Artificial Intelligence Specialist Career Overview & Outlook

Artificial intelligence has surprisingly developed in recent years, and jobs in this field also attract the younger generation. Therefore, if you have any concerns about this position, stay with us in this post.

Let’s look at what an artificial intelligence expert does, how to become one, and what it takes to be successful as an artificial intelligence specialist.

We may not give you all the information about this occupation, but we are proud to show you crucial knowledge you must recognize.

Job Description

Artificial Intelligence professionals have a wide range of work prospects, which means they may pursue several paths. As a result, the position of an artificial intelligence professional is more flexible.

The important roles of Artificial intelligence specialists are listed below.

Duties and Responsibilities

Artificial intelligence specialists will be responsible for a variety of tasks.

  • Comprehend and investigate client needs to create AI models that address real-world issues.
  • Design, employ, and improve machine-learning algorithms for many applications, such as time series analysis, language processing, predictive modeling, and computer vision.
  • Research the most recent developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence to keep the organization updated on new techniques.
  • Coach and implement machine learning models in a real-world setting while observing performance and making adjustments as necessary.
  • Cooperate with data engineers to help the data be accurate, clean, and accessible to the group.
  • Work with software engineers to incorporate machine learning models into the company’s goods and services.
  • Prepare technical documentation to explain complicated ideas to non-technical listeners.
  • Clearly communicate results and suggestions to upper management.
  • Supervise projects, including defining their scope, developing a timeframe, allocating resources, and monitoring their progress.
  • Keep up with market trends to spot new AI application prospects.
  • Mentor younger members and assist them in expanding their knowledge.
  • Take part in AI conferences to connect with other professionals.

Where Does an AI Specialist Work?

Their expertise is necessary for various sectors, including healthcare, digital marketing, manufacturing, geology, environmental research, education, etc.

AI specialists will often work for digital businesses like IBM, Google, and Meta.

They enhance their software, products, delivery, and operators. Government agencies and research institutions are increasingly hiring AI specialists.

Stay focused on your aim

Education Requirements

A solid foundation in programming, systems analysis, or fluency in numerous computer languages are prerequisites for a profession in AI.

Therefore, you should get a bachelor’s degree in data science, mathematics, computer science, and statistics for entry-level work in the AI industry.

Most AI specialists are computer or cognitive scientists with doctoral or master’s degrees. Below are some renowned institutions where you can earn a necessary bachelor’s degree:

  • Bradford University, United Kingdom

This university offers a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Students learn how to create software tools for the future as part of the program.

It provides essential skills and information for developing and applying computer technology. The curriculum also meets the needs of students who have a strong passion for technology and want to work in Artificial Intelligence.

The degree takes four years to complete with placement, giving you plenty of time to gain the abilities and confidence to advance in your career.

  • University of Debrecen, Germany

It offers a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. The curriculum prepares IT professionals with the high theoretical foundation required to grow their abilities over time.

This degree fits those with advanced performance skills who are enthusiastic about software-oriented innovation. To be successful in the training, you should also love duties linked to IT devices and systems implementation.

  • Curtin University, Australia

It offers a bachelor’s degree in computing. Three specialization areas for this degree are software engineering, cybersecurity, and computer science.

The curriculum enables you to select any area of specialty you want after studying the fundamentals. You will graduate from the program with advanced expertise in computer systems and software maintenance.

Essential Skills

Hard Skills

Below are some necessary hard skills that every AI specialist should prepare.

1. Programming skills

It is among the most crucial for a job in artificial intelligence. It is because you will design and build your systems using computers.

Learning programming is necessary to become knowledgeable about artificial intelligence. C++, R, Python, and Java are all available for learning.

2. Understanding of Big Data Technologies

To handle these data operations, AI specialists need to be familiar with big data tools, including Cassandra, Apache Spark, MongoDB, and Hadoop.

You can make sense of data quantities by learning about these technologies.

3. Understanding of Frameworks and Algorithms

To be an AI specialist, you should comprehend how machine learning algorithms operate. Linear regression, Naive Bayes, KNN, and Support Vector Machine are some popular algorithms.

These algorithms will make it easier for you to comprehend and use machine learning. However, to implement these algorithms and develop AI models, we will need Frameworks. Therefore, you also need to understand how to use Frameworks to help you master your jobs.

Soft Skills

Even though working as an AI specialist is primarily technical, this job also requires several soft skills:

1. Communication skills

As an AI specialist, you will have to communicate with a wide range of people with varying levels of expertise.

Imagine that your employer requests you to develop and distribute a new AI model to all departments inside the organization.

To explain complicated ideas to different audiences, you should practice your writing and spoken communication skills.

2. Time management

AI specialists must balance the demands of various stakeholders with the requirement to conduct research, plan and coordinate projects, develop software, and extensively test it. To be a productive team member, one must own the capacity to manage their time well.

Essential Tools

Some tools can support a lot in your major

With the help of artificial intelligence, people can process and use a lot of data in the industry. Moreover, more tools and frameworks are now available to data professionals and developers with the development of ML and AI.

The collection of the most well-liked tools and methodologies for artificial intelligence specialists is below. These AI tools are available for you to select from based on what best suits your needs.

Many of them give free trials so that you can use them.

  • Scikit Learn
  • Theano
  • Tensorflow
  • MxNet
  • PyTorch
  • Keras
  • Caffe
  • CNTK

Job Outlook

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% increase in computer-related employment from 2022 to 2028. It is rough twice the whole occupation’s median growth rate.

The BLS also predicts a 22% increase in demand for computer and information research experts between 2020 and 2030. This forecast includes jobs in the field of artificial intelligence.

The BLS estimates that 33,000 employment related to AI were available in 2024, and this number is expected to rise by around 21% by 2030.

Increasing AI jobs

Some businesses hire experts in AI:

  • IBM
  • Google DeepMind
  • Baidu
  • Microsoft
  • Apple
  • Facebook AI Research (FAIR)
  • OpenAI
  • Uber

Salary

According to the BLS, the median yearly compensation for AI engineers is $131,490. The salaries shown here are at the upper end of the spectrum for AI engineers and much more than the median yearly wage in the United States.

Commissions, cash bonuses, profit sharing, and tips are all forms of salary.

  • Salaries by experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining pay. The more experience you have, the higher your salary will be.

Listed below are some of how your level of expertise as an AI engineer might affect your salary:

  • 2 to 4 years: $137,368
  • 5 to 7 years: $139,246
  • 8+ years: $148,879 – $172,715

Gaining management experience as a director or vice president of ML or AI may increase your annual compensation by tens of thousands of dollars.

  • Salaries by industry

Salary ranges for AI engineers might vary greatly depending on the industry. In most cases, wage ranges directly reflect the sector in question.

Artificial intelligence specialists working in technology and finance, for instance, may expect to earn above-average incomes.

  • Salaries by location

The salary of an AI specialist depends on the location of the workplace.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The following discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of working in artificial intelligence should help you make the right decision.

Pros

  • Receiving a significant salary.
  • There is a growing need for people skilled in artificial intelligence.
  • At the front of technological development in contemporary culture.
  • Gaining professional advancement is simple.
  • It is possible to embark on a business career.

Cons

  • Working overnight is a must to complete any software updates, migrations, or upgrades.

FAQs

Is a career in AI a challenge?

Everything is subject to your skill sets. You have a decent chance of entering the field of AI if you possess key competencies. You’ll realize that machine learning or artificial intelligence only depicts how people think and learn.

How much time does it take to become an expert in AI?

You must spend about four-year to complete a bachelor’s degree program.

Another option is to acquire an engineering degree in a theoretically related subject, like computer science or information technology, and then focus on artificial intelligence besides machine learning and data science.

Is Python necessary for AI?

Yes, it is. Python is an essential component of AI programming languages since it contains effective frameworks, such as D3.js data-driven documents JS and scikit-learn.

A Python library for machine learning satisfies practically all criteria in this field. It is one of the easiest and most effective tools for visualizing.

What are the fundamental degrees for AI?

A bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as computer science, information technology, data science, or statistics, is the prerequisite for becoming an AI engineer. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can obtain a postgraduate degree focusing on the specialized AI field.

Can a beginner learn AI?

You may study AI by enrolling in a data science boot camp or online course. There are several boot camps out there that help you get started in ML.

Machine learning is an AI technique that feeds vast data into an algorithm. Because of this, you can pick up AI’s new skills far more quickly.

Can I work in AI without a degree?

Without a degree, it is feasible to work as an AI engineer. By enrolling in an AI course at some coding boot camps, you can obtain the education you need. They also will give you the information you need to begin a job in the area.

Is there much demand for AI?

The future of AI employment is bright. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 11% increase in jobs in information technology and computer science between 2019 and 2029. So, the market will gain roughly 531,200 new employees.

Can I study AI at home?

Though it is more complicated than studying a computer language like Python, you can discover AI yourself. You can learn AI on your own using many tools, such as blogs, YouTube videos, and free online classes.

Why study artificial intelligence?

As a consequence of our intellectual development, tools continue to improve. Integration into the evolving technological world requires an understanding of not just how AI works, but also how to use it in your business.

Career Advice

Whatever AI position you choose, patience is the initial thing to bear in mind. To work as an AI specialist, you must keep your purpose growing in any way.

The second thing you should do is to train yourself. A sturdy underpinnings foundation in computer science is necessary.

You should also have an advanced level of expertise in one or more programming languages. In addition, you’ll need an understanding of the various pieces of hardware for computers’ operations and how limited they are.

It will teach you how to link AI solutions with the issue you’re trying to address. You will need relevant training if you want to be successful in the AI field.

Last but not least, learning and receiving experience from older seniors is an indispensable factor to do. They will have valuable knowledge that will support you significantly in your career path.

Just remember to stay focused on your original aim!