With AI becoming increasingly valuable in today’s workforce, learning how to become an AI pro gives you access to new job opportunities. And despite what you may think, not all AI jobs require an engineering or computer development background. There are plenty of opportunities in a wide range of fields for people who want to dive into this exciting field.
But as with any job, there is a learning curve to become proficient in AI. As a rapidly evolving industry, it’s crucial to stay up to date with the latest developments if you want to be a competitive candidate. In this article, we’ll share key tips on how to become an AI pro, as well as a few potential job opportunities to help you break into the industry!
How to Become an AI Pro
If you’re eager to get started with AI, here are a few things to help you with your skill development and ensure you can get a better job.
Research Different AI Platforms
AI isn’t a single tool. Make sure you know the basic foundations for different platforms like Microsoft, Google AI, Meta, social media creation AI, etc. They all have their different strengths and uses depending on what type of AI project you are working on.
You may decide you want to specialize in a specific platform or use several of them for a project. Either way, start by reading their website any official documentation or tutorials. You may also find online videos or trials to give you hands-on experience with how they work.
Take Classes Online
There are so many great resources online to teach you about AI. From machine learning to ChatGPT creation, taking a class can help you broaden your skillset. This is a great way to lay the foundation for AI or to dive into specific concepts and technologies.
In addition to coursework, make sure you stay up to date with the latest AI news. Read research papers, news reports, or blogs on the latest trends to stay relevant.
Join AI Communities
Connect with mentors and peers (online and offline) to get real world experience from others. This could be interacting on an online forum, joining a professional network, or participating in local workshops.
Being involved in the community also opens the door to potential job opportunities! So, no matter which platform you choose, you need to remain professional at all times. You never know who you meet, or who might be hiring for their company or AI project!
Get Certified
Take your skills to the next level with AI certification. This can help you stand out from others and showcase your knowledge of your training and experience. Look for reputable programs (Google Cloud AI, Azure AI Engineer, Data Science Professional Certificate) that are recognized by employers.
Document Your Progress
Creating a strong portfolio can help you land the job of your dreams. Make sure to keep track of your projects, certifications, or any other skills you’ve learned on the go. Your portfolio should showcase a diverse array of projects using different AI programs or platforms. Feel free to include detailed documentation as well, whether it’s code snippets, visuals, or methodologies.
Accept Internships
If you’ve never worked with AI before, an internship can be a valuable way to learn on the job. While it may not pay the big bucks, it’s crucial for building your portfolio and work experience. Plus, you’ll get real world experience that can jumpstart your career in the AI field.
Different Types of Available Jobs
AI Product Manager
If you know how to become an AI pro and have a background in producing other products, you can become an AI product manager. These people are responsible for creating the latest and greatest AI products. As a product manager, you’ll conduct market research to develop a roadmap that engineers and designers can follow.
Required skills:
- Experience in market research, UX design, and roadmap planning
- Strong communication skills to work with sales and technical teams
Machine Learning Engineer
As a machine learning engineer, you’ll be responsible for programming computers that use artificial intelligence. This can be one of the harder careers for AI beginners, as it requires a specific skillset with data structures and statistical analysis. However, it’s also one of the most desirable and lucrative positions.
Required skills:
- Programming proficiency (Python, Java, R, etc.)
- Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, etc.)
- Experience or degree in computer science, data science, or engineering
Art Creator or Designer
Now is a great time to be a designer. There are so many great AI tools to help you with whatever creative projects you are interested in. By prompting the AI tool, you can generate logos, flyers, websites, portraits, and practically any other type of art you can think of! Many people use AI to start their own freelance design business (you can find clients on sites like Upwork). Or you can use your designs to sell things like posters, t-shirts, or other products in an online or brick-and-mortar shop.
Required skills:
- Experience with prompting AI tools
- Good eye for design and knowledge of artistic principles
Technical Writer
AI isn’t just for creating art. It can also be an extremely useful tool for creating written content. And one of the most lucrative positions in today’s AI world is technical writing. With the help of AI, you’ll create tutorials, guides, and documented material to help others. There are lots of companies hiring technical writers, although you can also start your own advice column or blog as well.
Required skills:
- Experience with prompting AI tools
- Strong writing and communication skillset
- Proficiency with writing tools (Markdown, Confluence, LaTeX, etc.)
Keeping Your AI Skills Sharp
This is just a small sample of what you can do once you learn how to become an AI pro. Whether you’re looking to switch careers or get an entry-level tech job, learning about AI is an invaluable skill. Of course, the more work you put into learning about AI, the more competitive you’ll be when looking for a new job.
Also, keep in mind that technology changes all the time. So, by the time you read this, there may be more updates to the AI field that you need to know about! Make sure you do your research before applying for AI jobs to ensure your skills are up-to-date.
