"AI will take programmers' jobs" - you hear it everywhere. "ChatGPT can already write code, so why learn programming?" - your friends ask. "Maybe it's better to stick with what you have?" - others advise.

But the reality is more complex. AI is indeed changing the IT industry, but not the way you think. And career transition to IT in 2025 has its specific challenges and opportunities that few people talk about openly.

Here are 6 things no one will tell you about transitioning to IT in the AI era.

1. AI won't replace programmers, but it changes what you learn

Myth: "Since AI can write code, programming doesn't make sense."

Reality: AI is a tool that changes how programmers work, but it doesn't eliminate the need to understand code, architecture, and logical thinking.

What this means for you:

• You must understand code, even if AI generates it - without understanding, you won't be able to debug, optimize, or integrate code with larger systems
• Value shifts from writing code to understanding problems - the ability to define what AI should do is often more important than the ability to write it manually
• You must be able to verify and fix AI code - AI often generates code that looks good but contains errors or isn't optimal
• Critical and creative thinking is more important than craftsmanship - AI can write code, but it can't come up with a solution to a problem, it can't evaluate whether a solution is good, and it can't propose alternative approaches. This is what you really need

Practical example: Instead of memorizing the syntax of every function, it's better to focus on understanding how code works, how to debug it, and how to use AI as a supporting tool, not a replacement for thinking. Instead of copying code from AI, it's better to learn to think about problems - how to break them down into smaller parts, what are different approaches, which solution is best and why.

Why no one will tell you this: Most courses and bootcamps still teach "traditionally" - how to write code from scratch. Few people say that now understanding and the ability to work with AI is more important than just writing code manually.

2. AI tools are essentially a Junior - that's why it's harder to enter the industry

Myth: "AI makes it easier to enter the industry because it can write code for you."

Reality: AI code-writing tools (GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Cursor) are in practice a "virtual junior" - they can write simple code, but they don't think critically, don't understand business context, and can't come up with creative solutions. This makes entering the industry harder because you need to show that you offer something more than AI.

What this means for you:

• You must show that you think, not just code - if your portfolio looks like AI-generated code, you won't stand out. You need to show that you understand problems and can come up with solutions
• Critical thinking is crucial - you must be able to evaluate whether AI code is good, whether it contains errors, whether it's secure, whether it's optimal. This is what AI can't do
• Creative solutions are valuable - AI can write code according to a pattern, but it won't come up with an innovative solution. This is what companies really need
• You must understand business context - AI doesn't understand why something is important for business, what the priorities are, what the constraints are. This is what you need to be able to do

Practical example: Instead of showing projects in your portfolio that look like copied from a tutorial (which AI can also do), it's better to show a project that solves a real problem in a creative way - e.g., an application that helps a local organization in a way no one has thought of before. This shows that you think, not just code.

Why no one will tell you this: Most courses teach "how to write code" but don't teach "how to think about problems." Few people say that in the AI era, critical and creative thinking is more important than the craft of writing code itself.

3. Entering the industry is easier, but competition is greater

Myth: "It's easier now because there are more materials and courses."

Reality: Access to materials is easier, but competition in the job market is greater than ever. Everyone has access to the same courses, so you need to stand out.

What this means for you:

• Your portfolio must be really good - copying a tutorial isn't enough. You need to show that you understand what you're doing
• You must show that you think, not just code - recruiters are looking for people who understand business problems, not just syntax
• English is essential - most documentation, tools, and communities are in English. Without it, you'll be behind

Practical example: Instead of building another "todo app" from a tutorial, it's better to create a project that leverages your previous experience - e.g., if you worked in sales, build a sales data analysis tool that understands the real needs of salespeople. This shows that you understand how technology solves business problems, not just how to use tools.

Why no one will tell you this: Courses and bootcamps often promise "a job after 3 months," but they don't say that most graduates need 6-12 months and that the portfolio must be really outstanding.

4. "Junior" in 2025 is not the same as "junior" in 2020

Myth: "As a junior, you'll learn the basics under a senior's guidance."

Reality: Companies expect more from juniors than before. You must be able to work independently, use tools (including AI), and understand the basics of architecture from the start.

What this means for you:

• You must be able to work with Git from day one - this is not "nice to have," it's standard
• You must understand testing basics - you don't need to be an expert, but you need to know what tests are and how to write them
• You must be able to use AI tools - GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT for debugging, these are standard work tools
• You must understand DevOps basics - you don't need to be an expert, but you need to know how to deploy an application

Practical example: Instead of learning only React, it's better to learn React + TypeScript + testing basics + how to deploy an application. This shows that you understand the whole process, not just one technology.

Why no one will tell you this: Most courses teach technologies in isolation. Few people say that as a junior, you need to know more than just "write code" - you need to know the whole process from idea to deployment.

5. Career transition takes longer than you think (but that doesn't mean it's impossible)

Myth: "After 3 months of bootcamp, you'll find a job."

Reality: Most people need 6-12 months of intensive learning, plus time to build a portfolio and apply. This is normal and doesn't mean "you're not cut out for IT."

What this means for you:

• You must be patient - career transition is a marathon, not a sprint
• You must be consistent - it's better to learn 2-3 hours a day for a year than 8 hours a day for a month and then burn out
• You must have a plan - you can't "learn programming" without a concrete goal. You need to know which direction you're going

Practical example: Instead of trying to learn "everything" in 3 months, it's better to choose one path (e.g., backend development with Python or Node.js, data engineering, or cloud engineering) and learn it systematically for 6-9 months, building a portfolio along the way.

Why no one will tell you this: Bootcamps and courses often promise quick results because that sells. But the reality is different - most people need more time, and that's normal. It's important not to lose motivation when you don't find a job after 3 months.

6. Your experience from a previous industry is an asset, not an obstacle

Myth: "You must start from scratch because IT is a completely different industry."

Reality: Skills from other industries - communication, understanding business needs, teamwork, project management - are very valuable in IT. Many companies are looking for people who understand business, not just code.

What this means for you:

• You don't have to "forget" your previous career - you can leverage your experience
• You can specialize in IT for your industry - e.g., if you worked in medicine, you can become a medical systems programmer
• Your soft skills are valuable - the ability to communicate with clients, understanding business needs, these are things many programmers lack

Practical example: Instead of thinking "I must forget everything I know," it's better to think "how can I use my experience in IT." If you worked in marketing, you can become a frontend developer who understands UX and user needs. If you worked in finance, you can become a backend developer of financial systems.

Why no one will tell you this: Most courses treat everyone the same - "learn programming from scratch." Few people say that your previous experience can be your greatest asset.

What does this mean for your path?

Career transition to IT in 2025 is not "easier" or "harder" than before - it's simply different. AI changes how we work, but it doesn't eliminate the need to understand technology. Competition is greater, but there are also new opportunities.

What's key:

• Critical and creative thinking, not just coding - you must be able to think about problems, come up with solutions, and evaluate what's good. This is what AI can't do
• Understanding, not just coding - you must understand what you're doing, not just be able to use tools
• Standing out - your portfolio and projects must show that you think, not just copy. You must show that you offer something more than AI
• Patience and consistency - it's a marathon, not a sprint
• Leveraging previous experience - this can be your greatest asset

How not to get lost in all of this?

Career transition to IT is a big challenge. There's a lot of information, a lot of options, a lot of decisions to make. It's easy to get lost, easy to lose motivation, easy to make wrong decisions.

A mentor can help:

• Choosing a path - helps understand which path fits your experience and predispositions
• Setting priorities - shows what's really important now and what can be left for later
• Building a portfolio - helps create projects that make you stand out from others
• Preparing for interviews - helps prepare for the realities of the job market in 2025
• Maintaining motivation - helps understand that frustrations and doubts are a normal part of the process

Career transition to IT requires patience, consistency, and the right approach. Focus on understanding problems, thinking critically, and creating solutions that show you offer more than just code - you offer thinking, creativity, and business understanding.