What Recruiters and Businesses Are Looking For in an AI Professional
According to Statista, the global market for artificial intelligence is expected to grow at an ongoing rate of 10 to 20 percent from now to 2030, so it’s possible to make a career in AI. However, an interest in AI isn’t enough to qualify you for the best positions.
Most businesses prefer applicants with at least bachelor’s degrees in fields like computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering. If you’re looking for a highly specialized role, a master’s or doctorate is preferred. Ideal candidates will also have one to three years of work experience in machine learning or AI technology.
Skills and qualifications
Here’s a closer look at some hard and soft skills employers seek.
Hard skills and official qualifications include (but may not be limited to):
- Programming proficiency in key languages like Python, Java, and R.
- Experience using machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or SQL
- Proficiency in data manipulation and associated analytical tools
- A working understanding of algorithms and related AI concepts
- Experience related to software development and knowledge of tools like GitHub or Jupyter Notebook
The following soft skills will make someone a valuable candidate:
- Near-flawless attention to detail
- Passion for problem-solving and being comfortable working with raw data
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- The ability to work well with others and contribute to the team’s efforts
- A knack for analytical thinking
It’s also crucial to stay on top of emerging trends in the field, as AI is constantly changing. Continuous learning is key before and after you land your first AI job, so develop your learning habit now.
One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is how many AI roles now pop up in totally unexpected departments. Take marketing, for example. While you might not immediately picture AI at work there, entire teams are using machine learning to target audiences, generate personalized content, and fine-tune ad campaigns. You’re just as likely to find an AI specialist embedded with creatives and strategists as you are hiding out in IT.
Another sometimes overlooked requirement: a willingness to fail publicly. AI is a field built on testing, iteration, and a lot of things not working out on the first or even the fifth try. If you’re the sort who shudders at the idea of a project bombing—or worse, having to show your process warts-and-all—you may want to work on getting comfortable with a little chaos. Leaning into this mindset can honestly make all the difference once you’re deep in the weeds.
Are Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Demand?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities related to information research, machine learning, and similar fields are expected to grow by as much as 23 percent by 2032. Additional data from multiple sources (such as Indeed, The Wall Street Journal, and the University of Maryland, to name just three) further suggests that demand for jobs in the AI field is climbing steadily.
So, yes, AI jobs are in demand. There are also opportunities in various related fields, including robotics, face recognition software, AI in marketing, search engines, gaming, and speech recognition. Some individual high-paying AI jobs to consider include titles like:
- Machine learning engineer
- Data engineer
- AI engineer
- Data scientist
- Robotics engineer
- Software engineer
- AI product manager
- AI marketing consultant
How Can I Start a Career in Artificial Intelligence?
It’s important to understand that breaking into the field requires time, effort, and commitment. Here are some tips on how to get started.
How Do I Start an AI Career with No Experience?
Every professional needs to start somewhere, so don’t sweat it if you don’t have AI experience yet. Try the following strategies to improve your skills.
Teach yourself the basics
The Internet is filled with helpful resources to educate yourself on any topic, including AI basics and the practical details of how modern businesses use it. Here are a few to start:
- The Role of AI in Marketing: This comprehensive video serves as a quick-start guide to how AI intersects with digital-age marketing, its role moving forward, etc.
- Google AI for Anyone: Google’s free, self-led four-week course on artificial intelligence, how it works, and practical applications for the techs.
- IBM’s AI Foundations for Everyone: This IBM-backed Coursera specialization includes three AI-focused courses. It’s not free, but financial aid options are available.
- How to Boost Content Production with AI: This comprehensive offering covers key information about how modern businesses use AI to support ongoing content production.
Gain experience however you can
If you’re serious about pursuing potential careers in AI, it’s important to start building experience as soon as possible. Enter AI contests, get involved in open-source projects, and look into potential opportunities like internships, boot camps, or volunteer positions. All are excellent ways to build a portfolio you can grow over time.
Consider pursuing a certification
Even if a full-scale degree isn’t in the cards right now, pursuing a certification in artificial intelligence or a related field will be helpful. Think programming languages like Python and related skills.
Network, network, network
Getting to know others in the field is necessary if you’re interested in diving in yourself someday. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to meet other professionals and AI enthusiasts, as well as research top companies in the industry.
Is It Hard to Get into Artificial Intelligence?
When you’re brand new to AI and the idea of pursuing it as a career, it’s only natural to be a bit intimidated. However, it’s important to realize that it’s not a difficult field to break into. You just need the right training and experience—especially in computer science, math, and coding—so work on acquiring that before pursuing a career position.
The following are some additional misconceptions about pursuing AI as a career option. How many do you still believe?
- “You have to be a tech expert to work in AI.” AI covers a lot of ground, so you don’t have to be a tech genius to work in it.
- “Working in AI means working for huge companies.” While AI employers include enterprises and giant corporations, small businesses and startups are definitely part of the conversation.
- “AI is a recent technology.” AI has been around for decades, although it’s certainly going through a boom.
- “AI is going to take everyone’s job.” Like all technological advances, AI will potentially replace or change some positions. However, it’s also creating many others, making it a great professional opportunity to consider.
Ultimately, making a great career choice is all about selecting something fulfilling and secure that you’re passionate about, and AI is an incredible option for tech-savvy individuals. It’s also an opportunity to be part of an exciting emerging future for numerous industries.
