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Jobs in artificial intelligence (AI)

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful force that is changing our world daily. More than just a disruptive technology, AI is revolutionizing our society in a way we haven’t experienced since the introduction of the internet.

According to Goldman Sachs, AI has the potential to displace the equivalent of 300 million jobs, forcing a new generation of workers to learn new skills and switch careers.

On the other hand, AI is creating millions of new jobs and tasks, as the industry’s poised to grow by 1,300% by 2030. That means many companies are—or will soon be—looking for skilled professionals specialized in AI, making it a wise career choice.

As the number of available AI jobs keeps growing by the day, you might wonder which ones are the most suited to you (and how to land one). Here’s a brief overview of the most enticing (and well-paid) careers in the world of AI, along with some tips on how to secure a position in this field.

Things to know about the AI industry

AI is transforming all kinds of industries, from finance and retail to healthcare, each in a different and unique way. While specific technical prowess is required to excel in different jobs with AI, there are a few things you should know before considering a career in any of these fields.

• Know the ethical responsibility: AI models of today have the potential to reshape tomorrow’s society for the better (or worse). Developing fair, transparent, and unbiased models by adhering to ethical standards should be the duty of every professional working in this industry.
• Protecting data privacy: AI requires enormous amounts of data for training, but it’s critical that this data is handled securely and responsibly, especially when it involves sensitive or private information.
• Keeping a flexible mindset: As AI is an early-stage technology, jobs in AI are constantly changing. Be ready to switch up your career or potentially move laterally in a few years.

Jobs in AI to consider in the next step of your career

From handling data to programming robots, there are many exciting AI jobs available in today’s work marketplace. Here’s an overview of the most sought-after roles, what they entail, and their median salaries in the United States (according to Glassdoor).

AI engineer

AI engineers develop the tools, software, and processes required to apply AI in the real world. They must be experts in data science, programming, and software development, as they need to program the algorithms that power AI, train these algorithms with data, and develop models that are then transformed into applications and tools. AI engineers are among the highest-paid jobs for AI.

Machine learning (ML) engineer

Machine learning engineers (ML) develop and improve ML models to help AI perform and “think” in human-like patterns. They specialize in enhancing AI systems by refining and tweaking the algorithms that support their ability to learn, self-improve, and make predictions from large data sets. 

Data engineer

Data engineers are responsible for storing and maintaining data. Their role is to build and manage the data storage infrastructures where the data used to train AI is collected, curated, and processed.

Software engineer

Software engineers (also known as software developers) program, develop, and test tools, applications, and software. In the AI industry, they create AI-powered products that cater to various customer needs, such as customer service chatbots, business intelligence prediction tools, or marketing analysis platforms.

Natural language processing (NLP) engineer

A natural language processing (NLP) engineer is a highly specialized professional whose work enables AI to recognize and understand human language. For example, they might assist in creating models that help AI understand spoken commands (such as those used by Siri or Alexa), read online documents, or generate subtitles for videos and movies.

Robotics engineer

Robotics engineers work at the intersection of AI and robotics to develop automated systems capable of performing labor-intensive tasks. These engineers must combine knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering with advanced computer science. Modern robotics engineers can employ AI to provide robots with additional capabilities, such as the ability to interact with humans, behave autonomously, and perceive their surroundings through sensors.

Deep learning engineer

Deep learning engineers specialize in developing and optimizing artificial neural networks. Their job is to design, train, and improve deep learning models to perform tasks such as classification, prediction, and pattern recognition with high accuracy. They employ advanced techniques, including NLP, image recognition, and transfer learning to enhance the models’ ability to learn from large datasets and generalize from examples.

Computer vision engineer

Computer vision engineers develop programs that enable machines to “see” and interpret images and other forms of visual information. For example, they can build applications that process data from autonomous vehicle sensors and interpret it similarly to how a human driver would.

Business intelligence (BI) developer

Business intelligence (BI) developers create and manage dashboards, reports, and data visualization tools used in business interfaces. They use AI in BI solutions to store, analyze, and display data within an organization.

Data scientist

Data scientists analyze and process raw data to turn it into practical strategies, predictive models, and factual insights. They act as researchers and investigators, making sense of the collected and stored data. This role involves identifying patterns, recognizing problems, and providing data-driven solutions.

AI product manager

AI product managers oversee the development and rollout of AI products. They coordinate with all team members working on the project to ensure that the AI solution ultimately meets the needs of the customer base. AI project managers are among the top-paying AI jobs.

AI ethics specialist

AI ethics specialists ensure that AI systems are developed in a transparent, unbiased, and fair manner. They develop guidelines and ethical frameworks and assess products’ ethical risks and moral implications. These specialists often work as independent consultants or as part of consulting firms.

How to get a job in AI

A career in AI is rightfully appealing, as the industry is booming and salaries are enticing. However, working in the AI industry requires meeting a certain level of education, adapting to new trends, and being willing to learn new skills as needed.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Earn a relevant degree

Most jobs dealing with AI require at least a bachelor’s degree in math, computer science, engineering, or statistics. Some of the more complex or specialized professions may require advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. 

At Intuit, we believe in lifelong learning. Obtaining certifications or degrees from accredited institutions can help make your profile more well-rounded, and we encourage our employees to enroll in specialized courses to acquire advanced skills.

Build AI skills

Hands-on experience with data is a mandatory skill for working with AI. Analytical skills to gather, curate, and analyze large datasets are also a requirement for many jobs in this field.

Building additional skills in statistics or programming can be particularly useful, especially if you’re seeking a career as an engineer. Knowing how to code in various languages, especially Python, R, and Java, is also a bonus.

Get entry-level skills

A surefire way to kickstart your career is to gain practical, entry-level skills by assisting more experienced professionals. Common examples include roles such as research assistant, junior data analyst, or AI prompter. 

These positions will teach you how to handle data, research essential information, and build effective prompts to train and evaluate AI models.