Impact on IT department structures AI is eroding the traditional entry points to a career in IT. Repetitive tasks, considered the bread and butter of learning in early-stage careers, are ripe for automation. The IT help desk, for example, is a prime target for a shift away from human hiring to AI. In 2024, Palo Alto Networks cut its IT support team by roughly half, with plans to reduce it by 80%, according to a CNBC report. Junior software developer roles could also dwindle in favor of AI.