Part Two of a Series – See part one here.
Imagine you’re a high school student.
You love computers. You’ve always been good with technology. Maybe you’re thinking about studying computer science and becoming a programmer.
Then along comes artificial intelligence.
It writes code. Finds bugs. Tests software. And gets better every time you turn around.
Suddenly, you’re wondering whether spending four years in college learning something AI can already do makes any sense.
“I love computers, but AI is taking over programming. Should I still go into IT, or should I learn which end of a wrench to hold?”
It’s a fair question.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with pursuing a skilled trade. We need talented electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and plenty of other people who know how to fix things when they break.
But if you love computers, I wouldn’t give up on IT just yet.
In fact, I think AI may create an opportunity to develop a whole new kind of IT professional.
And it starts with changing something we’ve been doing for decades.
The Problem With Traditional IT Training
For years, IT departments have struggled with a problem.
Some incredibly talented technology professionals didn’t always understand the business they were building systems for.
They understood programming, networks, and databases. But understanding what someone in Sales or Customer Service actually needed?
That wasn’t always their strong suit.
Companies tried communication training, organizational changes, and creating roles to bridge the gap between IT and the business.
Some of those efforts helped.
But what if we approached the problem differently?
What if we taught new IT professionals about the business before asking them to build technology for it?
Start With the Business
Here’s the idea.
Instead of hiring a new IT graduate and immediately putting them to work on technology, put them in the business.
For six months.
Maybe they work in Customer Service, learning what happens when technology doesn’t work.
Maybe they spend time in Sales, learning how the company makes money.
Or Operations, where something that looks simple on a computer screen can be an absolute nightmare in the real world.
And I’m not just talking about programmers. Network engineers, infrastructure specialists, cybersecurity professionals—anyone whose technology helps keep the business running.
And I don’t mean following someone around with a clipboard.
Give them responsibilities. Let them deal with customers. Pair them with experienced employees who can explain why things work the way they do.
And keep building their technical skills throughout the process.
Because the goal isn’t to turn programmers into salespeople.
It’s to develop IT professionals who understand the people they’re supporting.
And customers. And operations. And the business.
Next Stop: IT Systems Support
After six months in the business, move our future IT professional into systems support.
Another six months.
Now they learn what happens when technology breaks.
They troubleshoot problems. Work with users. Learn how systems connect.
They discover why that ancient program nobody wants to touch is still running.
And why changing one little thing can cause three departments to collectively lose their minds.
Supporting a system teaches you the difference between how it was designed to work and how people actually use it.
And there’s another benefit.
Our new employee works alongside experienced IT professionals who understand the systems, the business, and all those strange workarounds that never made it into the documentation.
The kind of knowledge that can disappear when an experienced employee retires.
Instead of producing technically talented people who eventually learn the business, we’re producing technically talented people who understand the business from the beginning.
But Won’t That Cost More?
Initially it will.
Training takes time. Mentoring takes effort. And moving people through departments requires planning.
But eventually, today’s experienced professionals will retire.
(Some will become keynote speakers.)
Someone needs to understand the systems they’ve been keeping alive.
AI can help maintain and document those systems. But we still need people who understand the business impact and recognize when something isn’t right.
The question isn’t just what it costs to develop new IT professionals. It’s what it will cost if we don’t.
Is IT Still a Good Career Choice in the Age of AI?
Let’s get back to our high school student.
Here’s my advice.
If you love computers, keep pursuing that interest.
Learn programming. Cybersecurity. Networking. Databases. AI.
But don’t stop there.
Take a business class. Learn how companies make money.
Get a part-time job dealing with customers.
Join an organization where you have to work with other people.
Practice explaining complicated ideas to people who aren’t technical.
And get comfortable asking questions.
Because the future of IT isn’t just about knowing how to build something.
It’s about understanding what needs to be built, why it matters, and who it helps.
And this advice isn’t just for students interested in IT.
It applies to anyone entering a field where AI is taking over tasks that people used to do.
Learn your profession. Learn how AI can help you. But just as importantly, learn how the business works and develop the people skills that AI can’t easily replace.
Because knowing how to do the work is important. Understanding why the work matters is even more important.
And if you still want to learn which end of a wrench to hold, that’s not a bad skill to have either.
Especially when your computer breaks.
About Phil
Phil Barth is a keynote speaker, author, and recovering corporate IT professional who spent nearly 38 years working in technology, including leadership roles at International Paper.
Today, he helps organizations understand and use artificial intelligence while keeping people at the center of the conversation. His presentations combine practical insights, humor, and the occasional rubber chicken.
Learn more at www.philbarth.com.