AI is creating the jobs of the future. Join the industry boom, learn and transform your career … [+]
A disruptive new industry has emerged… Artificial Intelligence. Or is it really new? AI has technically been around since it was discovered and coined in the 1950s, and we have all used it in some form or another in many aspects of our technology-controlled lives.
However, since ChatGPT's emergence in late 2022, it has generated unprecedented interest and excitement across multiple affected sectors, in some ways rivaling past tech booms.
Millions of jobs have been and are predicted to continue to be created, with McKinsey Global Institute predicting up to 50 million new jobs will be created across sectors worldwide by 2030. Upwork saw an increase of more than 1,000% in AI job postings in Q2 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, and on LinkedIn, demand for roles mentioning AI or generative AI has doubled over the past year.
Current job listings include AI research scientist, AI ethics consultant, machine learning engineer, AI engineer, AI product manager, and even AI management consultant positions, with salaries starting at $104,000 and an average salary of $151,668, according to the latest data from Salary.com. Artificial intelligence is impacting many sectors and industries, automating millions of jobs, boosting economies, and creating new jobs you've never heard of before. Now is a great time to consider securing your job future with AI, especially if you're worried that AI will impact your job.
Here are five steps to securing a role in an industry at the peak of growth.
Gain specific technical knowledge
To get a job working with AI, it's important to understand the technology behind it. Of course, specifics will vary depending on the job, but you'll generally need a strong foundation in math, statistics, programming, and data science, which can usually be acquired through a degree. In-demand technical skills include programming languages such as Python, R, Java, Scala, TypeScript, and C++; machine learning algorithms and frameworks such as KNN, linear regression, Naive Bayes, Keras, PyTorch, and Theano; and AI-specific knowledge of applications such as data engineering, processing, warehousing, database modeling, and IUI (intelligent user interfaces).
Don’t forget to hone your non-technical skills
While hard skills and knowledge are important, never underestimate the value of soft skills that can help you stand out as a candidate in the technology industry. Particularly useful non-technical skills include clear communication to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences and stakeholders, critical thinking and problem-solving, logical reasoning, adaptability, and curiosity.
Get certified
Become a specialist and hone your expertise to gain a competitive advantage. Explore certifications and short courses to learn more about AI, data science, and machine learning, and fine-tune your choice based on your unique career goals.
Nothing beats real-world experience
As you study, practice on projects to further hone and perfect your skills. This will highlight key areas for development and improvement. You can then seek help from a tutor or receive further training. The real-world experience you will also gain will strengthen your CV and will be seen as an asset by potential employers.
Stay relevant
Technology is evolving at a breakneck speed, and so will AI careers. This means that what's current today may be outdated or updated and no longer relevant a year from now. Keep abreast of new technology trends by reading business and technology publications, reading or listening to the latest industry-related books on Audible, and listening to podcasts. Another way to stay current is to actively expand your professional network and connect with innovative thinkers who are already working in the industry and ask for their advice and mentorship. They can offer advice specific to your career journey.
If you have a strong passion for technology, science, data and mathematics, now is the time to consider switching jobs, getting trained and solidifying your career by joining this rapidly expanding industry that is adopting globally. By gaining technical knowledge and certifications, honing your soft skills, applying your skills in the real world and staying relevant within the industry, you can build a successful career in Artificial Intelligence.
