Artificial Intelligence Means IT Jobs Must Evolve
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing information technology jobs, as new skills are required to keep up with shifting systems and roles. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a Lasallian Catholic University that offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program that prepares aspiring IT workers to succeed in the field. Here, we discuss how AI is affecting information technology jobs.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Its Effects
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the technologies that enable machines to mimic human intelligence to perform tasks. These tasks analyze and interpret data, provide accurate forecasts, make decisions, implement more efficient systems, and more. Many of these tasks previously required humans, like information technology specialists, to perform them.
Consequently, the AI boom is affecting information technology jobs. Although AI has the potential to replace some jobs like customer service representatives and data entry professionals, it also offers opportunities for IT workers. Many professionals in the IT field believe AI offers a collaborative benefit. AI can replace the repetitive, routine tasks that IT professionals have previously performed, such as data entry and automation, so these specialists are free to work on strategic planning, system design, etc. AI can also help enhance productivity and performance in the workforce.
Some IT roles will be adapted to work more with AI systems rather than traditional computer systems, while new roles will be created to develop, manage, and implement AI into existing IT infrastructures. To keep up with the changing IT landscape, information technology professionals will need to continue their education and training to enhance their AI skillsets. Not knowing enough about artificial intelligence can affect your marketability and more, so it’s important to pursue additional training.
Launch an IT Career at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
If you’re interested in working in information technology and have previously started a degree elsewhere, you can complete your degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We offer bachelor’s completion programs online, including a B.S. in Information Technology you can complete in one year if you have 30 transferable credits. This program provides the fundamental knowledge and technical skills training needed to succeed as an IT professional. Students will learn topics like:
- IT concepts, applications, and basic programming
- Business system design
- Cybersecurity challenges and management
- Organizational data and database management
- Cloud computing in organizations
- Ethical issues in IT
Our bachelor completion programs let you transfer up to 90 credits — that’s 75% of your Bachelor of Science degree! You can transfer credits from associate degrees, technical colleges, military experience, and more, and they never expire. With six start times throughout the year, you don’t have to wait to get started.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we also offer an online graduate program that can enhance a career in IT, the M.S. in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics. This program helps students learn how to employ innovative AI skills to solve business problems, which is ideal for finding jobs in the evolving AI landscape. For more information about these programs or their requirements, visit our admissions page.
Career Outlook and Earning Potential in the IT Field
Getting a bachelor’s degree in information technology can position you to work in many different roles in the IT industry. Common job titles for people with this degree include database administrators, network administrators, and information security analysts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow significantly through 2033. For database administrators, employment is expected to grow by 8%, for computer systems analysts it is projected to grow by 11%, and for information security analysts it is projected to grow by 33%. All these are faster than the average for all occupations, indicating a strong job outlook for those working in the IT industry.
The BLS also reports the median annual wage for computer and IT occupations was $104,420 as of May 2023. Although the earning potential varies by job title and experience level, many IT jobs offer strong pay. Completing continuing education on artificial intelligence and machine learning can help enhance a person’s marketability, earning potential, and advancement opportunities.
Finish Your IT Degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Are you ready to complete your degree in information technology and launch your career? If so, apply to the B.S. in Information Technology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota today. We provide person-centered education infused with Lasallian Catholic principles to empower students to live ethical lives of leadership. For more information about the IT bachelor’s completion program or our artificial intelligence graduate certificate, request more information today.
