Here’s 5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Artificial Intelligence

By Michelle Tran  |  February 10, 2021

No longer exclusive to science fiction, artificial intelligence (AI) has made its mark as one of Australia’s most promising, innovative tech fields. Set to make significant contributions to (both the national and global) economy by 2030, this growing area of ICT currently holds some of the industry’s most exciting and inspiring career paths.

With further developments in store, aspiring professionals have never been more in demand. Whatever your specific tech skills or interests may be, the field has a path for almost any IT expert – whether you’re a creative, a visionary, or a systematic, analytical thinker.

If you’ve pondered over a career in AI, we break down the five main reasons to take the plunge.


It’s a rapidly growing industry

a man holding a tablet with a bar chart coming out of it

In just the last few decades, AI has enhanced our lives in ways we now take for granted – solving problems and performing tasks through our everyday tools, services, and digital applications. Discoveries and advancements are only set to grow, however, this paving the way for new business and career opportunities.

In fact, the country expects a further demand for an additional 161,000 AI specialists by 2030, specifically in areas of computer vision, natural language processing and machine learning.

Current statistics reveal about 663,100 workers currently employed by the ICT sector in areas related to artificial intelligence. By 2023, experts expect this to rise to whopping 758,700, at a predicted rate of 20,000 additional workers each year.

As such, Australia is faced with a growing demand for AI expertise; offering plenty of job security, stability, and career progression for those with the right skills and experience. According to Payscale, the average salary for those with AI-specialised skills is $111,616 per year – with software engineers and data scientists among the highest earners.


Demand is everywhere

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Job opportunities for AI are currently found across Australia’s top industries, including sectors in healthcare, natural resource management, infrastructure, and agriculture.

AI technology is not only set to ease, but also save lives; with developments made and widely applied to various areas in healthcare. AI robotics, for example, are currently used to improve the surgical accuracy and efficiency of operations. Predictive analytics and machine learning are now being integrated in medical diagnostics; providing earlier (and more accurate) detections of cancer and infectious diseases.

Additionally, AI-related tools are now employed to assist the aged and those with a disability. If you’ve got a passion for tech, as well as changing others’ lives for the better – pursuing AI in the realm of healthcare (or community services) is just one feasible, fulfilling option.

AI developments are also making waves in the field of infrastructure, electricity, and transportation, helping businesses improve the safety and functionality of machinery. For instance, AI-powered technology can now be employed to enable collision avoidance, collision warning, and automatic braking for vehicles. Machine learning can also be used to automatically repair systems in cases of energy blackouts.

These are a mere glimpse of AI’s industry opportunities – as companies grow more reliant on its functions, professionals are bound to see greater demand across our technologically-contingent fields.


You’ll build plenty of transferable tech skill

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Building experience in AI technology equips you with transferable skills required by other IT fields, including programming, software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

This provides you the flexibility of exploring new, ICT-related areas; and with your specialised, complex skills in artificial intelligence, you’ll have the competitive edge to stand out in the job market.

Pursuing an AI profession involves rigorous training in general IT areas, these including data science; hardware and electronics; software and algorithm development; and coding. Each have focused career paths and sectors of their own, making it easy to branch out and explore new careers if necessary.

Likewise, those with skill or previous experience in such fields can transfer their knowledge to the field of AI. It’s a specialty with relevance across the broader ICT industry, making it an attractive career path for both industry entrants and long-time workers.


AI is set to take over the workplace

AI devices now automate the mundane, repetitive tasks of business – leaving us room to focus on more thought-intensive, demanding activities. With further advancements on the rise, however, AI is set to replace more complex roles and processes, spurring concerns around the obsoletion of people’s jobs.

Experts predict around 2.7 million Australians at current risk of having their jobs automated in the next 15 years. While reskilling for the future is a popular failsafe option (typically training in other tech-specific fields such as programming or cloud computing); today’s professionals can also migrate to the field of AI itself.

Alongside the loss of old jobs, automation and AI is expected to create an extra 5.3 million jobs in Australia. As previously mentioned, the country is currently struggling with a short supply of AI skills – a gap expected to widen as the industry expands. Those looking to “future-proof” their career can look to the field as a stable option, one with further opportunities yet to come.


You have plenty of training options available

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AI skills are more accessible than ever before, with aspiring professionals now offered a multitude of educational pathways.

Though traditional workshops, courses, and degrees are a common study choice – individuals now have the flexible, convenient option of online training. This allows one to build their skills through a completely online curriculum, helping them study at a pace, time, and place that suits them best.

Since AI professions are digital by nature, the material offered through such programs often translate well through this mode of study. With many wary during the current pandemic, online courses are additionally a safer educational option.

Lumify Learn is one such provider of these courses, with a thorough program in artificial intelligence that covers the basics of machine learning and algorithmic developments. Those who complete the course receive the nationally-recognised training required to pursue further certification or entry-level employment.


Pursuing a career in AI? Kickstart your journey with an online qualification

With the vast range of online study options available, building your skills for an AI career has never been easier.

As mentioned, Lumify Learn offers a thorough course in the fundamentals of AI and machine learning. Students can build their knowledge of basic concepts cognitive computing, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning, among others – along with essential coding skills in Python, MySQL, and Javascript. Hands-on labs are also included to help students build work-ready competencies and experience.

Additionally, all topics are applicable to a Microsoft Azure (or TensorFlow) environment, effectively preparing students for Microsoft certification.

Gain the skills you need for a fulfilling career in the fascinating world of AI technology – and enquire with us on the course today.