:quality(75):max_bytes(102400)/assets.iprofesional.com/assets/jpg/2025/12/608931_landscape.jpg "AI Shifts Job Market: Data Scientists & Skilled Trades in Demand")
AI Shifts Job Market: Data Scientists & Skilled Trades in Demand
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is reshaping the skills employers seek, particularly within the technology sector. Marcos Galperin, founder of Mercado Libre, recently cautioned that the traditional role of the software programmer may diminish in the coming years, signaling a significant shift in the labor market. This isn’t a blanket dismissal of tech talent, but a recalibration of what skills will command premium value.
During a conversation with Bain & Company, Galperin detailed a change in Mercado Libre’s hiring strategy. “We have twenty thousand programmers. What we have is the first year in the history in which we will not grow in number of programmers. And it is highly probable that in five years we may have ten thousand programmers, not because we have fired them, but because we are not hiring anyone,” he stated, according to iProfesional. This pivot reflects a broader industry trend, where AI tools are automating tasks previously handled by junior developers.
Galperin now advises aspiring professionals to focus on foundational skills. “Ten years ago I would have told anyone that they had to learn to program. Today I say that they have to know mathematics, understand logic and numbers,” he explained. This emphasis on analytical and quantitative abilities underscores the growing importance of understanding how AI works, rather than simply using it.
Beyond Coding: The Rise of Analytical Skills
This shift isn’t isolated to Mercado Libre. Alejandro Servide, director of Professional, Digital & Enterprise at Randstad for Argentina and Chile, notes that the Argentine labor market is nearing full employment, but is experiencing a “redefinition of winners and losers” across industries. The demand is shifting towards sectors tied to the real economy and natural resources, like oil & gas, mining, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. This suggests a broader economic rebalancing, with industries providing essential goods and services gaining prominence.
Even as Mercado Libre is pausing growth in its programming staff, the company is investing heavily in Argentina – announcing a u$s3.400 million investment in 2026, which will create 1,900 new jobs. However, these roles will largely be concentrated in logistics, e-commerce, technology, and financial services, aligning with the evolving skill demands. This investment, while substantial, highlights the strategic reallocation of resources within the company. You can find more details about Mercado Libre’s investment plans here.
The changing landscape also impacts geographic employment patterns. Provinces like Neuquén are experiencing high labor demand driven by the development of Vaca Muerta, a major shale formation, creating jobs not only in oil and gas but also in supporting industries like logistics and industrial services. This illustrates how regional economic development can be fueled by resource extraction and related infrastructure projects.
The Data Science Premium
Servide points out that even entry-level programming tasks are increasingly being handled by AI, necessitating a higher skill level for new hires. Companies are now prioritizing specialized profiles, such as data scientists, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and experts in enterprise platforms. This trend is reflected in salary data; while specific figures weren’t provided in the source material, iProfesional has previously reported on the high earning potential for data scientists in Argentina.
The skills gap remains a significant challenge. According to ManpowerGroup, 64% of Argentine employers struggle to fill positions due to a lack of candidates with the necessary skills. The industries facing the most difficulty include automotive, IT services, and hospitality. This highlights a systemic issue where education and training aren’t keeping pace with the evolving needs of the labor market. ManpowerGroup’s global survey, encompassing over 39,000 employers across 41 countries, underscores the widespread nature of this talent shortage.
Beyond technical skills, “soft skills” like adaptability, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are becoming increasingly valued by employers, according to Luis Guastini, general manager and president of ManpowerGroup in the country. This suggests a growing emphasis on well-rounded professionals who can navigate complex challenges and work effectively in teams.
Demand for Specialized Roles is Increasing
The demand for analytical, technical, and digital skills is rising, alongside a need for professionals in specialized sectors. Specifically, data scientists, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and experts in enterprise platforms like SAP are in high demand. Professionals with expertise in risk analysis, digital fraud, and financial planning are also sought after.
The e-commerce and logistics sectors are also driving demand for specialists in supply chain management, demand planning, transportation analysis, and customer experience. Expanding industries like energy, mining, and pharmaceuticals are creating opportunities for engineers in various disciplines, including industrial, food, quality, and safety engineering.
Even the healthcare sector is experiencing increased demand for specialized professionals, such as surgical technicians, nurses, and physicians with expertise in complex areas. This broad-based demand suggests a fundamental restructuring of the labor market, driven by technological advancements and evolving economic priorities.
Servide concludes that AI is redefining tasks, but simultaneously creating new positions requiring more analytical, strategic, and specialized skills. The Wilson Center’s analysis of Argentina’s “unicorn” companies – startups valued at over $1 billion – suggests a broader resilience in the tech sector, despite these shifts. Argentina’s Unicorns, Resilient or Endangered?
The evolving demands of the labor market require a proactive approach to skills development and a willingness to adapt to new technologies. The focus is shifting from simply knowing how to code to understanding the underlying principles of data analysis, logic, and problem-solving. This transition presents both challenges and opportunities for workers and employers alike.
What to expect next: The coming months will likely see increased investment in training programs focused on data science, AI literacy, and critical thinking. Companies will need to collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that curricula align with the evolving needs of the labor market. The success of this transition will depend on the ability of individuals and organizations to embrace lifelong learning and adapt to the changing landscape of work.