AI Jobs: 4 In-Demand Careers in Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at work all around us. Every time you ask Siri or Alexa a question, AI technology is in use. Uber drivers getting passengers from point A to point B with a GPS are using AI software. Your Netflix account that makes surprisingly accurate recommendations of what shows you might like to watch was developed by computer scientists specializing in artificial intelligence.
Because AI is designed to fit seamlessly into our lives, it is almost unrecognizable when in use. It’s easy to forget that highly skilled people bring these functions and technologies to life. Artificial intelligence career paths pay higher-than-average wages, and there is increasing demand in the job market. It’s a profession any student interested in computer science should consider. Industry experts believe it is the wave of the future.
But with artificial intelligence being a relatively new career path, how do you know where to start? How do you plan for a career in a relatively new field of study?
Read along to learn how to begin your career in artificial intelligence, and to understand various sectors of AI that are most in demand in today’s job market.
What is artificial intelligence?
As described by multinational tech company IBM, “Artificial intelligence leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind.”
Simply put, artificial intelligence is an area of computer science that uses massive datasets to design machines capable of continued learning or problem-solving. The result is a technology capable of performing human functions.
For example, consider the chatbot on a travel website that pops up on a webpage to ask how it can help you book or change your flight. Using artificial intelligence technology, the robot can have a conversation and assist you just as a human would, responding intelligently and productively to your typed responses.
That robot was designed by professionals who chose artificial intelligence career paths.
What kind of demand is there for careers in AI?
Industry experts believe artificial intelligence will deliver the most significant innovations of this century and has the power to revolutionize the workforce. As artificial intelligence technology becomes more prevalent in consumers’ day-to-day lives, the demand for AI labor is increasing rapidly.
According to industry analysis from Best Colleges, few industries stand out as much as artificial intelligence when considering the best jobs for the future. A 2019 report found that demand for AI technology grew 270 percent in a four-year period. Employers say there aren’t enough skilled professionals available, with 54 percent of those surveyed saying “skill shortages” are the biggest challenge for AI implementation.
To summarize, if you’re interested in a career in AI, there’s plenty of demand for your skillset!
What are some career options in artificial intelligence?
There are several individual artificial intelligence career paths to consider, but some are experiencing greater demand than others.
According to Indeed’s “Best Jobs in the U.S.” report for 2019, there are four branches of AI experiencing the greatest increase in demand in the job market:
- Machine learning engineers experienced a 344 percent increase in job postings.
- Robotics engineers experienced a 128 percent increase in job postings.
- Computer vision engineers experienced a 116 percent increase in job postings.
- Data scientists experienced a 78 percent increase in job postings.
Machine learning engineer jobs topped the 2019 list at No. 1, climbing four spots in one year, indicating just how rapidly demand for artificial intelligence is growing in the U.S.
The employment website’s report noted, “Artificial intelligence is now part of many items we use every day, from cars to home sound systems. The number-one job on our list reflects this trend.”
How do I start a career in artificial intelligence?
As with any highly skilled profession, education and preparation are key ingredients to success for a student interested in artificial intelligence.
CFNC.org has joined forces with NCcareers.org to help students plan for a career, and the partnership can help you plan your path into the artificial intelligence industry.
Career planning experts can help you discover your interests, map out your future, and find colleges or training institutions with the courses and instruction you need to earn the education that will help you succeed.