The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming job requirements, making a computer science degree less essential, according to Matthew Candy, IBM’s global managing partner for generative AI. In a recent interview with Fortune, Candy expressed the view that AI advancements would empower individuals to create products without the need for extensive coding skills.
Candy highlighted the acceleration in idea generation, testing, and product creation facilitated by AI, asserting that a computer science degree is no longer a prerequisite for such tasks. Instead, he emphasised the growing importance of soft skills, particularly creativity and innovation, in the era of AI.
According to Candy, questioning, creativity, and innovation will become increasingly valuable as AI automates routine tasks, freeing up more capacity for creative thinking. He anticipates a significant transformation in the skill sets prioritised by industries, foreseeing a shift away from traditional technical expertise.
The impact of AI is not confined to the tech industry alone, Candy noted. He suggested that AI image-generation technology could revolutionise the arts, enabling individuals to assume roles traditionally reserved for graphic designers without the need for specialised degrees.
While tech executives welcome the AI wave for its potential to enhance efficiency and innovation, concerns persist among working professionals. A report by edtech startup Hero Vired revealed that 82% of professionals fear job redundancy due to AI advancements. This sentiment aligns with broader trends, as major companies, including IBM, consider leveraging AI to replace certain job functions.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna had previously indicated that the company might freeze hiring for roles that could be automated by AI. In a Bloomberg interview in May of the previous year, Krishna projected that AI could replace around 30% of the company’s back-office roles over a five-year period, amounting to over 7,800 positions. The evolving landscape of job requirements underscores the transformative influence of AI across various industries.