Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionises industries like healthcare and finance. Explore AI applications, career paths, and steps to enter this lucrative field.
AI stands for artificial intelligence. It is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, such as computer systems. AI is used in many technology-driven industries, such as health care, finance, transportation, and more.
According to PWC's 2024 Global AI Jobs Barometer report, job postings requiring AI skills increased faster than postings in other fields across the UK. Jobs that involve AI also tend to be lucrative. The same report noted that workers in the field can earn up to a 14 percent wage premium, especially in information technology and legal positions [1].
At the heart of AI are algorithms. Humans set up algorithms in a computerised system. Algorithms are instructions that the computer should follow to solve a problem or complete a task. When algorithms receive input and process data, they learn patterns and characteristics that help them make more intelligent decisions as time goes on.
AI uses different technologies to carry out these tasks, such as speech recognition, word translation, maps and navigation, image search, and more. These technologies include machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, and cognitive computing.
One example of how AI works is the autocorrect feature you probably use on your smartphone when typing a text. If you type an "i" but meant to type a letter near it, such as "o," to write the word "cold," your phone would access its dictionaries and likely autocorrect "cild" to "cold."
Over time, your phone will learn the words you type most often and auto-suggest them for you, including names of family and friends or company jargon you often use. If it suggests a word you're not looking for, the AI learns and becomes more accurate in future suggestions.
AI is used to design machines that will perform human-like tasks. Some common uses you may be familiar with include self-driving cars, chatbots, e-payments, smartphone facial recognition software, and smart assistants like Siri or Alexa. These are all examples of AI in action.
Companies are using AI to optimise productivity in many ways, such as:
Eliminating repetitive tasks for employees
Allowing for a more efficient supply chain
Increasing cybersecurity
Generating quick responses to customer needs or questions
These uses look a little different based on the industry. Industry-specific applications of artificial intelligence include:
Health care: AI-assisted robotic surgery, telemedicine
Robotics: Vision control, motor control, learning, cooperative behaviour
Engineering: Fault diagnosis, predictive maintenance, intelligent control systems
Marketing: Tailored and targeted messaging
Customer service: Chatbots
Many career options are available in the field of AI. Some people get their start in machine learning and move into more specialised jobs. Because so many industries use AI, you can find many possibilities if you’re considering a career in this field.
A few examples of careers in AI include:
AI engineer
Machine learning engineer
Data engineer
Robotics engineer
Data scientist
Many careers in AI pay very well. According to Payscale, AI job roles pay an average salary of £58,000 [2]. This varies depending on the role. If you’re looking for entry-level job titles in AI, consider junior data analyst, information systems analyst, and imagery analyst.
Mid- to upper-level careers in AI include jobs specific to machine learning, like machine learning engineering or machine learning software engineering. As a machine learning engineer, expect an average base salary of £65,011 a year, depending on your location and industry [3].
Since AI is such a fast-growing, emerging field, you can enter it in many ways. The necessary qualifications will vary based on the job. While many AI jobs require a degree, plenty of developers and engineers have gained entry into this field by learning skills, getting experience, and earning certifications.
While you don’t always need a degree to work in AI, many hiring managers still require a bachelor's degree at minimum in fields like computer science, mathematics, physics, or information technology. Online courses and certifications or experience with programming and coding can help you get a job in AI. However, upper-level and more specialised positions may require a master's degree.
Some common coursework for students who know they want to direct their studies towards a career in AI include:
Machine learning
Deep learning
Natural language processes
AI representation and problem-solving
Computer vision and image analysis
Certifications offer another potential pathway to careers in AI. Some useful certifications for anyone seeking a career in AI are those that teach programming languages. Employers in AI ask that applicants show proficiency in programming languages. Since these jobs often pay well, the competition is high.
Whether or not you have a degree, you may want to get certified in areas specific to artificial intelligence, like machine learning or deep learning, to help you move further into AI. Examples of AI certificates include:
BCS Foundation Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
BCS Foundation Certificate in Ethical Build of AI
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
The need for artificial intelligence is growing daily. More industries are adopting AI to complete important tasks and keep systems secure. Within the next decade, we can expect to see autonomous cars, AI-powered robots working alongside humans, digitised textbooks, and virtual nursing assistants, to name a few examples.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly growing and offers exciting career opportunities. AI is used in various industries, from healthcare to finance, and can perform tasks like speech recognition and facial recognition. If you're interested in a career in AI, consider getting a degree in computer science or a related field and pursuing certifications in AI or machine learning. The potential payoff for educating yourself in this field could be high.
Whether you're beginning to learn about AI or already working in the field, you can find online courses in AI on Coursera from industry leaders. Consider IBM's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course and DeepLearning.AI's AI for Everyone course, both for beginners and more advanced options like IBM's AI Engineering Professional Certificate.
PWC. "Artificial Intelligence (AI) exposed sectors see a fivefold increase in the rate of productivity growth, with UK employers willing to pay 14% wage premium for jobs that require AI skills, https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/research-commentary/artificial-intelligence--ai--exposed-sectors-see-a-fivefold-incr.html". Accessed June 6, 2024
Payscale. “Skill for Salary: Artificial Intelligence (AI), https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Skill=Artificial_Intelligence_(AI)/Salary”. Accessed June 6, 2024.
Glassdoor. "Machine Learning Engineer Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm". Accessed June 6, 2024.
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