Roadmap to Becoming an Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has been around for centuries. But it soared in popularity only recently. From automating repetitive tasks to responding to grievances and customer queries in a matter of minutes, AI has taken over almost all industries.

As per Next Move Strategy Consulting, the AI market is anticipated to show strong growth in the upcoming decade. The AI industry, currently valued at 100 billion U.S. dollars, is predicted to reach nearly two trillion U.S. dollars. In short, the industry is all set to grow twentyfold by 2030.

In the coming years, the demand for AI-powered solutions will increase, and so will the need for skilled professionals. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important in all industries, the demand for AI engineers is high. The career growth of AI engineers is expected to grow by 31.4 percent by 2023, reveals the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For technically-inclined people, becoming an AI engineer is the best bet. If you’re planning to embark on a successful career as an artificial intelligence engineer, here’s how to get started:

#1 Get a Degree

To kickstart your career as an artificial intelligence engineer, you will have to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

AI engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, data science, computer science, statistics, finance, economics, or a related discipline. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in a discipline of your choice. As a piece of advice, opt for a discipline that focuses on laying a solid foundation in mathematics, algorithms, data structures, and programming.

While a master’s degree isn’t a prerequisite, earning it will add feathers to your cap. Through a master’s program, your technical and practical skills will expand. Due to specialized skill sets, you will become more competitive. Job opportunities are also vast for post-graduates. Ultimately, that means you can demand a high salary from your recruiter.

If you already have a bachelor’s in computer science, mathematics, or statistics, statistics master’s programs online are well worth pursuing. These programs will equip you with the expertise needed to understand and implement cutting-edge technologies.

You will also master the theories, principles, and techniques of statistics by enrolling in a master’s degree in engineering. The knowledge you gain throughout the program will help you understand and summarize data.

An online master’s degree in applied statistics will prepare you for high-paying and high-demand positions in data science and statistics, writes Michigan Technological University.

#2 Develop Technical Skills

Theoretical knowledge of computers and AI isn’t enough to launch a career as an artificial intelligence engineer. You will have to build the technical skills needed to carry out the responsibilities of an AI engineer.

Learn programming languages like C++, Java, R, and Python, as they will come in handy in building and implementing AI models. Brush up your knowledge of linear algebra, statistics, and probability. You will need them to implement machine learning models.

As artificial intelligence engineers manage vast amounts of data, it’s essential to be familiar with big data technologies. A few big data technologies you can research are MongoDB, Hadoop, and Apache Spark.

Gaining a thorough understanding of machine learning algorithms such as Naive Bayes and linear regression is equally important. A basic comprehension of deep learning algorithms such as generative adversarial networks and recurrent neural networks is also required to be an AI engineer.

You can arm yourself with these skills by enrolling yourself in online courses. Joining boot camps, specifically those designed to help aspiring engineers launch careers, is another excellent way to develop technical skills.

#3 Consider an Internship or Research Project

Nowadays, almost all companies, especially big names, offer internship opportunities to freshers. Apply for those programs, as you will get to learn a wealth of things that weren’t taught in a classroom setting. Glassdoor and LinkedIn are excellent platforms for searching for internship opportunities.

Before you start applying for internships, make sure to build a solid portfolio. At the same time, prepare yourself for cracking the interview. Otherwise, no one would hire you as an intern. You can seek the help of the internet and search for AI-related questions employers ask.

Besides internships, engaging in research projects is a great way to acquire hands-on experience in AI development.

#4 Grow Your Network

If your network consists of only a handful of people, you’re missing out on a lot more than you can imagine. Having connections within the industry can be a game-changer for your career, especially if you’re struggling to get a job.

LinkedIn is a great platform to search and connect with engineers and managers in the AI space. You can build your relationship with them by interacting with their posts. In many major cities, there are communities that cater to AI engineers. You must join them, as that will help you expand your professional network. Joining online communities will also be fruitful, as they’ll keep you posted about the recent developments in the industry.

The Key Takeaway

A career as an artificial engineer is fulfilling and exciting. To succeed in your industry, you must have passion, dedication, and a zeal for learning. You should also have a solid understanding of programming and mathematics. Besides, mastering deep learning concepts and machine learning concepts is vital. Also, as a final piece of advice, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, as it will take your career to the next level.

Career Reload Team

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