The Things You Need to Know Before Pursuing a Career in Artificial Intelligence

You’ve probably heard the term “artificial intelligence”, or “AI” being frequently thrown around recently. AI is a branch of computer science that deals with creating machines or software that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision making, natural language processing, computer vision, and more.

AI is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields in the world today, as it has the potential to transform various industries and create new opportunities for innovation and social impact. In fact, according to IDC's latest Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Spending Guide, Australia's spending on AI systems will reach $3.6 billion in 2025.

Therefore, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in artificial intelligence. However, it’s important to know that the field is not without its challenges and risks. In this blog, we will list down some things you should know before you decide to embark on this journey.

What should you know before pursuing a career in AI?

The necessary skills and qualifications

AI is a broad and interdisciplinary field that requires a combination of technical, mathematical, and analytical skills. To work in AI, you need to have a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related fields. You also need to be proficient in programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and machine learning frameworks that are commonly used in AI projects.

To obtain a foundation in AI, many people take formal education. However, online courses can also help you gain formal experience in the field. For instance, Lumify Learn’s Certified Artificial Intelligence Professional course covers the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and more. The course also provides hands-on projects and assignments that allow you to apply your skills to real-world scenarios. Another is Nexacu’s ChatGPT course, which will teach you how to use advanced language models and productivity tool ChatGPT to streamline your workflows, boost your efficiency, and create engaging AI-driven projects.

By gaining experience in AI, you also become equipped with transferable skills required by other IT fields, including programming, software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. This makes it easy for you to switch careers, advance your position, or pursue new opportunities in the IT industry.

The diversity of roles and applications

As you venture into the world of AI, you'll discover a landscape rich with diverse roles and domains to explore. AI professionals don't just fit into a single mold; rather, they contribute across a spectrum of positions that cater to different skills and interests. Some of the key roles within AI include:

• AI Developer: AI developers are at the forefront of creating and implementing AI solutions. Their responsibilities may include designing and coding algorithms, developing applications, and collaborating with data scientists and engineers to integrate AI functionalities into products and systems. On average, AI developers earn $77,000 annually.

• Machine Learning Researcher: Machine learning researchers work on the data-driven aspects of AI technology, such as data engineering and modelling tasks. Data engineering involves defining, collecting, analysing, cleaning, and moving data. Data modelling, on the other hand, involves training, assessing, and evaluating machine learning models. They earn $97,000 annually and can make as much as $132,000 as their experience grows.

• Machine Learning Engineer: Playing a key role in AI development, machine learning engineers, create programs that enable technology to function and solve problems independently. They leverage their skills to enhance business systems and operational efficiency; automating routine, manual tasks to improve productivity. The field has different specialisations, but they all share the same foundation of software engineering, making it an excellent choice for software engineers. On average, machine learning engineers make $77,000 per year.

The applications of AI are equally diverse and impactful, spanning across various domains:

• Healthcare: AI aids in medical diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, drug discovery, and even robotic surgeries.

• Finance: AI optimises trading strategies, detects fraudulent transactions, and provides personalised financial advice.

• Entertainment: From recommendation algorithms on streaming platforms to AI-generated music and art, entertainment is infused with AI creativity.

• Education: AI assists in personalised learning, automated grading, and adaptive educational platforms.

• Automotive: Self-driving cars are a prime example of AI transforming transportation and enhancing safety.

• Agriculture: AI helps optimise crop yield, monitor livestock, and manage resources efficiently.

• Retail: Customer behavior analysis, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimisation are revolutionised by AI.

Ethical considerations and societal impact

As you venture into the dynamic world of artificial intelligence, it is essential to recognise the ethical implications of your work. AI technologies have the power to shape societies, influence decision-making, and impact individual lives. As such, understanding the ethical considerations associated with AI is crucial for responsible and impactful innovation. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Bias and fairness: One of the most pivotal challenges in AI development centers around the imperative of ensuring fairness while mitigating biases. AI models trained on biased datasets can perpetuate existing inequalities, resulting in unjust outcomes. For instance, consider a hiring algorithm that inadvertently favors certain demographics, reinforcing societal disparities in employment opportunities.

• Transparency: The opaqueness of some AI algorithms raises valid concerns about transparency. As AI systems increasingly make consequential decisions, the ability to elucidate how these decisions are reached becomes essential. Imagine an AI-driven loan approval system that denies loans to applicants without providing a clear explanation, leaving individuals in the dark about the factors affecting their financial prospects.

• Data privacy and security: AI's reliance on data underscores the need to prioritise data privacy and security. Handling personal data responsibly and securely is vital, especially with data protection regulations in place. Consider a scenario where an AI-powered healthcare app inadvertently exposes sensitive patient information, compromising their privacy and potentially leading to identity theft.

• Social responsibility: With AI's continued advancement, addressing social and environmental concerns becomes increasingly vital. AI's influence on societal behaviors necessitates that its applications are designed to enhance well-being and foster positive interactions. Think about AI-powered social media algorithms that inadvertently promote divisive content, potentially contributing to the polarisation of public discourse.

By keeping these ethical considerations in mind, you can contribute to building AI systems that enhance human lives and address societal challenges. As an AI professional, your commitment to ethical development and responsible innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.

Ready to start your career in AI?

As mentioned, Lumify Learn offers its Certified Artificial Intelligence Professional boot camp course, which not only prepares you for high-paying and rewarding AI jobs that are in demand all over the world, but also equips you with the skills to excel across a variety of industries and job roles. This comprehensive course includes a range of widely-recognised certifications including AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Data Analytics, AWS Certified Machine Learning, and the TensorFlow Developer certificate.

Because the course is done 100% online, you will enjoy the freedom to learn from any location, enabling you to strike a balance between your personal commitments and professional pursuits. Moreover, this course can be beneficial if you are an international student struggling to find work due to the lack of local work experience. You will even gain access to Lumify Edge, an initiative designed to connect you with experts and potential employers actively looking for skilled cyber security professionals.

Make your dream of starting your AI career come true. Enquire with us on the course today.