The Future of IT in Poland – Opportunities and Challenges for Young Specialists

Until recently, a career in IT was perceived as an elite and futuristic choice, accessible only to a narrow group of specialists. Today, this sector is considered one of the most dynamic and promising areas of the job market, attracting a growing number of young Poles. Despite shifting economic conditions, IT remains one of the most desirable career paths. What challenges and transformations await those just beginning their careers in this industry?

IT as the Dream Career Path

High salaries, the opportunity to work both in Poland and abroad, and a wide variety of job offers – these are just some of the advantages cited by young people starting their careers in IT. According to the PARP report “Generation Z in the Labor Market: Attitudes, Priorities, Expectations,” as many as 29% of the youngest generation choose professions related to new technologies. However, the job market that today’s graduates enter is significantly different from the one that shaped the careers of their older colleagues.

Can Anyone Become an IT Specialist?

There is a common belief that entering the IT industry is now much easier – all it takes is an interest in new technologies and completing a programming course, often in the form of online learning. The internet is full of advertisements promising expert knowledge in just a few months. Indeed, access to IT education has significantly increased over the years. Specialized classes in technical schools and high schools, a wide range of courses, and a vast database of online resources make acquiring basic knowledge easier than ever before. Additionally, tools that automate coding and simplify programmers’ work have emerged.

However, easier access to IT education does not automatically translate into a high salary from day one. Employers often expect candidates not only to be proficient in multiple programming languages but also to possess teamwork skills, knowledge of Agile methodologies, the ability to analyze and adapt to the latest technological trends, and well-developed soft skills. IT is a dynamic industry that requires constant learning and flexibility.

Talent Shortages and the Risk of Slowdown

Paradoxically, although the demand for IT specialists continues to grow, the market still struggles with a shortage of qualified professionals. According to a report by SoDA, the Organization of IT Services Employers, Poland lacks between 250,000 and 300,000 programmers. If this trend continues, it may lead to economic slowdown.

One of the main reasons for this crisis is the insufficient number of graduates in IT-related fields and the low qualification levels of many candidates. Basic programming knowledge is not enough when companies are looking for experts in cybersecurity, Big Data, cloud computing, or artificial intelligence. The “IT Global HR Trends” report by Gi Group Holding indicates that as many as 37.6% of companies in Poland struggle to recruit such specialists.

Moreover, Polish IT engineers are highly regarded in the international job market, leading many of them to seek employment with foreign employers. Competitive salaries in Germany, the UK, Sweden, or the USA attract top talent, while Polish companies often cannot offer equally attractive employment conditions.

Women in IT – A Growing Yet Still Small Group

Compared to a few years ago, the IT industry has become more diverse in terms of gender representation, indicating progress in equal opportunities and the growing presence of women in this rapidly developing sector. More and more women are choosing to build careers in IT. Although they still represent only 16% of employees according to a Bulldogjob report, their presence in the industry is steadily increasing. Data from the Educational Foundation Perspektywy shows that between 2013 and 2022, the number of female students in IT-related fields increased by 56%. Women most often choose specializations such as Testing, Project Management, or Backend Development and work with technologies like SQL, JavaScript, and HTML & CSS.

Outsourcing – A Solution to Workforce Challenges

Faced with increasing difficulties in acquiring highly skilled IT professionals, more and more companies are turning to outsourcing. Utilizing external experts allows businesses to adapt resources flexibly to current needs and gain access to a wide range of competencies that may be difficult to find in the job market. IT engineer outsourcing is becoming a strategic solution, enabling companies to maintain competitiveness while optimizing costs and increasing operational efficiency.

Thanks to experienced recruiters, outsourcing firms can select the right candidates, assembling teams perfectly suited to project requirements, including those requiring collaboration among multiple specialists. In a rapidly changing environment, outsourcing provides businesses with flexibility in human resource management and a swift response to change.

The Future of Polish IT – Challenges and Opportunities

The IT industry in Poland has undergone a massive transformation and continues to face numerous challenges. Both employers and employees must adapt to new realities.

With the increasing demand for highly qualified IT specialists, it is crucial to train more professionals and invest in the development of existing staff. This is not only a matter of technical skills but also the ability to adapt to new tools, work methods, and technologies. In this context, modern solutions such as IT specialist outsourcing are gaining importance, allowing companies to quickly respond to changing market needs by ensuring access to highly qualified professionals and flexibility in workforce management.

Despite the challenges, the IT market in Poland still offers vast opportunities for both companies and employees. To fully seize these opportunities, all stakeholders must demonstrate a willingness to embrace continuous change, invest in innovation, and enhance their skills to remain competitive and meet the industry’s growing demands.