The Coding Era is Over: CIOs Say Agility and AI Fluency Are Key for New Grads
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The customary advice to “just learn to code” is rapidly becoming obsolete as artificial intelligence reshapes the job market. As the next wave of college graduates prepares to enter the workforce, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are emphasizing the need for adaptability, critical thinking, and a strong understanding of AI – skills that surpass mere technical proficiency.
As AI capabilities expand across a widening range of roles, the skills once considered essential for entry into technology careers are being reevaluated. the hiring equation is shifting, demanding a new set of qualifications from prospective employees.
the Shifting Landscape of Tech Hiring
For many, the path to a tech career once began with mastering coding languages.Though, according to a university leader and parent, that’s no longer the primary focus. “Actually, I have a college student, and I wonder about that all the time, because years ago I would say to him, ‘Hey, go learn how to code,'” said Lucy Avetisyan, associate vice chancellor and CIO at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). “That’s no longer what I’m asking him to look into.”
Rather, CIOs are prioritizing candidates who demonstrate the ability to think critically, troubleshoot effectively, and adapt to the relentless pace of technological change. “CIOs should really think about hiring for potential and hiring for agility, not just for today’s tools and skill sets, because those evolve so quickly,” Avetisyan stated.
The increasing prevalence of AI means that tech hires – and professionals in other fields – must showcase how they can leverage AI to enhance their value, rather than fearing its potential to replace them. A growing body of data suggests that AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for employability. Many students, even those with strong academic records, are facing challenges in securing employment without demonstrating this crucial skill. “If they can’t integrate AI in that, it’s hard for them to find jobs,” Avetisyan explained.
Beyond AI: Essential Skills for the Next generation
While AI fluency is paramount, it’s not the sole determinant of success. CIOs are seeking candidates with a broader skillset, including data fluency – a deep understanding of the role and power of data – alongside the ethical implications of its use. Expertise in cloud technologies and a strong awareness of cybersecurity are also highly valued.
Candidates must be cozy navigating complex digital ecosystems, recognizing that true digital fluency extends beyond simply knowing how to use popular tools. “it’s about integrating AI responsibly and designing for accessibility,” Avetisyan emphasized, highlighting the critically important challenges that must be addressed to ensure AI benefits all users. AI should be implemented to improve user experiences, and job applicants should demonstrate an interest in contributing to such enhancements.
A data scientist capable of understanding and integrating AI into their work is a notably desirable hire, according to Avetisyan. However, technical skills must be complemented by essential human skills such as problem-solving, communication, and ethical awareness.”You can’t just be an remarkable coder and right away be effective in our organization if you don’t understand all these other aspects,” she cautioned.
While the concept of “vibe coding” – relying heavily on AI to complete coding tasks – has gained traction, Avetisyan believes a more grounded approach to AI education is necessary. “We’re preparing these exceptional students to be marketable and comfortable to coexist with AI,” she said.
Rethinking Entry-Level Roles and Expectations
The rapid pace of technological change is fundamentally altering the IT landscape and the job market for new graduates.Jordan Ruch, CIO of AtlantiCare, noted that the changes he’s witnessed in the past two to three years, particularly for entry-level positions, are drastic compared to his 26 years in healthcare IT. Roles such as programmers, service desk staff, and help desk analysts are all being impacted as AI takes on many of their traditional tasks.
This shift is leading to a demand for candidates with higher-tier skills than previously required for entry-level positions.”Academic programs should teach students how to become more efficient versions of themselves,and maybe shift from focusing on answers to focusing on problem-solving and creativity,” Ruch suggested.
The role of the programmer is evolving from writing code from scratch to orchestrating AI-powered tools. “You don’t need a programmer who’s going to start from scratch,” Ruch explained. “Rather, programmers today start from the middle to orchestrate a series of bots already doing the coding and tools…almost like conducting a symphony, or…more about acting like an architect than doing routine coding.”
the ability to quickly debug code is becoming less critical, as AI is already “winning that race.” However,a fundamental technical background remains valuable,particularly for service desk roles,where AI is expected to handle the majority of tier One support requests within the next year.
Ruch anticipates a future characterized by smaller, more specialized tech teams equipped with advanced skills to tackle complex issues that AI cannot resolve independently. While some expertise in legacy technologies may still be needed,its importance is highly likely to diminish over time.
Automation and the Future of Entry-level IT
Robb Reck, chief information, trust and security officer at Pax8, echoed the sentiment that automation is reshaping the nature of entry-level IT jobs. “Many of those [functions] are things we can automate,” he said. “We’re looking for more senior folks who know how to either do that automation or use that automation to get better.”
However, Reck emphasized that new graduates are not being excluded from IT opportunities. “I’m not necessarily looking for someone with work experiance; I’m looking for someone who has experience doing the things I need done.” he encouraged new graduates to highlight personal projects, such as home automation or contributions to open-source projects, to demonstrate their ability to embrace new technologies and adapt to changing circumstances.
With the automation of traditional entry-level roles, job candidates will increasingly compete with individuals already employed in those positions. “And if the people who are currently sitting in those positions don’t embrace AI, you could be the sole part of that solution for companies,” Reck concluded.
