Building tomorrow: get your AI career started today
In case you haven’t noticed, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days, from social media to online banking.
Ever wondered how self-driving cars navigate busy streets or how your social media feed seems to know exactly what you like? AI is at the heart of these innovations, and it’s a field that's booming with opportunities. If you’re curious about solving problems, fascinated by technology, and eager to make a real impact, then a career in AI might be the perfect path for you.
The tech industry is an exciting place to be, but with so many careers to choose from and AI advancing at lightning speed, how can you be sure you’re making the right moves to get ahead in this field?
Let’s find out…
Explore your AI career options
Thought AI jobs were only for data scientists and tech engineers? Think again. AI is transforming how things are done in countless industries, from healthcare to defence and beyond. You could be a product manager or a user-experience researcher, or how about exploring the world of AI ethics?
If you’re thinking about going to uni, a degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering would be a strong starting point, but specialised AI courses can give you an edge in the job market. These could be AI-specific undergraduate or graduate degrees, certificates, or even online courses in AI.
While expert knowledge is important, nothing beats hands-on experience. Look out for internships or research opportunities to put theory into practice and build a portfolio of projects to show off your AI expertise.
Skill up!
So, what skills do you need to make your mark in AI? Here are our top 10…
1. Computer programming
Do you know your Python from your Java? Mastering programming languages and understanding data structures and algorithms are key for a career in AI.
2. Machine learning
Machine learning is a computer’s ability to imitate human behaviour on its own – we’re talking self-driving cars, facial recognition and apps like ChatGPT. This is a hot topic in AI and one you’ll need to know about if you want to work in this field.
3. Communication
AI experts often have to explain complex information in a way that is non-technical and easy to understand, so being able to communicate with lots of different people is a huge plus point.
4. Mathematics
Many jobs in AI will need you to get your maths head on. Being good at skills like statistics, algebra, and probability is especially useful.
5. Creativity
Are you good at coming up with new ideas and thinking outside the box? A creative mind is needed to drive AI forward in an ever-changing world.
6. Natural language processing (NLP)
NLP is all about enabling computers to understand human language – think chatbots and translation apps. It’s a hot topic in the world of AI and if you can master NLP techniques, you’ll be in high demand.
7. Problem-solving
Are you an analytical thinker? Do you love solving complex problems? If you can use your technical knowledge to find solutions to real-world issues, AI could be a perfect fit.
8. Industry knowledge
Having general AI know-how is great, but if you want to have a competitive edge, become an expert in your chosen sector, such as finance, health, or cybersecurity to name a few.
9. Ethics
AI is a powerful tool. Learning ethical guidelines and how to use AI responsibly will help you make sure it is used for good.
10. Adaptability
To keep up in the fast-paced world of AI, you’ll have to stay updated on the latest trends and research so that you’re ready to jump on new opportunities and tackle new challenges.
Looking for courses or learning opportunities?
The UK offers a wide range of training to jumpstart your journey. Here are some options to get your AI gears turning:
Teens in AI holds online courses that will equip you with the data analysis, coding, and problem-solving skills to become a future leader of change in the exciting world of AI. Courses include topics such as image processing in AI, Python for data science, intro to machine learning, and more.
Immerse Education’s AI Summer School in Oxford is your chance to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Imagine yourself learning alongside brilliant minds in the historic city of Oxford. ️Available for 16–18-year-olds, this programme promises an unforgettable experience that’s both intellectually stimulating and culturally rich.
The UK government’s National AI Strategy has a treasure trove of resources waiting for you. Its PDF guide unlocks a world of learning opportunities to fire up your AI adventure. Download it here and see what awaits!
Embarking on a career in AI needs determination, passion, and a willingness to adapt to constant changes. By gaining the right skills, education, and experiences, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and dynamic field.
Could you be part of the future of AI?
About the author
Chris Brown is the director of Brolsh Cyber Advisory based in North Wales. He has over 35 years of experience working in the technology space, the last 20 of which has been focused on cyber security. In the last three years, he has been working with several software companies on the cutting edge of cybersecurity and AI to help establish new and exciting technologies to ultimately keep people safe online. You can learn more about Chris and connect with him here: