One big way that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing everything is its ability to help all of us work more efficiently. We all need to start thinking differently about our jobs. Many tasks such as document handling, accounting, and outlining processes can now be done by AI.

Bill Gates predicts that it won’t be long before all businesses will have company-wide digital assistants. In his recent Blog (The Age of AI has Begun) he wrote; “An agent that understands a particular company will be available for its employees to consult directly and should be part of every meeting so it can answer questions.” The way we work is certainly changing.

As AI undoubtedly becomes more prevalent in the business world, it’s important for leaders to know which skills and qualifications to look for when hiring AI talent. It doesn’t appear clear yet just how much demand for AI specialists there will be, but we do know it will grow in a big way.

Let’s investigate which must-have skills and qualifications are needed for working in the new AI age.

Essential skills to look for when hiring AI talent

Working with AI tech requires a combination of technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Here are some of the skills in hot demand:

Programming Languages

Despite the rising popularity of low-code AI software, custom-built systems are still necessary for most businesses with dedicated AI teams to achieve their objectives. Developing such systems demands expertise in one or more of the following programming languages: Python, Java, or C++, Julia, R, and Scala.

Programming Skills

Although programming skills are crucial in AI, it is not necessary to create every line of code from scratch. Libraries and software are indispensable resources for AI experts, and there are several available to assist in enhancing abilities. The following are some of the frequently used tools: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, scikit-learn, and Tableau.

Machine Learning Algorithms

Machine learning algorithms take data and transform it into a model. They’re used to solve regression and classification problems and are a must-know for anyone working in AI.

Using machine learning algorithms, businesses can make predictions about their market, their competition, and many aspects of business forecasting.

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematical concepts like linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability underpin sophisticated areas of AI, such as neural networks and deep learning algorithms. While some AI engineers utilise mathematical skills daily, other positions require a strong comprehension but do not directly use them. Having a background in statistics is also useful in analysing and interpreting data.

Data Visualisation

AI and machine learning are commonly used to answer questions using massive data sets, and those answers need to be visualized to communicate your findings to non-technical stakeholders. Creating charts and graphs that highlight the information in a digestible way is an important skill for many professionals working with AI.

Domain Expertise

Knowledge of the specific domain in which the AI system will be applied is essential. For example, if building an AI system for healthcare, knowledge of medical terminology, and patient care is important.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

AI often involves complex problems that require creative thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Critical thinkers are good at spotting mistakes and inefficiencies in whatever is in front of them. By questioning and analysing the information, critical thinkers can decide if there are any improvements to make or big questions that need to be asked.

Communication Skills

As is the case in most professional roles, soft skills in teamwork and cooperation are key. Strong communication skills are essential to align and sync with multiple people, as well as to be able to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications Needed for a Career in AI

To work in AI, having an educational background in a field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering is usually necessary. Some specific qualifications which are commonly required include:

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field is often the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in AI.

Master’s degree

A master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, or a related field can provide more specialised and advanced education in AI and may be required for some more advanced roles.

PhD

A PhD in a field related to AI, such as computer science, mathematics, or engineering, is usually required for research and academic positions in AI.

Certifications

There are various certifications available in AI, such as the Google Cloud Certified – Professional Data Engineer or the Microsoft Certified – Azure AI Engineer Associate, which can demonstrate expertise in specific technologies and platforms.

Practical Experience

In addition to formal qualifications, it’s important that professionals gain practical experience through internships, projects, or work experience in AI-related roles. Many employers expect to see examples or a portfolio of AI projects which showcase skills and experience.

What are the different types of AI Jobs?

AI encompasses diverse career paths, ranging from how AI is developed through to how AI is implemented. Here are several job titles that demand AI-related competencies:

• AI engineer
• AI developer
• Machine learning engineer
• Data scientist
• Business intelligence developer
• Research scientist
• Big data engineer
• Software engineer
• Software architect
• Data analyst with AI skills
• Robotics engineer
• NLP (natural language processing) engineer
• Deep learning specialist
• Computer vision engineer

Hiring AI Talent: How can we help?

IT pros who possess many of the above skills are more likely to be successful in their roles and make a positive impact on the business they work for.

If you need a hand in finding a candidate with suitable skills and relevant qualifications, leave it to us. As a specialist recruitment agency with a clear focus on IT and AI, we can build your team quickly.

Contact us here to find out more.