The world is changing fast. The AI revolution is upon us, and it’s happening faster than most people realize. Some estimates predict that by 2022, there will be more software developers in the US working on AI-related projects than there are total coal miners currently employed in America. With jobs like this available, the question isn’t whether you can get an AI job—it’s how you can make yourself one of those people.
A Day in the Life of an AI Engineer
An AI engineer’s day-to-day work can be very different from person to person. Some may work on a single project for years, while others may switch projects often and find themselves working closely with teams of different people each time. Either way, here are some common tasks:
- Building models that solve problems
- Make code changes so that your model runs faster or more efficiently
- Finding flaws in your model as it is running and making changes on the fly
Demand for AI Engineers Is Exploding
AI is a hot field, and companies are hiring. If you’re looking for a job, this is good news for you. AI engineers are going to be in high demand over the next few years. There are many different types of jobs that require AI skills. Big companies like Google or Facebook will hire AI engineers, but there’s also plenty of work available at startups and small companies.
Acquire a Solid Foundation in Math and Statistics
The most important thing to know is that Math and Statistics are the foundation of all data science. These skills will help you understand what statistics is, how it works and how it can be applied in your work.
You will need both math (linear algebra, calculus, etc.) and statistics (probability theory, sampling methods) to complete a solid foundation of knowledge as a data scientist. It’s very important to get a good understanding of these two topics because each one is intertwined with the other!
Math helps us understand how probability works, while Statistics gives us tools to learn from data using probability theory. Most statistical methods require some mathematics behind them, such as regression models, which we learned in high school or college classes like linear algebra or discrete math courses like Discrete Structures for Computer Science majors.
Learn Computer Science and Engineering Concepts
The next step is to learn the basics of computer science and engineering. Do you understand what data structures and algorithms are? Do you know how to program? Are you familiar with machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning?
If not, it’s time to take some online courses or read some books on these topics so that you’re ready for your interview. An online master’s in computer science is a great option for students who want to earn a master’s degree while maintaining their current careers. With an online master’s in computer science, you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advance your career and improve your earning potential.
Understand the Fundamentals of Algorithms and Data Structures
Before you can think about implementing machine learning algorithms, you need to have a good understanding of the fundamentals. This includes understanding the basics of algorithms and data structures.
Data structures are different ways of organizing information. Algorithms are ways of processing data. The two go hand in hand: there is no point using an algorithm if you do not have the proper data structure to store it in or vice versa. You need both!
Machine learning is mostly about algorithms and data. However, data is regarded as the most important factor in its success. The progress of ML and the inclusion of deep learning has generated a lot of excitement, yet ML cannot exist without data.
Once you have learned those basics, then it is time for some more advanced studies on how to choose the right algorithm or data structure.
Master Python Programming on a Deep Level
Python is a popular language for AI programming. It has a large number of libraries and frameworks. This means that you can get started with Python much faster than other languages. Although Python is not the fastest language out there, it’s easy to learn, and it has a large community behind it.
Python is used in many different fields, including data science, machine learning, and AI (artificial intelligence). This makes this language an excellent choice for beginners because you’ll be able to apply your knowledge in various areas.
Python also makes it easier for developers without much experience with programming to build complex applications quickly thanks to its readability (it reads like natural English)
Gain Experience With Tools in the Python Data Science Ecosystem
To gain experience and become proficient in AI, it’s important to learn tools used in the Python data science ecosystem. There are many different tools that you can use when creating a model; however, there are three categories of tools:
- Data manipulation – Tools, such as Pandas allow you to manipulate data frames and apply various transformations to them.
- Model-building – The most popular tool for building models is scikit-learn, which allows you to create various machine learning models using built-in algorithms or by writing your code.
- Deployment – Tools like TensorFlow make it easy for you to deploy your model into production environments where it can be used by humans or machines alike.
Work Extensively With Neural Networks and Related Concepts
Neural networks are a powerful tool for analyzing large amounts of data and therefore are used in many applications that require machine learning.
If you’re interested in using neural networks or natural language processing (NLP), you’ll need to learn how these systems work. Neural networks comprise interconnected nodes that process information through an algorithm. NLP is an approach that allows computers to handle human languages more easily by analyzing the words used in sentences.
Nature inspired the scientists who designed the initial networks. Their inspiration derives mostly from the human brain. Our brains contain billions (if not trillions) of neurons that communicate with every cell in our body. These neurons also dynamically communicate with one another, allowing our bodies to function.
Familiarize Yourself With Popular AI-Focused Libraries and Frameworks
The next step is to familiarize yourself with popular AI-focused libraries and frameworks. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- TensorFlow
- Keras
- PyTorch
You’ll also want to pick up some programming languages for your career in AI such as Python, C++, or R. You may even need additional skills like statistics, linear algebra, probability, and optimization theory. More so if you want to get into the field of data science, machine learning, or engineering roles at companies like Google or Facebook. They require specific qualifications for employment even if they don’t require an advanced degree from college!
What Skills Do You Need to Be Successful as an AI Engineer?
You must be able to work on a team. The AI engineer is part of a development team, so you will need to be able to communicate with other members of your group and share ideas about how to approach different problems.
You must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. AI engineers are often working on several projects at once, which means that you may have to focus on one task but still keep an eye out for any changes or updates that might affect how your project should proceed from thereon out. You need to also ensure that everyone else knows about these changes as quickly as possible!
You must be able to work on a variety of projects simultaneously due to rapid changes in technology and market demand. For an AI engineer’s business model not just to survive but thrive amidst such competition and volatility, they need to constantly learn new skills, so they’re prepared when their industry shifts towards new technologies like machine learning algorithms. This requires being adaptable enough not just now but also tomorrow when something unexpected happens. This means having both creativity AND analytical thinking skills.
You’re probably wondering how to get started with your new career in AI. There are a lot of resources out there, but I recommend starting with the ones listed above. They’ll give you the best foundation for going deep into this field and developing yourself as an AI engineer over time.