2.3 million by 2027, whereas the available AI pool is expected be around 1.2 million, thus leaving a significant gap of around millions skilled workers.
To fill the gap and make the AI sector thrive, there is a need for upskilling and reskilling programmes. Generative AI will embed itself in the workplace further. Indian companies must rise to the occasion. Employees should be kept ready for AI-driven economy. It is a truism what Jensen Huang says: ‘You will not lose your job to AI but will lose it to someone who uses it.’
Leave a Reply