How to Start a Career in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence or AI is all the hype these days, and why not it be? Its mission to make our lives easy is undoubtedly well-appreciated by the masses. Similarly, its vision to automate tasks and increase productivity is what most organisations aim for.

This futuristic tool has ample benefits, and one of them is to create jobs. AI offers many career opportunities to grab and lead a good life with significant growth. 

However, how to start a career in Artificial intelligence? Read this guide for all the tips and tricks.

What Is AI and Why Is It Popular? 

According to a 2023 Accenture survey, 95% of business leaders in Ireland have positive views about the possibilities and use cases of generative AI. In fact, 86% of Irish companies plan to include AI in their long-term strategy. 

This means that Ireland is slowly emerging as one of the leaders in AI and is ranked 3rd country in Europe for its excellent AI capacity to implement, launch and invest in this technology. 

But what makes AI so popular? 

AI is the simulation of human intelligence by machines such as computer systems and processes. Simply put, it helps devices gain intelligence like human smartness. 

A machine is fed data from the past. It uses that information to handle the current information, manage mistakes, and adjust new inputs with time. As a result, the machines get competent enough to perform like or better than humans. 

Artificial intelligence has many branches, including machine learning, deep learning, NLP or natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision. All these categories contribute to making AI a successful tool for the present and future. 

Interestingly, the concept of AI isn’t a new one. In fact, this technology was first introduced in the 1950s to explore symbolic methods and problem-solving concepts. Today, with the emergence of advanced algorithms, high data volumes, and complications in power and computer storage, AI has gained immense popularity and recognition.

It is safe to say that AI rules our digital world. This technology is helping improve the ways business processes work, increasing productivity and effectiveness. 

Is the AI Job Market Booming?

With more and more businesses and start-ups adapting AI for their business applications, the demand for AI professionals is also rising. 

AI has many job positions to offer. You can be an AI engineer, a machine learning expert, or a robotics specialist. It all comes from your educational background, experience, and technical skills. 

Ireland is at the peak of a digital transformation. Therefore, this is the right time to jump on the bandwagon and enter the world of AI through your skills and knowledge. 

But it is not as easy as it may sound. Ireland is slowly building its workforce to meet the demands of AI skills. There has been a 500% increase in AI talent between 2016 and 2022. 

So, if you want to start a career in AI, select the right career path and follow specific guidelines to beat your competition.

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Explore the Job Positions Available

Before you kickstart your career, explore the different AI job positions available. AI is a rapidly growing field that offers professionals impressive salaries and growth opportunities. Therefore, it is a great time to join the AI world. 

While there are many famous and highly-paid job roles, some are more popular than the rest. 

• AI Engineer: This professional develops, programs, and manages AI models through deep learning and machine learning. 

• Machine Learning Engineer: This professional deploys and develops various machine learning models by selecting the appropriate algorithm and designing responsive infrastructure. 

• Data Scientist: As the name suggests, a data scientist collects, cleans, and analyses data to create predictive models. The models are then used to make effortless decision-making. 

• Robotics Engineer: This person designs and runs robotic models created to make even complex tasks effortless. 

• Research Scientist: A researcher collects and analyses data correctly to solve real-world problems. The individual develops new algorithms to create machine-learning applications. 

• Big Data Engineer: This professional interacts with AI processing systems and databases to extract the data required for effective decision-making.

There are more job opportunities that AI aims to create in the near future. AI writers, artists and even chefs are some of the exciting positions that may take over the job market in the next few years. 

Each job position created by AI has a motive to achieve. But it can’t be gained until specific skills, knowledge, and experience have been successfully applied. Therefore, to start a career in AI, you must equip yourself with the best tools and weapons. 

Requirements to Start a Career in AI 

If you want to get hired by the best AI companies, know that specific skills and certifications can help you stand out from thousands of other aspirants. 

Skills Required to Start an AI Career

Here is the list. 

Statistical Skills: You can’t comprehend complex algorithms without understanding the concepts of probability and statistics. With knowledge of various statistical methods, you can extract insights from the collected data and evaluate different patterns in your information. 

In addition, many AI models like Hidden Markov Models and Naïve Bayes are based on statistical information. To understand and utilise their problems, your statistical skills may play an imperative role. Therefore, if you want to ace as a professional in your chosen AI career path, ensure to work on your statistical skills. 

Programming Skills: Do you know different programming languages like Python, R, and Java? These languages contribute to understanding complex algorithms and enhancing their coding processes' efficiency. Moreover, Java supports professionals in understanding mappers and utilising stats. 

Each language is significant in learning and implementing various AI concepts and models. 

Mathematical Skills: Applied mathematics is one of the core skills required to build a career in machine learning. You may come across many uses of probability and other mathematical concepts in AI. Besides, the use of problem-solving and analysing skills are also quite common.

AI Knowledge and Course Requirements

Great if you have all the skills above. However, these alone will not land you a desired job opportunity. To build an AI career, specific background knowledge, certifications, and academic achievements are required. 

For instance, if you want to apply for a job position as a machine learning engineer, you will only be considered with an educational background or training in science or programming. 

To increase your hiring chances, certification in AI and related subjects may prove beneficial. Similarly, many recruiters prefer aspirants with a year or two of experience in machine learning. This criterion is followed when finding a data scientist or a big data engineer. 

In the case of AI architects, companies prefer candidates with knowledge and experience in data migration, data mining, and data virtualisation. Courses and training on these subjects help you understand the basic and advanced concepts. 

Similarly, specific certifications can also help you build a strong portfolio. Online courses are the best way to polish your skills while creating new ones. 

Besides, when you attend a course and complete it, you exhibit your passion and eagerness to learn AI to your future employers. As a result, they identify you as a capable and passionate candidate for the job. 

Starting a Career Through Networking

With so many aspirants seeking a job in AI, you may face tough competition even with the right certifications. In that case, networking does wonders. 

You can meet new people and follow their career paths to build yours in many ways. 

• Since Ireland is slowly becoming a hub of AI initiatives, take it as an opportunity to attend seminars and conferences in your area. These meetings are great platforms to engage with researchers, professionals, and other like-minded people. Engage with AI experts and enthusiasts and share your resume or business card for any possibility of a vacancy. 

• Join AI communities online to find job vacancies and other opportunities to build your portfolio. AI Ireland is an online community that aims to promote and establish the concept and uses of artificial intelligence in the region. 

• You can also connect with professionals working on AI projects. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for finding such individuals. You can ask them to make you a part of their projects or give you an internship. This way, you will have something to include in your portfolio. 

• Finally, you can use your personal connections and connect with family, friends, and acquaintances working in AI. Request them to help you find a job or recommend you for an AI position in your company. 

Continuous Learning and Updating Yourself

Your career in artificial intelligence can only start and sustain if you are eager to learn and update yourself. AI is a rapidly evolving field, and to stay competitive while increasing your chances of finding a job, you should familiarise yourself with new trends and breakthroughs in the AI industry. 

You can find different news sources online and read blogs and research publications for all the latest developments. Education materials and tutorials online can also help you explore the changes in the AI world and fill any gap in your knowledge. 

There are several platforms that hold AI competitions. By participating, you build a strong portfolio and learn various new things. Besides, such competitions allow you to collaborate with other AI enthusiasts, increasing your networking opportunities. 

Finally, AI workshops and conferences are a great way to hear the updates directly from the mouth of the experts. These events allow you to question the new development and clear any misconceptions you may have. 

Get a Job and Build a Career

To find and build a career in AI, make sure your checklist ticks all the boxes above. While fate does play a role, as long as you have the proper background, skills, network, and eagerness to learn, you will find a job on platforms like LinkedIn or directly from one of the platforms or events. 

Make sure that you practise your AI concepts and all the possible interview questions. You should also have an understanding of the company and its AI goals. 

Stay confident and perform well and seal the deal. Once you enter the AI ecosystem, there is no looking back. It offers excellent growth potential and opportunities that you can continuously pursue.

FAQS

Is AI a Tough Field to Enter?

AI isn’t a challenging field to enter, provided you have the right skills, knowledge and a solid network to kickstart your career. You can also easily shift from your existing to an AI job with all the essentials required. Competition is high, but not for someone capable of beating it. 

Can I Become an AI Engineer?

Yes, you can become an AI Engineer. However, ensure you have attended training or courses on topics related to this field. Your programming skills should be strong, which can be achieved through workshops and training courses. You must also have a basic knowledge of machine learning. 

Are AI Jobs Highly Paid?

Most AI jobs are more well-paid than other fields. Even entry-level positions are paid more than non-AI job vacancies.

Final Takeaway

Were you always worried about starting an AI career? AI's growth and competitiveness can be overwhelming, but as long as you know how to start a career in Artificial intelligence, you can earn yourself a position in this field. 

Simply know the career path you want to follow, and then build your knowledge and skills to build it. Courses like Artificial Intelligence for Business by UCD Professional Academy can enhance your knowledge and help you stay updated. 

Build a strong network and then land a desired job. Work hard, stay consistent and be a capable asset to the AI ecosystem.