For a long time, STEM jobs (careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including those in artificial intelligence (AI), have been viewed as too complex to be considered without at least a bachelor's degree, or even a PhD for those serious about their careers. However, this poses a problem. In 2021, there were an estimated 276,429 female STEM graduates in the U.S., while the number of male graduates within STEM disciplines was double this figure, standing at a staggering 548,109.
Another concerning reality is that, according to Slack's Workforce Index report for 2024, "there's an AI gender gap emerging, and it's largest among Gen Z. While young people are most likely to have experimented with AI tools, Gen Z men are 25% more likely to have tried AI tools compared with Gen Z women." This indicates that more men entering the workforce are equipped with AI skills and expertise, compared to the same number of women graduates.
While women may have been discouraged from studying and entering technology and highly scientific industries due to lack of representation, historic gender bias and sexism, and being held back from pursuing these opportunities, it's not too late. If you're an ambitious woman seeking to make an impact within the booming STEM industries, specifically with artificial intelligence, there are several ways you can still secure a high-paying role within AI, even without a degree.
You can start working in one of the following three roles and then, at the same time, pursue studies within computer science or other related fields relevant to artificial intelligence and machine learning:
1. AI Product/Project Manager: This role involves ensuring the successful roll-out of AI applications and assisting the leadership team in implementing AI tools. You can gain the necessary skills through industry-leading certifications and additional training courses.
2. AI Writer: This relatively new career focuses on ensuring that AI-generated content is fact-checked and sense-checked before being released. As a freelance AI writer, you can collaborate with copywriting and marketing agencies.
3. AI Prompt Engineer: This is an essential role in generative AI, where you guide the AI to generate desired outputs. While this is a specialized field that typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree, there are cases where thorough computer science and machine learning knowledge obtained through short courses, an associate degree, and equivalent experience can work in your favor.
Women who have been held back from pursuing STEM roles previously may be able to secure high-paying remote jobs in AI, even without a degree, today. By identifying the role that sparks your interest, acquiring the necessary skills, and seeking mentorship from professionals in the field, you can join the growing number of women shaping the future of artificial intelligence.