Artificial intelligence (AI) drives our modern economy, drawing on the power of data to help leaders make informed decisions. As a catalyst for both innovation and productivity, AI has a lot to offer: valuable insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and beyond. It should not be feared as a replacement for human opportunities but rather as a supplement, capable of optimizing mundane tasks while encouraging employees to think creatively and work collaboratively.
Despite these advantages, there is no denying that professionals across industries are concerned about AI advancements and the likelihood that they will shake up the job market. Yes, some roles may change as a result of AI, but this technology will also produce exciting new positions, or entire fields, that did not exist a few short years ago. Those willing to embrace AI (while developing relevant skills) will be well-poised to take on exciting opportunities that span many sectors.
The Rise of AI and the Demand for AI Professionals
We live in a data-driven world, but this information is so abundant that it can be difficult to navigate. This is where AI comes into play, offering a more efficient and reliable approach to analyzing huge volumes of data so it can inform today’s most critical decision-making efforts. Not just anybody is capable of navigating these advanced systems, however, or understanding the insights that AI promises to unleash.
The growth of AI has outpaced the job market, with employers increasingly expressing concern about AI skill gaps. This could be great news for professionals with strong analytical skills, as employers are clearly eager to hire job candidates with strong AI aptitude and may go to great lengths to attract these talented professionals. High wages can be expected, with many professionals also taking advantage of remote jobs in the AI industry.
Core Skills and Competencies for a Career in AI
AI may provide valuable support in many fields, but it cannot function optimally without human oversight or without distinctly human competencies such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and creativity. To thrive in new, AI-driven roles, professionals must hone these soft skills while also developing a thorough understanding of the modern digital landscape. Adaptability is a must, as while the pace of change may already seem rapid, this is expected to further accelerate as AI becomes indispensable.
Technical competencies help AI professionals develop algorithms and extract insights. These abilities are best developed while pursuing a computer science degree and especially while seeking a targeted artificial intelligence major or concentration. Skills worth honing include:
- Programming Languages. Many programming languages can prove useful, but, at minimum, aspiring AI professionals should expect to embrace Python, C#, and Java.
- Advanced Mathematics. Grounded in mathematical concepts, AI and data science rely on advanced algorithms that are impossible to understand without a thorough grasp of linear algebra and discrete mathematics.
- Data Analysis. AI solutions depend on a wealth of data, but it takes highly skilled and innovative professionals to clean, analyze, and interpret that data. AI professionals need to know how to work with raw data and should also easily navigate statistical methods designed to help them draw conclusions based on extensive data.
Available AI Jobs
The AI job market is broad, with high-tech skills becoming essential for many roles — even those that don’t initially seem focused on AI or data science. Many roles, however, focus almost exclusively on AI technology or on its purpose-driven applications in areas such as finance or the supply chain.
New AI roles are emerging constantly, revealing a versatile field that offers something for every type of tech-driven professional. To reveal the breadth of this field, we will touch on a few of the most promising artificial intelligence career paths, including entry-level, mid-career, and senior opportunities, along with AI remote jobs.
Entry-Level Opportunities in AI
While many AI jobs call for advanced skill sets, graduate-level credentials, or years of experience, several are available upon earning a relevant undergraduate degree. These entry-level artificial intelligence jobs can be diverse, but they share a key commonality:
Examples of Entry-Level AI Jobs
Entry-level AI roles often involve using existing AI systems or algorithms to collect and interpret data or prepare that data for deeper analysis.
- AI Research Assistant. Promising intellectual stimulation along with the chance to contribute to a rapidly expanding body of knowledge, AI research roles leverage advanced algorithms to help uncover insights from peer-reviewed journals and other empirical resources. They may clean data or help test models, often under the guidance of senior or lead AI researchers.
- Machine Learning Intern. Machine learning internships offer insights into the field and opportunities to work with influential experts. They give future AI engineers and data scientists a competitive edge, preparing them to excel after earning an AI bachelor’s degree.
- Data Analyst. Although not typically responsible for building AI models, data analysts increasingly leverage AI as they harness the power of data to promote informed decision-making. At the entry-level, data analysts may collect, clean, and visualize data, often creating dashboards or reports to help various stakeholders understand the story behind the data.
- Junior AI Engineer. Applying their understanding of advanced technologies to help create new AI models, junior AI engineers help train models by collecting and cleaning datasets. This role may also involve evaluations of AI model performance, along with targeted recommendations for how to optimize AI solutions.
Mid-Level and Specialized AI Roles
As AI professionals move up the career ladder, many begin to focus on specialized technologies or applications that allow them to leverage the power of AI to solve specific problems. These mid-level roles may be highly passion-driven and can also provide significant boosts in pay, corresponding to strong demand and the challenges employers are experiencing as they strive to address significant skill gaps.
Types of Specialized AI Jobs
Specialties abound in the wide world of AI, with new niches constantly appearing. Equipped with the right degree, plus a few years of industry experience, many AI professionals will be prepared to take on these compelling roles:
- Machine Learning Engineer. Similar to computer engineers, ML engineers design machine learning models, which are capable of learning without being purposefully programmed. This role involves a blend of data science and software engineering, with ML engineers strategically modeling and tuning them to optimize performance. After developing custom algorithms and models, they may perform assessments using cross-validation techniques or may oversee deployment.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist. Focused on developing algorithms that can understand and interpret human language, NLP is an increasingly important subcategory of AI, with specialists developing systems that can analyze huge volumes of text-based data. They may be involved in the process of breaking this text down into smaller parts (known as tokenization) and can build models capable of detecting spam or determining consumer sentiments.
- Computer Vision Engineer. Granting computers the perception of sight, computer vision allows machines to use deep learning to analyze and classify images or videos. This is frequently used for surveillance or quality control, with computer vision engineers developing the algorithms and systems that facilitate the accurate interpretation of visual information.
- Data Scientist. Using a variety of analytical techniques to extract data-driven insights, data scientists play a key role in providing the models needed to train AI algorithms. Their efforts also help ensure that cutting-edge AI systems are scalable and that these provide accurate insights.
Senior-Level AI and Leadership Positions
The AI career field is broad, with leadership opportunities increasingly available to visionaries who have big plans for solving problems via AI technology. Senior positions may call for extensive experience, including a unique blend of technical competencies and business acumen.
Types of Senior-Level Positions
Drawing on specialty experience gained through years of success in the tech space, senior-level AI professionals may delve into promising niches or offer valuable guidance and oversight for entry-level AI professionals.
- Lead AI Engineer. Overseeing entry-level AI engineers and other data science professionals, lead engineers promote the seamless integration and deployment of advanced AI solutions. These leaders also bridge the gap between technical challenges and strategic goals, helping stakeholders make AI decisions that drive growth.
- AI Project Manager. Drawing on the power of agile and iterative strategies, AI project managers coordinate vast technical teams that may include many of the professionals described above: data scientists, AI engineers, and beyond. Project managers’ guidance can ensure that AI projects are executed efficiently while properly managing risks.
- Chief AI Officer. AI is quickly making an impression in the C-suite, with emerging roles such as chief AI officer (CAIO) reflecting the need for executives well-versed in cutting-edge technologies. These are valuable not only in innovative corporate cultures but also for federal agencies, where CAIOs are expected to “ensure accountability, leadership, and oversight.”
- Director of Data Science. Granted the opportunity to shape data science and AI strategies at the organizational level, data science directors work with business leaders to ensure that data-driven initiatives align with ambitious objectives. These leaders may also oversee data science teams, offering guidance and support for data scientists at all levels.
Alternative AI Career Paths Beyond Traditional Tech Companies
Few technologies enjoy such widespread relevance or entrepreneurial appeal as artificial intelligence or machine learning. Across industries, leaders are beginning to recognize the value of these technologies for addressing problems that once seemed impossible to overcome. This diversity is also valuable from a career planning perspective. No matter your interests, your previous experience, or your natural talents, you can find a way to infuse these into your AI aspirations.
- Healthcare and Biotech. The modern healthcare sector can draw on AI-enabled insights to improve everything from disease diagnoses to billing procedures. AI teams help automate workflows while developing systems that can elevate both care delivery and revenue cycles.
- Finance and Banking. Quantitative analysts are in high demand across the fields of finance and banking, with many leveraging AI solutions to influence advanced trading strategies. This sector also hires ML engineers to develop fraud detection applications or to process financial data. AI experts may also be involved in developing banking chatbots or even improving compliance with financial regulations.
- Retail and E-commerce. In a competitive consumer environment, there is an increased need for personalized recommendations and strong customer service, both of which can be enhanced through AI solutions. AI professionals may be involved in developing predictive models capable of forecasting demand. Their efforts also enable AI-powered chatbots that offer instant and helpful feedback to customers.
- Manufacturing and Automation. From production to quality control, many manufacturing processes are best optimized alongside AI systems, which promise real-time insights and support Industry 4.0. Specialized roles in computer vision are especially important, allowing for automated inspections and real-time production line monitoring. AI professionals can reveal new opportunities for boosting productivity via machine learning and robotics.
- Agriculture and Environmental Science. AI solutions have the opportunity to improve crop yields while boosting sustainability. As with AI-related manufacturing roles, these agriculture-oriented positions often involve a heavy focus on computer vision, which can be used to monitor crops and even optimize irrigation. In environmental science, advanced algorithms can reveal climate change patterns while helping to optimize resource management.
Types of Alternative AI Jobs
AI jobs vary not only according to different sectors and levels of employment but also based on how and where tech-oriented professionals prefer to work. While many prefer the stability of full-time positions (involving corporations, nonprofits, or government agencies), others find flexible work arrangements even more appealing. Opportunities include:
- AI Consulting. Many leaders love the idea of leveraging AI but struggle to understand how they can implement it within their organizations. This is where AI consulting can prove valuable. Offering valuable insights to many organizations (but especially SMBs and nonprofits), AI consultants draw on industry-specific expertise to reveal the potential for AI to spark innovation and cut costs. Many consultants enjoy impressive autonomy and can work with organizations that share their values.
- Freelance AI Developer. While leaders are increasingly eager to make the most of AI solutions, many lack the resources needed to bring AI expertise in-house. Freelance developers can address these deficits by helping create AI tools or applications, all while enjoying maximum professional flexibility and even a great deal of autonomy.
Advantages of Choosing an AI Career
AI careers appeal to many types of professionals, and often, the reasons for pursuing this path are deeply personal. Advantages worth considering include:
- High Demand and Job Security. Demand is skyrocketing across the many roles highlighted above, with recent studies revealing that nearly three-quarters of leaders prefer to hire job candidates with AI expertise. This is a huge skill gap in today’s rapidly evolving workplace, and those who possess AI expertise are uniquely positioned to fill this gap. As organizations continue to integrate AI into their operations, professionals with the necessary skills enjoy excellent job security.
- Innovation and Impact. Many ambitious individuals are drawn to AI careers because they recognize the opportunity to contribute to today’s most exciting technological advances. AI has already contributed to powerful innovations in healthcare, green energy, finance, and many other fields, and changemakers are eager to continue sparking innovation by enhancing AI solutions and expanding their applications.
- Flexibility and Remote Options. AI careers often offer flexibility, especially for remote workers, as employers seek top talent from around the globe. This can be a great option for achieving work-life balance without sacrificing wage growth or prospects for career advancement.
- Career Growth Potential. If the mid and senior-level roles highlighted above are any indication, AI careers provide abundant opportunities for advancement. This field needs forward-thinking individuals to take on leadership roles, and with a blend of technical and management training, this is entirely possible.
Learn More About Baker College’s Degree in AI
Do you envision an exciting career in artificial intelligence? A whole world of potential awaits, but first, you will need to develop a robust technical skill set while also adopting an adaptable mindset so you can continue to embrace new opportunities.There are many ways to enter this field, but you will benefit greatly from earning a computer science degree, which brings a structured approach to developing today’s most in-demand skills. You’ll cover all the essentials as you pursue your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Baker College — and you can even take a deep dive into AI through our artificial intelligence concentration. Get in touch today to learn more about this amazing opportunity.