The growing popularity of ChatGPT and new search engines from Google and Microsoft is causing a surge of interest in the field of artificial intelligence. The AI industry is vast, including not only chatbots and conversational search engines, but also self-driving vehicles. OpenAI's ChatGPT has already prompted some companies to consider its use for specific business needs, such as generating content for news outlets. The dropping barriers to using AI have made it more accessible to many companies, and AI roles are still in demand despite recent layoffs. To break into the field, experts advise job seekers to build a strong foundation in math and computer science, as many high-paying jobs in AI require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a technical field. It's also recommended to learn programming languages and gain a deeper understanding of AI frameworks. Math and statistical analysis are also important skills for many AI roles.
As per Polo Chau, an associate professor at Georgia Tech's School of Computational Science and Engineering, candidates seeking jobs in AI need to exhibit how their classroom learning can be applied to real-world problems. They need to establish a connection between the practical application of their knowledge and the specific issues that their potential employer is trying to solve. For instance, if you participated in a hackathon and developed machine learning programs using statistical techniques, you should be able to explain to hiring managers how your techniques can be applied to solve a problem and lead to a significant improvement. This will help you stand out in front of employers. Communication and presentation skills are also key factors in a candidate's success. With the pandemic, virtual communication has increased, and candidates should practice presenting their work in front of an audience, even if it's through a screen. In-person conferences and networking events are now coming back, and job seekers should perfect their elevator pitches. AI job candidates should take a collaborative and empathetic approach, knowing technical machine learning concepts, algorithms, and decision-making alongside considering the human context, such as fairness and reliability.
Networking has become increasingly important in Silicon Valley as the competition in AI intensifies. Venture capitalist and founder of Worklife Ventures, Brianne Kimmel, has noted that discussions about AI are predominantly held at small dinners or self-funded weekend hackathons which may make it seem exclusive to insiders. However, Kimmel has stated that anyone can access the technology and that deals are made quickly and quietly. As a result, Kimmel suggests that aspiring individuals should immerse themselves with early builders and learn alongside them, especially those who wish to work in AI-related fields such as marketing, sales, or non-technical roles. Kimmel hosted a recent OpenAI hackathon and invited a dozen women in tech, even if they were not yet ready to work in AI full-time, to learn about the technology and observe the types of businesses being built. She emphasized the importance of exposure to what has already been developed in the industry, as well as identifying areas with white space for starting new ventures.