How to Get a Job in AI: Required Education and Skills

Choosing a career path in technology can be difficult because you have so many options to pick from. Artificial intelligence is a unique career option that combines computer science and cognitive science theory. Key AI skills include a strong background in math and science, which you will use to create technological advancements that improve quality of life.

You will need to spend some time learning the required skills, but with lots of job growth in this area, there is a bright future in one of the highest-paying jobs in AI. Read on to learn more about how to get a job in AI.

What Is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or machine to perform complex tasks that used to require human intelligence. AI assists humans in solving problems and making decisions with the overall goal of making life easier.

Artificial intelligence is divided into four types. They are reactive, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-aware. There are also different subfields such as machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and robotics. AI is already present in our daily lives in the form of virtual assistants, chatbots, self-driving cars, recommended searches, and manufacturing robots.

AI Job Outlook

Artificial intelligence, as part of computer and information research, is a rapidly growing field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 22 percent job growth for computer and information research scientists between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average growth for all occupations.

What Education Do I Need to Become an AI Engineer?

To become an AI engineer, you usually need a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, or other related fields. However, you may be able to enter the field with an associate degree in an IT-related program or by attending a coding bootcamp for an intensive course in artificial intelligence or machine learning.

Can I Get an AI Job Without a Degree?

Yes, you can get an artificial intelligence job without a degree, but you will need some other type of formal education. A great option is to attend a coding bootcamp for artificial intelligence, machine learning, or a similar field. Coding bootcamps are accepted education credentials by many employers today and coding bootcamp graduates are hired by top companies in the technology industry.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in AI?

Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a job in artificial intelligence. Coding bootcamps are short-term, fast-paced schools that teach students the relevant knowledge and skills required for a tech career. They are designed to quickly prepare you for a promising career in technology.

During a bootcamp course, you build a portfolio to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Bootcamps also offer career services such as interview prep, career coaching, resume writing, and career-readiness training. Many bootcamps also partner with top tech companies to help their graduates in the job market.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in AI?

It doesn’t take long to get a job in artificial intelligence, especially when you have the skills and experience that a recruiter is looking for. You can land an entry-level role soon after graduation, since many employers want applicants with less than one year of experience for these roles.

If you are a professional who has been in the field for a while, you can get a job quickly with your relevant experience and a strong interview. AI is a growing field with projected continuous growth over the next decade, and the demand for professionals of all levels is high.

Common AI Education Paths

There are different educational paths that you can choose from to start your career in artificial intelligence, and you can pick whichever is best for you. Popular options include earning a college degree in computer science or joining a coding bootcamp. Read more on each of the available options below.

Artificial Intelligence Bootcamps

Bootcamps are a great way to start a career in AI. Whether you want to become a software developer or an artificial intelligence engineer, you can create the skill set required to start a career in tech. They are a reasonable alternative to traditional college programs because they are more affordable, offer financial aid, and prepare you to be job-ready right after graduation.

Community College

Community colleges are two-year institutions that equip students with the knowledge required to start a career in a particular field. They are similar to four-year colleges, except they offer shorter, technical programs and community college students earn an associate degree instead of a bachelor’s degree. You can also transfer to a four-year school after completing your associate degree.

Artificial Intelligence Degrees

Getting a bachelor’s degree is one of the most popular ways of starting a career in AI. You should look for a program in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, statistics, mathematics, data science, or another related field. Any of these programs are accepted by employers and will teach you the skills you need to work in AI.

College degrees typically take four years to complete as a full-time student, but it could take up to five years depending on the program, school, and location. Many students choose to continue their education with a master’s degree after a few years of work experience for career growth. Getting a master’s degree is not required for a career in AI, but it could help you achieve your career goals.

Key AI Skills to List on Your Resume

As an AI professional, there are specific skills that potential employers expect you to have. Having these common skills listed on your resume could make a difference for you in the job market. A few of them are listed below.

Programming Languages

Programming languages are essential in the technology world. Whether you want to become a data analyst or a BI developer, you will need to know at least two coding languages. As an artificial intelligence expert, you should be highly skilled in Python and Java.

Python is the ideal coding language used for machine learning and AI. It is easy to learn, understand, and work with. Java is also considered to be a top language for AI, and it is regarded as the best programming language for beginners. Other languages commonly used in AI include C++, LISP, Julia, and Haskell.

Applied Mathematics

A key component of AI is working with algorithms to define problems, derive solutions, and create models. To be successful, you need to have strong math skills. You don’t need to be a math genius, but you do need a foundational understanding of mathematics.

While most other tech careers, like software development, don’t require strong math skills, AI does because it relies on math and its different branches. Demonstrating on your resume that you have solid applied mathematics skills will prove to your potential employer that you have what it takes to deliver results.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is one of the most important parts of artificial intelligence. With machine learning, computers can learn, adapt, and grow by themselves, which is the mission of AI technology. Using machine learning, AI can power apps that make accurate predictions without any human help.

You will need machine learning skills to become an AI engineer. If this is not already a part of your resume, you should consider completing some machine learning certifications to prove to potential employers that you can meet the demand for machine learning.

Where to Find Artificial Intelligence Jobs

Artificial intelligence is a growing field which means that there is a huge demand for AI professionals. These varied job openings are easy to find on common job-search platforms. Some of the most commonly-used platforms are listed below.

Job Boards

Job boards are online platforms that exist to share job openings from various industries, companies, and locations worldwide. Use the search function on these boards with the job title you’re interested in as well as the location, and you are guaranteed to find several options.

Some job boards are also designed to let you apply directly through their platform, while others will direct you to the company website to apply. You can also set up a specific notification that will send you similar job openings as they become available.

Company Websites

If you have specific companies that you want to work for, you can visit its career page, where you are likely to find all the available job openings at the company. If you are having trouble finding a page titled “Jobs” or “Careers” on the company website, try searching for the company name or URL and the job title to find open positions.

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AI Communities

Online communities consist of a group of people from the same industry, field, or career who have similar interests and like to network with each other. They exist for almost every field and are a good way to keep updated on industry trends, build a solid professional network, and find job opportunities. You can find them by searching your field and “online community.”

You should join an online AI community with members in your region to help with your professional growth and job search. Through this group, you may also be invited to industry events and training programs.

How to Prepare for Your AI Interview

To prepare for an artificial intelligence interview, you need to build your AI portfolio, read up on industry trends and news, get familiar with relevant terms, learn about the job position, and do your research on the company. Confidence in your skills, understanding the job role, and knowing about the company brings you one step close to landing your next job.

AI Interview Questions

• What does artificial intelligence mean to you?
• What are some real-life applications of artificial intelligence? 
• Explain the different domains of artificial intelligence. 
• What programming languages have you used for artificial intelligence projects?

The 5 Highest-Paying AI Jobs

*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Computer and Information Research Scientists 

AI Engineer

• Salary: $164,769

AI engineers are responsible for developing software programs that can think like the human brain. This involves combining math, science, and engineering skills with software development, data science, and programming to develop software that can solve problems and make life easier.

Software Architect

• Salary: $127,320

Software architects use computer code to design software applications. They are in charge of the planning, designing, building, and installing of features of a software program.

Data Scientist

• Salary: $126,830

Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets to develop solutions to problems, often specifically business problems. They build data models to help solve business issues, present the information through data visualization, and make well-informed business decisions.

Software Engineer

• Salary: $120,553

Software engineers design, build, test, and install software applications that meet user needs. They combine the principles of engineering, mathematics, and software development to create computer software programs that solve problems.

Machine Learning Engineer

• Salary: $111,983

Machine learning engineers develop self-running AI software to automate predictive models like image classification, chatbots, speech recognition, driverless cars, virtual assistants, and market forecasting. They design machine learning and deep learning systems using machine learning algorithms to get accurate predictions.

AI Career Path

The typical career path of AI developers starts with entry-level roles such as junior data analyst or associate data scientist. These roles will help you develop your skills and give you the hands-on experience required to take on higher positions. Later in your career, you might work as an AI research scientist or AI engineer. After many years in the field, you will be ready for senior-level positions such as a senior software engineer, senior ML engineer, or senior AI engineer.

Entry-Level AI Jobs

• Junior Data Analyst – This entry-level position entails seeking and collecting data from primary sources. These experts also interpret the data, write reports, and present the information gathered. This is a good start for an AI engineer in the field.
• Associate Data Scientist – Associate data scientists assist more experienced data scientists in their roles and responsibilities. Job responsibilities include gathering data, analyzing data, and interpreting data using statistical methods, tools, and processes to help businesses make good decisions.
• Information System Analyst – Information system analysts are responsible for the IT system of an organization. They typically work to create designs, make analyses, create implementations, and provide solutions for an IT system.

Mid-Level AI Jobs

• Data Engineer – Data engineers design methods that improve data reliability and quality by transforming the data format into a machine-readable format that data scientists can understand and interpret.
• Research Scientist – Research scientists carry out investigations, experiments, and trials. They design, analyze, and interpret information based on their experiments and make decisions that help solve problems.
• AI Engineer – AI engineers build and train the complex networks of algorithms that make up AI. These algorithms can learn, analyze, and make predictions, and they are used to design software and applications that can function like the human brain.

Senior-Level AI Jobs

• Senior Software Engineer – This senior-level role involves the development of information systems and software solutions by studying systems flow, work processes, and operations. Senior software engineers are also in charge of directing software development processes.
• Senior ML Engineer – Senior machine learning engineers develop self-running AI software like driverless cars, chatbots, and predictive models for recommended searches. They do this by applying AI algorithms to solve existing problems.
• Senior AI Engineer – Senior AI engineers develop software solutions using AI tools and machine learning models. They carry out research, create AI models, and run machine learning tests.

AI Certifications

Certifications serve as evidence of your skills. They prove to potential employers that you are capable of the skills on your resume and that you can perform the role efficiently. There are several AI certifications available to help boost your resume and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate

This certification equips students with full knowledge of AI, including its application and uses. It also covers topics on machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. This certification shows that you have practical Python and IBM Watson AI skills.

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate

IBM offers this certification to test your knowledge and skills in machine learning and deep learning, including using Apache Spark to scale ML on Big Data. This certification shows that you have completed several machine learning and deep learning projects.

Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AIE) Certification Process by the Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA)

This certification is one of the most recognized AI certifications in the industry. It gives skilled professionals comprehensive resources to increase their expertise in the field and keep them updated on the latest industry trends. It covers topics in neural networks, deep learning, and reinforcement learning.

Azure AI Engineer Associate: Certificate from Microsoft

This certificate tests AI engineers’ ability on Microsoft Azure to analyze, design, and utilize AI models in solutions. This certificate is best for AI professionals who work on Azure as it will increase their job opportunities in the field.

Tips on How to Get a Job in AI

Getting a job in artificial intelligence requires a lot of determination, time, and skill. Once you succeed, you will find it a highly rewarding career. The steps listed below will guide you through the process of getting a job in AI.

Get an education

You can’t start a career in AI without the right education. There are several different educational paths available to you, including a bootcamp course, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. You can choose which works best for you to gain the required knowledge and skills to start a successful career in the field.

Build your skills

After you have completed the educational requirements, you can now develop and perfect your skills. You can do this by working on projects to discover your strengths and work on your weaknesses. These projects make up your professional portfolio and showcase your skills to potential employers.

Get experience

You can get work experience by applying for an artificial intelligence apprenticeship or internship. You can find these opportunities through your school, bootcamp, or independent research. This experience will boost your resume and impress potential employers.

Get certified

There are various AI certifications available online. Having a recognized certification on your resume is evidence of your skills and will show employers that you can do the job.

Apply for entry-level jobs

You can find entry-level jobs through job boards, company websites, online organizations, and bootcamp or school career services. Your first AI job will give you real-world experience that will start your career. Following the steps above will help you land that first AI job.

Should You Get a Job in AI in 2022?

Yes, you should get a job in artificial intelligence in 2022. It is an exciting and relatively new career path that will grow in the coming years as technology evolves. If you like solving problems using technology, then this is a great career for you.

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