What images or ideas spring to mind when you consider artificial intelligence (AI)? It may be a dystopian film or TV show where robots eventually come to dominate society (Westworld, anyone?). A spam call, perhaps, or at least an automated one. Or perhaps you’re hip to the latest developments and have software like ChatGPT in mind.
All of these are valid in a technical sense; AI can be found in many different fields and contexts, and it has a major impact on and is significantly impacted by modern society. This means that there are many opportunities for employment in this area.
“What is AI?”
Sines attributes the development of AI to Alan Turing’s “Turing test”, which was developed in 1950 (long before the term “artificial intelligence” became prevalent academically) and asks whether or not a machine can perform as well as a human in a given scenario. Sines later classified the various new additions to the field into four broad classes.
Machine Learning: To learn from the data and make predictions or take action without being programmed explicitly.
Deep learning: A subfield of machine learning that teaches computers to analyze and make sense of large datasets and intricate patterns.
Natural Language Processing: Tools like chatbots, interpreters, and virtual assistants all fall under this umbrella which allows computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
Computer Vision: Autonomous vehicles and facial recognition software rely on it, which is the study of creating algorithms and models that let machines understand information from photos, videos, or object detection.
Advice for Securing an AI-Related Job
Here’s some advice before you start looking for work in artificial intelligence:
Step away from the Big Tech
Some of the largest employers of AI professionals are major technology firms, but according to Sines, AI jobs are also creeping up in less obvious industries like agriculture, banking, retail, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
Master the most important programming languages
While it’s true that possessing some “soft skills” can help you break into the AI industry, in reality, it’s your technical abilities that will be most valued by employers. Sines claims that nearly all the resumes he analyzes for AI positions list Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch as the languages of expertise.
You can enroll in a coding bootcamp or get certified to gain and hone these abilities. You may want to think about going back to school or enrolling in a longer, more intensive training program if you’re contemplating a significant job shift.
Be flexible, creative, a problem solver, an effective communicator, and a cooperative team member.
Sines has indicated that he frequently seeks out people that are adaptable and open to learning new frameworks and technologies, as these are required for employment in the field of artificial intelligence. The easiest approach to demonstrate this, he said, is to come to the interview with examples of how you’ve handled challenges or adjusted to new situations in previous jobs.
Participate in online forums discussing AI
Sines mentioned that he does much of his talent scouting in the many specialized online forums and organizations dedicated to AI.
Gather up some samples of your work.
It’s not always enough to list a certain ability on your resume. Sines claims that he routinely checks over prospective employees’ portfolios to make sure they can deliver on their promises.
Having the ability to demonstrate the impact they have made on projects they’ve been apart of, is crucial. As the producer put it, “We’re really looking for a story around the success they’ve had.”
He suggested establishing yourself prominently optimizing your profile online through networks like LinkedIn. Communicate with those you look up to in the field.
Whether you’re looking for a career in AI or not, networking can only help. It may be easier to get in touch with members of a lot of these really focused AI divisions within enterprise companies often run like small companies. Don’t be shy about sending a brief message to someone you admire on LinkedIn or email to ask for their advice or thoughts if you want to learn more about the interesting work they’re doing.