Text: Dustin Robinson, Expert in Tech and Flexible Labor Market Malt Benelux
Photo: designed by Dooder / Freepik
The power of connection
The most sought-after professionals today are not just experts in one corner of tech. Instead, they are those who can move smoothly between domains: data executives who can shape architecture, software engineers with a strong grip on security, and cybersecurity specialists who are skilled in compliance frameworks. The professionals of the future have an eye for the big picture but can just as easily dive into the details.
AI plays a crucial role for IT teams in this shift. The technology is becoming increasingly accessible. Low-code, no-code, and AI-supported programming make craftsmanship more approachable. The result? The bar is set higher: teams are expected to achieve more with fewer resources. Moreover, companies are increasingly adjusting their innovation based on the possibilities that AI offers them.
How AI shapes the market
Research has shown that in 2024, AI was the fastest growing category in terms of demand, with applications particularly focused on retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and large language models (LLMs). Companies often look for freelancers with the right expertise to deploy these techniques for things like chatbots or custom LLM language models.
This trend towards versatility is also reflected in new, AI-shaped roles. Take the Go-to-market (GTM) engineer. This role combines technical knowledge with commercial insight and uses AI tools to connect product infrastructure, sales and marketing, and customer success teams. The demand for freelancers for these kinds of hybrid roles has surged. Their broad experience with various clients gives them an extra advantage of versatility.
Research by EIT Health and EIT Digital, two parts of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology, underscores the importance of adaptability. After analyzing 23,000 professionals at 3,600 AI startups in Europe, they concluded: technical expertise alone (such as coding, programming, and machine learning) may help companies get on the right track but does not guarantee long-term impact. Real advantage is only achieved when that technical know-how is combined with sector-specific knowledge, such as understanding the nuances of healthcare systems, industrial processes, or supply chains, supplemented with soft skills like leadership, project coordination, and communication.
The new reality with AI for IT teams
The ongoing demand for frontend and backend developers also shows that companies are looking for all-rounders. Developers who can look and think across the entire development spectrum of the stack are worth their weight in gold. The same applies to system thinkers and engineers, for whom there is also high demand, who translate complex requirements into designs that not only work technically but also truly meet user needs. Their strength? Connecting diverse expertise (software, hardware, and operations) into a cohesive system.
The common denominator: companies are looking for people who can not only deliver quickly but also keep the bigger picture in mind in the rapidly evolving sector and broader business goals. And preferably without relying on too many intermediaries or gaps in knowledge. A multidisciplinary professional prevents those gaps; he or she understands it not only but can also tackle it themselves. No hassle with knowledge transfer between specialists, but one point of contact that ensures continuity from start to finish and makes sure nothing gets lost.
What do these trends demand from companies?
Employers must realize that not only the tools but also the expectations are constantly in motion. A team with broad expertise, professionals who can switch smoothly between different systems, frameworks, and strategies, is therefore more agile and future-proof than rigidly specialized teams. Although many organizations are already working with flexible structures, the need for people who can maintain an overview and make connections is greater than ever. Freelancers play a crucial role in this. They bring experience from diverse projects and industries, giving them a fresh, broad perspective that perfectly fits this multidisciplinary approach.
This is especially relevant now that AI is conquering a central place in IT teams and corporate strategy. While many permanent teams are still laying the foundations in the areas of AI, low-code, data, and cloud, IT teams and freelancers are often already experimenting with the latest tools. By continuously sharpening their AI expertise and working in practice with emerging technology, they position themselves as the ideal partner for companies ready to accelerate their growth. By hiring freelancers, organizations score double: they gain immediate access to up-to-date, market-ready skills and build a flexible, future-proof workforce.
