Careers in Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is a booming industry. One quick search through social media, and you’ll see robotic pets, self-driving cars, and automated medical services. However, A.I. is not limited to novelty machines and features in gadgets. A.I. can be incorporated into various industries. A.I. technology can be used to automate repetitive jobs, such as filing and organizing. Some companies have been using A.I. technology to perform jobs that are too dangerous for humans.
The world of tech and artificial intelligence has seen developments within the past couple of decades, and it shows no signs of stopping. It is reshaping our world and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
The High Demand for AI Jobs
AI-related developments are popping up left and right. To keep up with the demand, many industries are looking to employ engineers who can deliver products that people need and will need in the future, which can then facilitate economic growth.
Right now, a few of the top companies that are actively doing research and development for A.I. are Google, Amazon, and Apple. However, startups are popping up in major hubs like Silicon Valley, Beijing, Singapore, and Seoul in South Korea.
How to Get There: Education in A.I.
Although the field of artificial intelligence is growing fast, it is considered an emerging field. Those who aspire who make it in this field might find it challenging to find a school that offers a formal A.I. degree. Colleges and universities have yet to come up with a standard A.I. degree, let alone a curriculum.
Aspiring A.I. experts can start on their journey by getting acquainted with data science, machine learning, and taking courses in coding. Pioneers of this field got started by obtaining degrees in computer science and engineering.
Since A.I. is still in its infancy, students have the freedom to forge their path. However, experts agree that the fundamental courses to take are statistics and computer science. Take the fundamental courses and a few other interdisciplinary courses that will allow you to focus on your area of specialization. Take it upon yourself to define or modify your A.I. curriculum, but consult the Dean or academic advisers in your school to ensure that you are on the right track.
If you are in the middle of your career phase but wish to move to a job in A.I., there are supplementary programs that can help with that transition. Starting personal projects is also helpful. You can show your output to potential employers to show them your interest and expertise.
Why Pursue a Career in A.I.
We are in the midst of a digital revolution. Students will soon be entering the workforce with a plethora of possibilities and prospects in A.I. However, given the limitations stated in the previous section, aspiring students need to take the initiative to define their career path and acquire the skill sets and knowledge needed in this field.
At its core, A.I. aims to improve people’s quality of life. It aims to help companies become more accurate and efficient while maximizing productivity. A.I. is an up-and-coming industry and one that is looking to add more people to it.
Final Thoughts The emerging field of artificial intelligence is fast-expanding and in need of talented engineers to meet demands. Soon, no industry will be left untouched by A.I. technology. If you have an aptitude for computer science, engineering, and design with a natural dose of curiosity and perseverance, you might just make it in this field.