Human history has a long and lucrative track record of technological advancements, especially when it comes to ideas that seem ridiculous at the time. Even in the 1980s, people's homes didn't have the internet. There was no very little way you were reading this article. Online schools didn't exist, at least in the way we took online college classes right now.
And while each technological advancement may have detractors, it is difficult to discuss the benefits of technology as a whole. After all, Big has taken us to the moon and has given us many incredible advancements in television, 3D printing, and modern medicine.
What do you think will be next? For many, the future of technology lies straight up in machine learning and artificial intelligence known as AI.
So, what is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to technologies that can perform complex tasks that usually require human reasoning, creation and decision-making, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
For example, if a company like Netflix wants to predict which movie a customer wants to watch next, the data scientist will create an algorithm based on that customer's viewing history. Next, we use that algorithm to provide a list of suggestions.
Learn more about what artificial intelligence is.
What is the difference between AI and machine learning?
While machine learning is useful, it is important to note that its functionality does not involve artificial intelligence. Machine learning (ML) involves only mathematical or mechanical processes. After that, artificial intelligence will further advance data science and machine learning.
“(Machine learning) is a data science program that can be adapted based on experience.” Ben TuckerAssociate Dean of AI and Data Science at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), and skill coach for SNHU's professional skills course, “Generative AI: Concept to Innovation.” “For example, consider weather predictors. The more weather inputs you have, the better your predictions of what's coming next.”
Machine learning can make predictions, but he said artificial intelligence can adjust the calculations. In other words, “AI can adapt dynamically and dynamically based on inputs, unlike static ML models,” Tasker said. For example, a fully automated self-driving car is an example of something that uses fully artificial intelligence.
How will AI be used in the future?
We have actually been using AI for a while, not just for factories and assembly lines, but also for futuristic cars designs. “AI is not just knocking on the doors of the future,” Tasker said. “It's already been moved.”
Chatbots and virtual assistants are routinely used to respond to emails, schedule appointments, and take notes on meetings. And that's not all. Tasker said the AI has achieved status in classrooms, hospitals, courtrooms and meeting rooms. Now that the technology has been established throughout the industry, he said there is a new era of AI on the horizon.
“The next evolution of AI isn't just about efficiency,” Tasker said. “It's about amplification.”
AI agents are one of the biggest advances on the horizon. May Marenorganic marketing and AI strategist at SNHU. Mullen has worked with AI and Large Language Models (LLMS) for six years, including four years of professional experience.
“As opposed to acting as a response engine, agents can autonomously handle the initiation of follow-up tasks, make decisions and work with other AI systems,” she said.
Will AI take on your job?
For some tasks or tasks, perhaps. For all jobs and tasks? The chances are low.
Mullen notes that the most risky positions for exchange include customer service, administrative work and recruitment. “While LLM argues that it's not suitable to completely replace human work due to bias and hallucinations, the reality is that many companies are willing to accept these risks to reduce operational costs,” she said.
Regarding other positions, he said that instead of taking a job, AI can change the way you work and increase your productivity.
“There's a sense that every repetitive task is ultimately outsourced to AI,” Mullen said. “The reality is that most of the efficiency gains from AI are not due to the company-wide revolution, but the use of AI by individual workers.”
Tasker agreed. “AI has the potential to recharge human abilities, making it easier to focus on some of the work that requires creativity, empathy or judgment,” he said.
According to Tasker, some roles could disappear once technology stepped in, but AI is also creating new jobs.
Learn more about the future of work in the workplace and the role of AI.
What is your career in machine learning and AI?
There are so many opportunities to create your own niche in the field of data science in general and in AI in particular. “Many companies are beginning to invest in the idea of artificial intelligence, especially now,” Tasker said.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers of computer information and research scientists are projected to increase by 26% between now and 2033. This is much faster than the national average for career growth. The median salary was $140,910 in 2024, reported BLS.
Tasker and Mullen said other top career options for machine learning and artificial intelligence are:
- AI Engineer: According to the American Institute of Artificial Intelligence (USAII), this role could involve various aspects of designing, developing and building artificial intelligence models and training them to learn from experience.
- AI Ethicist: “Work directly with the company to ensure that AI systems are designed and implemented while addressing concerns such as bias and transparency,” Mullen said.
- Data Scientist: In this role, according to BLS, you can use data, computer modeling and statistics to solve problems. According to Mullen, data scientists are extremely popular in the field of skill sets.
- Big Data Engineer: The overlap with the role of a data scientist and his role as a big data engineer allows them to design, build and optimize complex systems of “big data” or extremely large data sets, the American Data Science Council (DSCA). According to Mullen, this is another very popular role.
- Machine Learning Engineer: This role is similar to that of AI engineers, focusing instead on machine learning.
Careers in machine learning and artificial intelligence are still defined. This creates a generous opportunity to innovate and engrave your own career path. According to Tasker, new AI-related roles exist even that didn't exist five years ago. Prompt engineers and AI coaches.
“These roles lie at the intersection of technology and humanity, helping organizations navigate complexity, both in speed and care,” Tasker said.
What skills do you need to have in your AI career?
The more you have, the more you have, the more you have, the better you can get under your belt.
“Learn Python,” Mullen said. “The strong foundation in that programming language will not only help you understand how AI systems process data, but also make it easier to create your own AI applications.”
While a bachelor's degree is a great foundation for building a career in artificial intelligence, please note that depending on the type of role you plan to pursue, you may need an advanced degree, such as a master's degree in computer science.
“While advanced degrees are common to the role of technical AI, AI increasingly applies value skills, certification and practical experience,” Tasker said.
Why is AI controversial?
According to both Tasker and Mullen, concerns about the impact of AI have not been exaggerated. If you're interested in AI, it means you need to take ethics seriously to make a positive impact on your work.
In addition to concerns about job mobility, here are some of the main reasons why AI is controversial.
- Bias and false reporting: “AI technology cannot completely remove the biases of the culture that created it, allowing us to replicate real-world discrimination without careful surveillance,” Mullen says.
She said this year, Chris Gatlin was released after spending 17 months in prison for a crime he didn't commit. “He was misidentified by an AI facial recognition program that is still being used by law enforcement agencies across the country,” Mullen said.
Not only can AI provide biased or misinformation, it can also be used to intentionally create and disseminate misinformation, the National Library of Medicine (NLM). There are also concerns about AI-generated deepfakes that NLM has said will pose unprecedented challenges to information and media literacy.
- Data Training Ethics: Without the permission of the original creator or copyright holder, many large-scale language models were trained in data such as art, photography, writing, and more. This has led to many major fair use lawsuits, many of which have not yet been resolved.
- Cognitive decline: Researchers from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon (PDF source) found that relying too much on AI can affect confidence and critical skills.
“Improperly used techniques can lead to degradation of cognitive faculties that should be preserved,” the study said.
- Environmental impact: According to MIT News, widespread use of AI involves environmental consequences. This includes increased use of electricity and water consumption, as well as large-scale carbon footprints.
“Biasing, surveillance, and moving work are not just headlines, they are design challenges,” says Tasker. “The path forward requires a deliberate focus on responsible implementation, continuous learning and equity.”
Mullen said certain forms of AI have greater potential for harm than others, like AI-generated video and audio. “It's already been used to spread misinformation, promote fraud, strengthen bias and devalue the work of human artists on a massive scale,” she said.
Still, these tools don't disappear anytime soon, Mullen says, educating yourself is the best way to combat misuse.
By studying AI, we can find solutions to these problems and work to build a world where AI does what it has the potential to do.
*The cited employment growth forecasts may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or employment situations and do not guarantee actual employment growth. Actual pay and/or revenue potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to, years of experience, the industry of employment, geographical location, and workers' skills.
Former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morgeli is a career educator and author. She taught and mentored composition, literature and writing at all levels, from middle school to graduate school. She has two graduate degrees in English and literature, and is supposed to help others speak through the power of storytelling – both education and writing. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
