Modern artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning may not be the same technology we see in the latest sci-fi movies, but it still has significantly changed our lives. It is responsible for the recommendations we get on shopping sites and streaming services, personal digital assistants, self-driving cars, and more.
If you are considering a job in machine learning, you will be in demand. Because AI is an innovative technology being used in almost every industry, there are also many exciting, well-paying directions you can take in your career.
What Are AI and Machine Learning?
AI is the ability of a computer system to imitate human mental functions like problem-solving and learning. A computer system uses logic and math to mimic how people learn new information and make decisions.
Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that uses mathematical models of data to train a computer to learn and act based on past experiences. Over time, a machine learning model will adapt to new data it is trained on and make increasingly better decisions and predictions.
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Careers in AI and ML
The first thing to note is that a career in AI pays well, and machine learning engineers are in demand. However, there are more jobs available than people to fill them. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a machine learning engineer is $125,763, ranging from $91,000 to $189,000.
Also, as a machine learning engineer, you can pick a job in just about any industry or field you can think of and help advance its digital transformation. We are just at the beginning of AI. There is still a lot to be discovered.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Machine learning and AI are essential parts of VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality). In both technologies, AI is used to recognize and track a user’s hand movements as they interact with the virtual or augmented world.
Natural Language Processing
Natural language processing (NLP) is the ability of a computer system to understand human language in both spoken and written form. It uses machine learning and AI to do this, making technologies like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and chatbots possible.
Transportation
As we move into the future, more of the vehicles we use to get around will drive themselves. Machine learning for self-driving vehicles is complex and has to take many things into account, including detecting street markings, objects in the roadway, traffic laws, and more.
Healthcare
In healthcare, machine learning and AI can detect patterns in healthcare records and patient data that are associated with health conditions to diagnose diseases sooner. Machine learning is also used in the discovery of new drugs.
Finance
In finance, AI and machine learning are used to detect fraudulent transactions. AI is also used in algorithmic trading, where global markets are analyzed, and trade decisions are made by a computer.
Getting Started
There are plenty of careers in AI and machine learning, but breaking into the field can take a little preparation. A degree in computer science will help, but a strong portfolio and experience in programming can really boost your chances of landing a machine learning job.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to display your experience in programming, build a portfolio, and build a deeper understanding of machine learning and AI, from free machine learning courses like those offered by Google to machine learning contests like you’ll find at Kaggle. The demand for machine learning experts will only grow, so there is no better time to get started than today.
