How to Launch a Career in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with 4Geeks Academy

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies have helped businesses elevate their products and services, introducing the world to innovations like self-driving cars, industrial automation machines, and data estimation and projection models.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai even went as far as calling AI “the most profound technology that humanity will ever develop and work on”. The potential is evident in the way companies race to adopt these technologies. Fortune Business Insights predicts that the AI market will grow from $47.47 billion in 2021 to $360.36 billion in 2028.

The trends suggest that AI and machine learning technologies are here to stay. But, what does this mean for you? 

The answer is a potentially lucrative career and a place in the future of work. In this article, we will look at the reasons to pursue a career in AI and machine learning, along with available opportunities and job outlook. More importantly, we will take a look at how you can gain the skills necessary to break into the field.

What Is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?

Artificial intelligence refers to the technology enabling a machine or a computer system to mimic human decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. Today, it powers some of the most common services we use like maps and navigation, editing tool, and social media.

Machine learning is a branch of AI. It refers to the ability of a computer system to learn automatically using past data without being programmed to perform a task. Some popular examples of ML-powered technologies include virtual personal assistants, text prediction, and search engine recommendations.

Why Learn Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?

The simple answer is that the global workforce needs more AI and machine learning experts.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science and information research jobs are projected to grow by 22 percent between 2020 to 2030. This growth is considered higher than the average, which points to the opportunities well within the grasp of those intending to break into tech, especially the AI and machine learning fields.

Machine learning technologies have many applications across various industries like finance, healthcare, travel, retail, and education. Even so, experts say that machine learning technology is still in its infancy. This means that getting into the field at this stage can give you a competitive advantage as the technology evolves.

Another major perk of getting into these fields is the earning potential. According to job site Indeed, the average annual salary of a machine learning engineer is $131,587. Other AI-related roles like data scientist and software architect reportedly earn a median salary of $110,000 and $135,107 respectively.

If you want to be at the receiving end of such opportunities, you can start building your AI and machine learning skills at tech bootcamp, 4Geeks Academy. 4Geeks Academy has positioned itself as a place where students learn tech skills that can set them up for a successful career.

Those looking to kickstart a career in one of the fastest-growing fields in tech can enroll in its AI/ML Engineering program. It’s a part-time immersive program, suitable for professionals with backgrounds in business, maths, and science who are looking to make a career shift.

A Review of 4Geeks Academy’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineering Program

4Geeks Academy’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineering program is deep-rooted in practicality. Students learn using real-world data as they receive first-hand experience on how to apply AI technology for business development. Using industry-standard tools, students receive training in product life-cycle, from development all the way through deployment. They also train in other critical areas such as ethics, maintenance, and security.

The AI/ML Engineering program at 4Geeks Academy is designed by industry professionals with careful consideration of industry trends. Students also receive unlimited one-on-one mentorship along with access to Slack groups and career support to help them in their journey.

By the time students graduate, they should be well prepared to take up any challenges in their new role.

Schedule

Classes are held three times a week over 15 weeks. To ensure optimal experience and results, students are usually required to have a background in maths, statistics, data, or coding.

Cost

The program tuition is $13,499 with flexible financing options available. Students can reach out to 4Geeks Academy’s advisor for more information on payment plans and scholarships.

Curriculum

1. Introduction to Python (2 Weeks)

Two weeks before the program begins, students are introduced to the basics of Python. Using different Python libraries such as Numpy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, students learn to collect, store, and manipulate data. This preliminary step is an avenue for students to get familiar with building AI and ML models, which will be helpful as they progress through the course.

2. Data Science for AI (4 Weeks)

Students learn how to extract both unstructured and structured datasets from different sources using different data extraction tools such as web scraping, SQL, and text files. Next, students learn to make statistical inferences and draw meaningful insights from data through data manipulation, exploration, visualization, and model building.

Students complete this learning stage by completing a project that demonstrates their understanding of data cleaning, analyses, and building prediction models using real-world datasets.

3. Practical Machine Learning (6 Weeks)

At this stage, students learn how to solve practical problems using ML concepts. First, students define the ML type (unsupervised learning, regression models, or classification). Then, they perform data pre-processing, create pipelines, and split data into train and test datasets.

The split datasets are then used to train multiple models. The results are analyzed, and students resolve model over-fitting challenges. Finally, students choose the best-performing models using cross-validation methods.

This stage caps with the task of developing a finished project to display their understanding of all the major topics, including different ML models by using real-world data.

4. AI in Production (3 Weeks)

At this stage, students are trained on how to build data architectures, deploy AI models into production following the product life-cycle process both on-cloud and on-premise, including maintaining and monitoring the deployed models.

Students complete the course with a final project to showcase their understanding of the entire course by developing and deploying an AI solution.

5. Lifelong Support

4Geeks Academy promises to provide career support and technical assistance to its students, well beyond graduation. These services are meant to guide alumni through every stage of their career growth as they enter the workforce.

Why Learn AI and Machine Learning at 4Geeks Academy?

4Geeks Academy’s AI/ML Engineering program was formulated in collaboration with Strata.ai, a company focused on building and scaling decision science, AI, and extended reality technologies. According to its co-founder Sayyed Nezhadi, this program aims at bridging the skills gap while helping tech talent launch a future-proof career.

“There is a growing demand for AI practitioners and ML engineers, but there is a skill shortage to meet these demands. In collaboration with 4Geeks Academy, Strata aims to train AI and ML professionals to be market-ready,” Sayyed said.

While he acknowledged that AI professionals are among “the most paid in tech”, the journey to upskill is not without its hurdles.

“Every student might encounter a different challenge depending on their background. For instance, students with a coding background might need training in communicating their results. Those transitioning from the educational fields will need to be brought up to speed with coding and communication fundamentals. So every student faces a unique challenge.”

However, he added that perseverance is key to obtaining great results. “It is rewarding financially and professionally, but you need patience and dedication to practice assignments, projects, and knowledge application.”

Who Should Apply?

Those who have experience in data analytics or equivalent, including some coding skills, may apply for this program. Suppose you do not have coding experience. 4Geeks Academy advises that you enroll in its Full-Stack Engineering Part-Time program before commencing the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineering Part-Time program.

The Full-Stack Engineering program will equip you with the required coding skills to complete the AI/ML program. Not only that, but you will also acquire software engineering skills that will further add weight to your resume–making you stand out in the pool of job applicants.

Many students who started their journey at 4Geeks Academy have landed their dream jobs in various top tech companies and most of them started with little to no coding experience.

Become an AI Specialist or Machine Learning Engineer with 4Geeks Academy

4Geeks Academy is an award-winning coding bootcamp that strives to produce graduates who “think differently, are self-confident, and able to to bring their ideas to life”. Its programs teach popular skills and concepts in line with industry standards. This ultimately helps students increase their earning potential and launch a solid career.

Since its inception, the school has helped hundreds of students acquire technical skills that enable them to bring innovative projects to life. You, too, can make a difference and seize job opportunities by learning AI and ML skills at 4Geeks Academy. Start your application at 4Geeks Academy today.