White paper by author Dr. J.L. Graff, associate dean, College of Business and Information Technology explores perceptions and predictions about IT careers and skills by practitioners

University of Phoenix has released a new white paper, “The Future of IT: What IT Practitioners Predict Will Drive Career Opportunities,” authored by J.L. Graff, Ed.D., associate dean of IT programs, College of Business and Information Technology. The paper, exploring the findings of a 2025 Information Technology (IT) practitioner survey by the University, highlights their optimistic outlook as well as the pressure to keep up with skills in rapidly advancing technology and innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

“IT practitioners are no stranger to fast-moving developments and disruptions. However, with so many technical areas having the potential to shape the future of the industry, they must work faster than ever before to keep up,” states Graff. “The good news is that IT practitioners are keeping their eyes on what comes next, identifying areas of importance and opportunity where they can continue to grow their skills.”

According to the paper, the survey findings expose a confidence gap: while IT trends have always pushed individual practitioners to keep pace with emerging technology – an overwhelming 97% rate professional development as important – IT practitioners are not completely confident in their ability to keep up with technological advancements over the next five years.

The paper reports that IT practitioners identify focus areas by following the money – where businesses are already investing – to determine what technical skills will be in demand: generative AI, applied AI, and cybersecurity. An overwhelming 94% predict cybersecurity will play a larger role in the future of IT.

The survey found that the top IT trends and emerging technologies in 2025 are AI, quantum computing, and cloud and edge computing. When asked about the most overhyped technologies, 37% of respondents identified AI, with blockchain following at 28%, highlighting a gap between what media and the public might consider the most groundbreaking technologies and that of insiders. In fact, respondents identified quantum computing as the most underhyped technology.

The paper also highlights that just as AI becomes the new normal, quantum computing as an emerging technology is taking shape. More than 2 in 5 (44%) cite quantum computing as an emerging technology that will dominate the future of IT, and equally as many (44%) predict quantum computing will disrupt traditional IT infrastructure within the next 10 years.

The IT trends survey offered further insights into IT practitioners’ perspectives on trends, the role of upskilling and reskilling, and preparing for trending technology, including preferred approaches to learning, which tend to focus on independence: 68% of respondents choose online learning and 62% rely on self-study.

IT trends survey methodology

To capture an accurate snapshot of the future of IT and insights on how IT trends are shaping career paths and technological advancements, in February 2025, University of Phoenix conducted a multiple-choice survey of 1,000 U.S. professionals working in the IT industry, of self-employed and full-time IT employees ages 18 to 65.

Learn more and read the white paper here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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