Professional retraining in the AI era, the solution for the reintegration of IT professionals in Romania
Magda Purice
Posted On September 11, 2025
In 2024, the European Union employed 10.3 million IT professionals, almost 9.7 million short of the 20 million target set for 2030 under the “Digital Decade” strategy.
At the same time, an ISACA study shows that 73% of European IT professionals reported symptoms of burnout, citing increased workload and a lack of qualified personnel. Romania, despite having one of the largest IT talent pools in Europe (over 226,000 active specialists in 2024), is facing massive restructuring in the sector.
How can Romania transform labor market challenges into career opportunities?
In 2025, while the demand for IT specialists remains high for certain roles, large corporations in Romania announced collective layoffs. This reality highlights the urgent need for retraining and adaptation to new technological requirements. The labor market is undergoing unexpected transformations, both for companies and for employees, facing a double reality: increased demand for digital and AI skills, but also economic pressure that generates layoffs.
In this context and taking into account the evolution of AI, professional retraining is an opportunity not only for IT specialists affected by restructuring, but also for professionals from other fields, such as marketing, HR, finance, sales, who can make specific upskilling and the transition to digital careers. In an economy where AI and no-code skills are becoming standard, JobSquad Tech creates the bridge between existing expertise and new technological requirements.
Professional retraining: a strategic opportunity in the AI era
“The transformations in the IT market, combined with the impact of AI and automation, make professional retraining not just an option, but a strategic necessity for the future of the digital sector in Romania. Professionals who quickly update their skills will remain relevant and will be able to access the best career opportunities,” explains Ana-Maria Zamfirache, founder of JobSquad Tech, the first Romanian startup dedicated to professional retraining in IT after the waves of restructuring this year.
The JobSquad Tech Launch Summit, which will take place on September 18, in Bucharest, aims, with the help of HR experts and leaders from multinational companies, to provide participants with tools, concrete solutions, case studies and practical advice to navigate the transition to sustainable IT careers.
The event will discuss: the future of reconversion and work in the AI era, how to build a career in the AI era, what companies are looking for when hiring now, the first 100 days in a new tech job, strategic networking to be sought after by recruiters, as well as technical panels such as: “No-Code & AI: how you can build products without code”, or “From hobby to startup in Tech”. Among the guests at the conference are: Monica Cadogan, Corina Neagu, Alexandru Baloi, Ioana Tinca, Livia Badea, Doru Șupeală, Raluca Păduraru, David Iftime, Ana Zamfirache, Gabriela Roșca, Alexandru Pădure, Steliana Moraru, Oana Ciornei, Gabriela Gheorghe, Nóra Dobre, Luiza Bányai, Iulia Rotărescu and Alexandra Pricop.
Interested professionals can register here: https://shorturl.at/oqFoW
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About JobSquad Tech
JobSquad Tech is a holistic ecosystem for professional retraining, built in the Career-Building Product style. Fast-track programs (8-12 weeks) include practice on real projects, mentoring, career coaching and an AfterHire program that ensures the integration of participants into new roles.
The platform changes the classic paradigm of employment, from theoretical courses and CVs, to talent validation through practical projects, demos and direct partnerships with companies. Through events such as Talent Show and Demo Day, JobSquad Tech facilitates the rapid placement of graduates in digital roles in demand in the market.
JobSquad Tech has its roots in already validated pilot programs: JobSquad Start (career clarity) and JobSquad PM (accelerated retraining to Product Management), which demonstrated the real need in the market and laid the foundation for a scalable ecosystem.
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JobSquad Ecosystem
In addition to the programs already underway, the JobSquad ecosystem also includes other complementary initiatives:
● JobSquad Start – career guidance and clarity.
● JobSquad PM – accelerated reconversion to Product Management.
● JobSquad AfterHire – holistic support for the first 90 days in a new job.
● JobSquad Founders – support for entrepreneurs in transition.
● JobSquad Campus – a program dedicated to students and young people.
● JobSquad Circle – a network of mentors, ambassadors and volunteers.
In the future, the JobSquad Tech Digital infrastructure and the JobSquad Foundation social component will complete this framework, transforming JobSquad into a scalable ecosystem, capable of redefining professional retraining and the employment paradigm in the AI era.
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About the founder
Ana-Maria Zamfirache, founder of JobSquad Tech, is a Product Manager and UX strategist with over 10 years of experience in developing enterprise platforms, SaaS and internal digital tools for companies such as HP, SAP, Societe Generale and Vodafone.
Her expertise covers the area of product strategy, UX research and the integration of artificial intelligence and automation solutions, coordinating cross-functional teams and digital transformation projects.
Ana-Maria is the initiator of the “Career-Building. Product Style” concept, through which she applies agile and product management principles in the reconstruction of professional careers.
For Ana-Maria, JobSquad is not only a professional project, but also a personal mission. He believes in the potential of people and that, with the right support and community, anyone can rebuild their career and confidence. This belief is the foundation of JobSquad – an ecosystem built on respect for people, bringing together education, technology and partnerships with companies.
