In the IT sector, organizations report a shortage of mid to senior level professionals, a trend tied to evolving qualification standards that keep broadening. This observation comes from Kirill Mokevnin, co-founder of Hexlet, an online programming school, who spoke with socialbites.ca.
He notes that demand for skilled workers in fields such as development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics and product management far exceeds supply. The gap is not closing; if anything, it will widen. Junior specialists feel the impact less severely, as entry level roles remain more plentiful. Still, newcomers must push hard to prove themselves, continually learn, and seize opportunities to advance within their organizations.
Typically a junior professional may spend about a year to a year and a half before crossing to the next rung on the ladder. During this period, employers should support onboarding, foster a learning mindset, and create a path for growth. Companies increasingly offer salary progress as employees master new technologies, a strategy meant to build loyalty and reduce turnover as the market grows more competitive.
Mokevnin explains that rapid technological progress is eroding the shelf life of specialized training. As a result, ongoing retraining and skill upgrades are essential. Job seekers face higher bar to entry, with vacancies often targeting narrowly skilled experts who possess deep, focused knowledge. That narrowing effect limits the pool of viable candidates and intensifies competition for top talent.
Another factor shaping the landscape is the rise in the number of IT companies and startups. That growth fuels competition for skilled professionals and has given birth to an entire field known as Talent Tech, where firms specialize in identifying and nurturing IT talent for other organizations.
Looking ahead to the autumn season, Mokevnin warns that the talent gap could sharpen further. Business activity tends to surge, new projects begin, and competition for experienced, problem-solving specialists intensifies as demand climbs with the cadence of actual work moving forward.
Earlier guidance for aspiring cybersecurity majors highlighted the importance of practical readiness, a theme that remains true in today’s market. Candidates who combine solid fundamentals with hands-on experience tend to stand out in a crowded field. From a hiring perspective, the emphasis remains on adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to translate knowledge into real results for an employer.