Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights from Devoteam's Tech Experts

If the subject of AI is not new – companies like Uber (for its dynamic pricing) or even insurance companies (for their actuarial calculation needs) have used algorithms for decades – the subject of Generative AI (GenAI) radically changes the situation. GenAI democratises using this technology previously reserved for experts by adapting to our natural communication rather than “machine” language.

Thus, for the first time, the expansion of technology is accessible to the general public, affecting the performance of the company's technical staff and the entire business. With the support of some of our best tech experts, in this month’s Tech2Tech, we’ll dive into the changes we might experience shortly due to AI and the transformation of the tech professional in this landscape.

Evolving with AI

Due to the GenAI revolution, several aspects of daily work have evolved, and we can expect even more changes shortly. According to Yassine Aqejjaj , Lead of AI and AI Product Manager at Devoteam Creative Tech France, one thing is clear: sooner rather than later, AI will be everywhere. 

This is particularly true for the tech workforce, who must quickly adapt to thrive in this evolving scene. There are no surprises on this point: training is key. Companies must provide access to tools like Gemini, Copilot, and Chat GPT to empower tech professionals to leverage these AI resources and deliver greater value. Only then it will be possible to build internal use cases that set an example and showcase expertise, building success stories that involve assessing business challenges and creating AI-powered solutions.

However, AI use is not only a concern for technical staff anymore. Everyone is increasingly exposed to this tool, so learning to communicate effectively with AI will be one of the skills we want to use anywhere we go - even at home! From AI-powered toothbrushes to intelligent fridges with integrated GPTs that will make the grocery list for us, AI-human interaction is expected to increase in every area of our lives. 

The importance of an updated skillset managing AI

Another of our experts, João Carneiro —a PhD researcher in AI, Professor, and head of AI in part of Devoteam Data Driven in Portugal—agrees with Yassine on the importance of training. 

According to João, technical proficiency with programming languages like Python, R, and Java is crucial, as is an understanding of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch. Experts should also have experience with data manipulation and visualisation tools because data is the real differentiator when working with AI. 

Analytical thinking is another essential skill. This includes interpreting complex data and model outputs, statistical analysis and hypothesis testing proficiency, and critical thinking to identify and solve AI-related problems.

Soft skills are equally important. Strong communication skills are needed to explain AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders; teamwork and collaboration are vital, especially in interdisciplinary projects, and ethical judgment is necessary to navigate the moral implications of AI applications.

New professional opportunities awaiting

As the landscape evolves and new skills are required, old jobs will be transformed, and new jobs will likely emerge. For our tech experts, these are some of the changes that might arise:

• Heightened focus on AI ethics, with the rise of AI ethics officers concentrating on ensuring AI models are fair and unbiased. Meanwhile, AI Strategists will develop long-term AI adoption and implementation strategies.
• AI Engineers, who were once solely tasked with developing robust AI models, are now expected to integrate AI with other emerging technologies. This evolution demands a blend of deep technical knowledge and the ability to apply AI in diverse contexts.
• AI-driven industries, particularly healthcare, finance, and education, will expand, creating new opportunities for industry-specific AI professionals.
• Developing personal AI assistants and intelligent robots will lead to new roles in AI maintenance and support, making AI an integral part of everyday life.
• Integrating AI colleagues into the team might be closer than we think. In the short term, hybrid teams composed of human and AI developers could be a reality, bringing new roles, such as AI team coordinators, to life.

The future is undeniably intertwined with AI. While challenges like data privacy and ethical considerations remain, the opportunities presented by AI are vast. By embracing lifelong learning, developing the necessary skillsets, and fostering collaboration between humans and AI, tech professionals can become key drivers of innovation in this exciting new era.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Tech2Tech to keep exploring the future of tech!