A beginner's career guide to become a professional in Artificial Intelligence
Author: Vandana Post Date: 03 May 2023 
Mere data crunching aka analytics is a little passé now. You need something more added to learning that. AI is the trending career path, what with predictions of zillions of employment opportunities for those with AI expertise. Before you get excited enough to jump into a possible mirage, I would suggest you take a pause. It is not a fashion trend to take up and discard on a mere whim! Is it going to be a definite career decision for you? Where are you heading with the AI course? Is it as a software designer or developer in the field of robotics? Is it as a scientist researching the use of AI in a niche area like healthcare or education?
Understanding AI in layman's language: If you have even had a fleeting thought about AI, you would surely have looked up its meaning. As a lay person who has read about it, I would like to explain it like this- Artificial Intelligence essentially means some kind of technological machine that has got the astuteness and acumen of a human to work on data it is fed, with the help of the in-built equipment in it. The machine will process the data it acquires through super smart "learning", using the various software programs and algorithms that are deep inside its chips, and then deliver it neatly packaged for application to whatever it was required for.
All this – data interpretation and programming – indicates that you do need to possess not just general know-how, but also some good expertise in the concepts of computer science, math and statistics, programming languages (Python is very essential), and algorithms.
By the way, since I am no good at explaining technical stuff, you would need to turn to online sources to know about the three main types of AI, namely Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI).
Where to start as an AI professional: The starting point for a career as an AI professional is your Class 12 exam. You need to clear that successfully with at least 50%, and it would be great if you have taken up Mathematics and/or Statistics as a subject. With the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP), you can select an elective from other streams. So look out for even non-engineering colleges offering AI in their undergraduate science or computer-related course in, say, data science or as part of their BCA program.
How important is it to know programming in AI? Not only is it important, but also essential from what I have read about AI careers. In fact, the primary requirement is that you do need technical skills since AI is all about working with a sophisticated computing machine. I had referred to Python earlier. AI career experts definitely speak of this first, emphasizing that it is important for you to take up a course in Python and understand it thoroughly. Perhaps you learned some basic programming languages like C++ in school? That's good, too.
If you do not have programming knowledge, then don't delay. Perhaps you can do some self-learning during your first year in college so that you are ready to take off once you clear Class 12. Polish your concepts of Mathematics and Statistics. Understanding the management of databases would also be a plus. Then look for an undergraduate course in data science, computer science, and the like that would offer AI as part of the curriculum. Before you enroll, do ensure that you also check the specializations that are offered so that you are headed in the right direction for your career goal in AI.
Recommended courses are a B.Tech. Computer Science/B.Sc. in Computer Science or a B.Tech. IT/B.Sc. IT that incorporates learning modules in AI.
Additional skills: While you are about it, don't forget to hone your communication and presentation skills. As an AI professional, you will be working in teams, reporting to the top brass, explaining to clients, and so on.
A reminder once again- don't get carried away by the hype around AI. If and only if you have the aptitude for it, can grasp technical concepts easily, and are 100% sure about what you want to do in life with all that AI learning, then go for it.
And just a passing thought with reference to the mirage that I mentioned at the beginning- Quite possibly, five to six years down the line, we'll be hearing about the next big trend in computing technology and AI will take a back seat!!
Mere data crunching aka analytics is a little passé now. You need something more added to learning that. AI is the trending career path, what with predictions of zillions of employment opportunities for those with AI expertise. Before you get excited enough to jump into a possible mirage, I would suggest you take a pause. It is not a fashion trend to take up and discard on a mere whim! Is it going to be a definite career decision for you? Where are you heading with the AI course? Is it as a software designer or developer in the field of robotics? Is it as a scientist researching the use of AI in a niche area like healthcare or education?
Understanding AI in layman's language: If you have even had a fleeting thought about AI, you would surely have looked up its meaning. As a lay person who has read about it, I would like to explain it like this- Artificial Intelligence essentially means some kind of technological machine that has got the astuteness and acumen of a human to work on data it is fed, with the help of the in-built equipment in it. The machine will process the data it acquires through super smart "learning", using the various software programs and algorithms that are deep inside its chips, and then deliver it neatly packaged for application to whatever it was required for.
All this – data interpretation and programming – indicates that you do need to possess not just general know-how, but also some good expertise in the concepts of computer science, math and statistics, programming languages (Python is very essential), and algorithms.
By the way, since I am no good at explaining technical stuff, you would need to turn to online sources to know about the three main types of AI, namely Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI).
Where to start as an AI professional: The starting point for a career as an AI professional is your Class 12 exam. You need to clear that successfully with at least 50%, and it would be great if you have taken up Mathematics and/or Statistics as a subject. With the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP), you can select an elective from other streams. So look out for even non-engineering colleges offering AI in their undergraduate science or computer-related course in, say, data science or as part of their BCA program.
How important is it to know programming in AI? Not only is it important, but also essential from what I have read about AI careers. In fact, the primary requirement is that you do need technical skills since AI is all about working with a sophisticated computing machine. I had referred to Python earlier. AI career experts definitely speak of this first, emphasizing that it is important for you to take up a course in Python and understand it thoroughly. Perhaps you learned some basic programming languages like C++ in school? That's good, too.
If you do not have programming knowledge, then don't delay. Perhaps you can do some self-learning during your first year in college so that you are ready to take off once you clear Class 12. Polish your concepts of Mathematics and Statistics. Understanding the management of databases would also be a plus. Then look for an undergraduate course in data science, computer science, and the like that would offer AI as part of the curriculum. Before you enroll, do ensure that you also check the specializations that are offered so that you are headed in the right direction for your career goal in AI.
Recommended courses are a B.Tech. Computer Science/B.Sc. in Computer Science or a B.Tech. IT/B.Sc. IT that incorporates learning modules in AI.
Additional skills: While you are about it, don't forget to hone your communication and presentation skills. As an AI professional, you will be working in teams, reporting to the top brass, explaining to clients, and so on.
A reminder once again- don't get carried away by the hype around AI. If and only if you have the aptitude for it, can grasp technical concepts easily, and are 100% sure about what you want to do in life with all that AI learning, then go for it.
And just a passing thought with reference to the mirage that I mentioned at the beginning- Quite possibly, five to six years down the line, we'll be hearing about the next big trend in computing technology and AI will take a back seat!!
Author: Dev Arora Post Date: 09 May 2023
Artificial intelligence is becoming the most attractive career path in the modern era with millions of opportunities. It's growing at a much faster pace than even people with non-science or technical backgrounds are even running behind it as the world is facing several layoffs due to the lack of its knowledge. AI is not only a theoretical concept, it's an art and professionalism is not the result of years of experience as it is evolved in the current generation. However, it requires the skills of a candidate and how adaptable he is to the dynamic technological environment as something new evolves every day in the field of AI.
Becoming a professional in the field of AI can be much tempting career path as very few people are aware of its core concepts. If you are a school student and interested in it then you can enroll for some online courses available. These courses provide flexibility with your school timings as well as can develop the art from the root level at a very young age. However, it would not make you a professional but it depends upon your caliber, and how you learn from it. After the completion of the 12th candidates with a science background can enroll for courses in computer science from some reputable institutions which not only teach theory but provide practical learning to develop an art practical knowledge is a must. Simultaneously you can work on your skills at your level.
Even candidates with non-science backgrounds to build aspiring careers in AI can look for some diploma courses in the relevant field or machine learning. These are short-duration courses with immense learning. If any science graduate with a degree in non-computer science background then they can look for postgraduate programs in computer science. You can adopt these pathways to build a professional career in AI. But always keep in mind AI demands less of your degrees and more of your skills. Even some people with no degree in the relevant field are doing wonders in AI.
Artificial intelligence is becoming the most attractive career path in the modern era with millions of opportunities. It's growing at a much faster pace than even people with non-science or technical backgrounds are even running behind it as the world is facing several layoffs due to the lack of its knowledge. AI is not only a theoretical concept, it's an art and professionalism is not the result of years of experience as it is evolved in the current generation. However, it requires the skills of a candidate and how adaptable he is to the dynamic technological environment as something new evolves every day in the field of AI.
Becoming a professional in the field of AI can be much tempting career path as very few people are aware of its core concepts. If you are a school student and interested in it then you can enroll for some online courses available. These courses provide flexibility with your school timings as well as can develop the art from the root level at a very young age. However, it would not make you a professional but it depends upon your caliber, and how you learn from it. After the completion of the 12th candidates with a science background can enroll for courses in computer science from some reputable institutions which not only teach theory but provide practical learning to develop an art practical knowledge is a must. Simultaneously you can work on your skills at your level.
Even candidates with non-science backgrounds to build aspiring careers in AI can look for some diploma courses in the relevant field or machine learning. These are short-duration courses with immense learning. If any science graduate with a degree in non-computer science background then they can look for postgraduate programs in computer science. You can adopt these pathways to build a professional career in AI. But always keep in mind AI demands less of your degrees and more of your skills. Even some people with no degree in the relevant field are doing wonders in AI.
Author: DR.N.V. Srinivasa Rao Post Date: 03 May 2023
Artificial intelligence is attaining a very big focus these days and people are taking an interest in studying these subjects more than any other subject as there is a lot of scope in this field for beginners. Artificial intelligence is not just data collecting, analyzing and coming out with solutions. It has much more to learn and do. A human being is trying to produce a replica of him who can assist him/ her in all their activities. So, in the coming days, I feel, we will get to see a huge development in the field of Artificial intelligence.
A person who wants to become a professional in this field should have a scientific bent of mind and must start studying science subjects at the high school level itself.
The following are some steps one must take to become an AI professional-
1. Clear your 12th class with science and mathematics. One should get a good percentage of marks. Then the candidate should attempt entrance examinations like JEE mains and JEE advance to get a seat in a good engineering institute like IITs, NITs, BITS etc. Obtaining a seat in a good institution is the basic requirement to become an expert in the desired field. You can join BE/ B Tech, electronics or IT or Computer Science. If you are unable to get a seat in the best institute, try to get a seat in BCA or BSc Physics or computers in an excellent institute.
2. AI is not just a routine subject. So, it is always better to consider doing PG in the subject. Of course, if you get a good placement through campus interviews, that is a different issue. Based on the organisation which gave you employment, you can decide to join and these days there are many ways to update your skills and obtain higher qualifications. While working in the organisation you can go for a master's degree or some important certification courses that are being offered by top-class institutions like IIMs and IITs. These higher qualifications and certifications will give you an edge over others and it will also help you to update your knowledge in the field.
4. Just putting on years of experience will never make you a professional. This statement I am making from my own experience and I have seen many people working for many years but not becoming professionals. You have to be in continuous learning mode which will help you to learn in depths of the subject.
5. Stay focused and never run away from a technical problems but put in efforts and try to solve them. This will give you a better practical experience.
That is how a person can become a professional in AI, as in any other profession, I feel.
Artificial intelligence is attaining a very big focus these days and people are taking an interest in studying these subjects more than any other subject as there is a lot of scope in this field for beginners. Artificial intelligence is not just data collecting, analyzing and coming out with solutions. It has much more to learn and do. A human being is trying to produce a replica of him who can assist him/ her in all their activities. So, in the coming days, I feel, we will get to see a huge development in the field of Artificial intelligence.
A person who wants to become a professional in this field should have a scientific bent of mind and must start studying science subjects at the high school level itself.
The following are some steps one must take to become an AI professional-
1. Clear your 12th class with science and mathematics. One should get a good percentage of marks. Then the candidate should attempt entrance examinations like JEE mains and JEE advance to get a seat in a good engineering institute like IITs, NITs, BITS etc. Obtaining a seat in a good institution is the basic requirement to become an expert in the desired field. You can join BE/ B Tech, electronics or IT or Computer Science. If you are unable to get a seat in the best institute, try to get a seat in BCA or BSc Physics or computers in an excellent institute.
2. AI is not just a routine subject. So, it is always better to consider doing PG in the subject. Of course, if you get a good placement through campus interviews, that is a different issue. Based on the organisation which gave you employment, you can decide to join and these days there are many ways to update your skills and obtain higher qualifications. While working in the organisation you can go for a master's degree or some important certification courses that are being offered by top-class institutions like IIMs and IITs. These higher qualifications and certifications will give you an edge over others and it will also help you to update your knowledge in the field.
4. Just putting on years of experience will never make you a professional. This statement I am making from my own experience and I have seen many people working for many years but not becoming professionals. You have to be in continuous learning mode which will help you to learn in depths of the subject.
5. Stay focused and never run away from a technical problems but put in efforts and try to solve them. This will give you a better practical experience.
That is how a person can become a professional in AI, as in any other profession, I feel.
Find more Topics.