How to land a job in AI

From cars that drive themselves to robots that serve just about any household purpose, Artificial Intelligence – or as it is more commonly known – AI, has been busting out into the industry in recent times.

And although AI may still be taking artificial baby steps into the world, now is the time to brush up on your own, very real AI skills as businesses gear themselves up for its implementation, which will see plenty of change and adaption.

Take it from Gartner, the world’s leading research and advisory company, as their recent report states that the emerging field of AI will create 2.3 million new jobs by 2020.

So how do you show your future employer you are the best employee to tackle these future changes? Take a look at our handy guide offering you a helping hand when it comes to getting your dream AI job.

What is AI all about?

First and foremost, let’s look at AI in all of its shining, technologically-advanced glory. In a digital nutshell, AI is the use of a machine or computer system to perform a task that would usually require human intelligence. When a machine is able to mimic the functions of a human mind, that’s when you know it’s artificially intelligent.

In a world of ever-evolving technology, the demand for people with AI skills is really coming into focus. AI encompasses a whole mix of knowledge and various learning applications and with the demand for AI professionals now at the forefront of employer’s minds, not just any old offering will do. In fact, the World Economic Forum has released a study showing that not only are data-related jobs rising and rising, but data-related jobs will be the most in demand within the not too distant future, the next four to five years to be exact.

AI in the working world

What do you need in order to be able to jump on into such technologically-demanding roles? Knowledge of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is always evolving with these technological times can seriously help to land you a coveted AI position. But whilst these skills lay the foundations for smoother AI training, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only route into a futuristic future role.

To pursue your digital dream, there are a few core skills you’ll need to possess. You’ll need an analytical thought process, excellent written skills and a strong ability to solve problems in an efficient way. You’ll also need a certain amount of technical knowledge to design, maintain and fix technology, not to mention also bowling over a prospective employer.

And if you need to fine-tune any of these skills, you can step right on into an AI course with the view to showing your future boss who’s really boss. Are we right?
 

Is AI limited just to the tech world?

When you think Artificial Intelligence, your brain will no doubt leap right on into the world of tech. And of course, whilst this is a very real way in which it will be applied, there are other exciting and unique industries seeking experienced AI hands, such as:
 

• Healthcare

According to recent stats from Accenture, the AI health market is having a pretty big growth spurt. With AI see as a “self-running engine for growth in healthcare.” From research and early detection to diagnosis and treatment, AI and robotics are seriously changing the healthcare landscape. In fact, Accenture predicts that the injection of AI applications into healthcare services could even “create $150 billion in annual savings for the US healthcare economy by 2026.” 
 

• Housing

A humanistic approach will also be at the top of an Estate agents game and whilst we’re not talking about replacing Steve the number 1 sales rep with his robotic cousin, it’s more about bumping up his skill set with AI expertise in order to combine the human touch with machine learning – yep, the same one that’s used to steer those driverless cars. Whilst AI may not necessarily create unique new roles just yet within the sector, the application of AI will see a whole host of algorithms learning individual client preferences and personalising certain forms of correspondence.

Take Rex Real Estate in America as an example of AI-Driven technology. Using AI algorithms in conjunction with big data as a way to suss out potential property buyers, they send out targeted ads on various websites and social media channels. Alexa and Siri could also be set to change the lettings game, with tenants potentially utilising these household robots to inform them of a potential issue. From instant assistance to booking professionals quickly and easily, talk about both time and cost-savings in the blink of a robotic eye.

• Food and drink

The food and drink industry is one huge area, so let’s hone in on food wastage as a potential subject for AI assistance. Never has there been a time where the issue of reducing food waste has been so prevalent. And according to WRAP, the UK waste advisory body, who have restated their figures from their 2015 data for household food waste, post-farm food waste in the UK sits at a huge 10.2 Million tonnes whilst the stats for total household food waste is reported as 7.1 million tonnes. Time for AI to step up. And step up is has. Particularly in the form of Japanese company Hitachi, who have already developed a system whereby AI is used to monitor food waste.

One way in particular in which AI is working to help solve this problem is to better fine-tune machines as a way to not only reduce waste and costs but to manage different product sizes. Centaur Analytics is a great example of this with the CEO Dr Sotiris Bantas stating that the company’s sensors are “the only commercially available technology able to sense and transmit from bulk storage, monitoring the entire product mass.”

And if you’re looking to land an AI role in the tech world, there will always be those cool jobs like Business Intelligence Developer, Research Scientist and of course, the elusive Robotic Scientist putting to use both human hands on deck to ensure those AI robots can perform their functions properly.

When it comes down to it, the opportunity to live out your dream AI role really is all around. No matter if your analytical mind wants to get involved with the early detection of medical issues, find ways to reduce food waste across the UK, or help people to sell their homes with a little personalisation, there’s no better time to take that digital leap and get robot ready. Get in touch with us today to try your hand at one of our courses and see what human intelligence you can apply in the AI landscape.