Navigating the transition
For individuals building careers in IT operations, the best strategy is to lean into adaptability. Technical expertise remains critical, but the differentiators will be skills that complement AI: critical thinking, communication and the ability to design systems that align with business outcomes.
Upskilling will become a continuous requirement, too. Courses in cloud management, cybersecurity and data analysis are already common, but professionals should now add AI governance, ethics and design to their portfolios. Just as importantly, mentoring and shadowing opportunities should focus not only on tools but also on how to evaluate risk, balance trade-offs and communicate recommendations clearly.
For CIOs, the challenge is to rethink talent development. Traditional apprenticeship models may fade as AI absorbs entry-level work, so leaders will need to create new pathways for developing future experts. Rotations across business units, project-based leadership opportunities and investment in soft skills will prepare employees to step into hybrid roles. Career progression will become less about climbing one narrow ladder and more about building breadth across adjacent domains.
