Building a career in artificial intelligence (AI) requires the use of advanced computer programs and software, robotics and automation. Certain levels of education related to engineering, technology, mathematics, and logic are important for anyone that wants to get jobs in the field. To effectively communicate the use of AI to others, such a person also requires verbal and written communication skills. Therefore, interested candidates should learn more about the array of careers in the field so that they can acquire the relevant skills.
Skills and abilities that are important to careers in AI
There are certain characteristics that are common to AI specialists with highly successful and advanced careers. To function properly in AI, there is a need for problem-solving skills and analytical thought process that ensure that solutions that are cost-effective and efficient are proffered. Besides, it is essential to have foresight concerning technological innovations that bring about world-class programs that help to maintain the competitiveness of companies.
Furthermore, the process of designing, maintaining and repairing software and technology requires technical skills from AI professionals. In addition, these professionals need to understand how they can convey highly technical data so that other individuals can make use of the technology to perform their roles. Resultantly, they must have excellent communication skills as well as teamwork abilities.
Educational criteria for careers in AI
Fundamental backgrounds in mathematics and computer technology are important to the majority of programs in AI. While a bachelor’s degree is enough for entry-level roles, master’s or doctoral degrees are essential for supervisory, administrative and leadership positions.
Generally, the following courses are involved in the coursework:
- Some knowledge of math, such as statistics, calculus, algorithms, probability, and algebra
- Robotics, engineering, and physics
- Cognitive science theory
- Graphical modeling or Bayesian networking, such as neural nets
Interested persons can look for degree programs that provide AI majors. As an alternative, they can also specialize in AI in other majors like health informatics, engineering, computer science, information technology, or graphic design.
Different categories of AI careers
Education, the military, health facilities, private companies, government agencies, the arts, and public organizations all promote careers in AI. Based on the sensitivity of the information that the professionals are likely to deal with, a security clearance may be needed for a few roles before candidates are hired. Some roles that AI specialists can handle include:
- Computer engineers
- Computer scientists
- Software developers and analysts
- Manufacturing and electrical engineers
- Algorithm specialists
- Research scientists and engineering consultants
- Military and aviation electricians that handle armaments, flight simulators, and drones
- Mechanical engineers and maintenance technicians
- Surgical technicians that use robotic tools
- Medical health experts that deal with vision restoration tools, artificial limbs, hearing aids, and prosthetics
- Entertainment producers, graphic art designers, textile manufacturers, digital musicians, and architects
- Post-secondary professors at universities, vocational facilities, and technical and trade schools
Notably, artificial intelligence began in the 1950s and has continued to enhance the quality of life in various industries. Therefore, individuals that have skills that they can use to turn digital forms of data into useful human experience will realize that an AI career can be profitable and long-lasting.
As career opportunities in artificial intelligence grow in number, so too has the demand for those with AI based skills, having doubled over the last few years with the availability of job postings in the field up by as much as 119 percent. Those who are interested in seeking these types of positions leave opportunities wide open for those who are interested, suggesting that employers who need to have this type of work done have difficulty fulfilling these positions.
Educational Requirements for AI Careers
Many employers will want you to at least have a bachelor’s degree in basic computer technology and mathematics, though this will only get you so far. You’ll need to take courses that cover robotics, physics, engineering, computer science with coding experience, Bayesian networking and various levels of higher math. Still, there specific requirements for specific roles in the industry.
Top Five Careers in Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning Engineer
Engineers in this field are highly sought and are considered to be the heart of artificial intelligence projects. Being a machine learning engineer usually requires a background in data science and applied research with an understanding of programming languages like Python, Java and Scala. Machine learning engineers should also have the ability to use natural language processing while working with huge data sets as well as the ability to apply predictive models. Strong mathematical, analytical and programming skills are a must. This position tends to average a salary of $114,856.
- Data Scientist
Data Scientist positions require the scientists to take control of analyzing, collecting and interpreting complex sets of data using both predictive analysis and machine learning while playing an important part in the development of algorithms with the goal of collecting and cleaning up data to be analyzed. Data scientists should understand programming languages like Perl, Python and Scala and be comfortable with data platforms like Pig, Spark, hive and Hadoop. These positions often pay $120,000 a year.
- Business Intelligence Developer
The objective of a Business Intelligence Developer position is to analyze complex data sets that will allow companies to see market and business trends. They improve the profitability and efficiency of a business and are responsible for modeling, designing and keeping up with complex data sets on data platforms that are primarily cloud based. Strong analytical and technical skills are a must while being able to communicate easily with colleagues on a non-technical level. This position pays around $92,000 a year.
- Research Scientist
Scientists in these positions understand various disciplines of AI, including machine learning, applied mathematics, deep learning and computational statistics. Candidates looking to be hired should have extensive experience and knowledge in graphical models, computer perception, natural language processing and reinforcement learning. Earning around $99,000 a year, a research scientist requires an advanced master’s degree or doctoral degree in computer science.
- Big Data Engineer/Architect
These positions tend to offer the best-paying jobs a person can have in AO and average a salary of $151,000. These architects and engineers are important when it comes to creating an “ecosystem” that allows businesses to collate data and communicate with one another. This position is typically charged with designing, planning and developing this sort of environment on Spark and Hadoop systems. Those in this field are expected to have a Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics or a related field.
Those interested in taking on a career in artificial intelligence could look into companies like Amazon, NVIDIA, Microsoft. Facebook, Intel, PCO Innovation, Rakuten Marketing, Wells Fargo, IBM, Samsung, MoTek Technologies, Lenovo, Adobe and even Uber.
