Sophia the human-like robot says, it is possible for robots to have feelings as they get better in understanding human emotions. Here it is, a robot plucked straight out of science fiction is convincing that they’re no less than the humans.

Isn’t this the closest thing to what truly artificial intelligence will look like?

But is it possible for someone to refute a computer’s ability to process logic? To many, it is still an unknown fact if a machine can think. There’s no spite of doubt that Sophia is indeed an impressive piece of engineering. Doesn’t this sound unnatural?

As Max Tegmark says,

“Everything we love about civilization is a product of intelligence, so amplifying our human intelligence with artificial intelligence has the potential of helping a civilization flourish like never before — as long as we manage to keep the technology beneficial.”

From self-driving cars to SIRI, we’re now seeing artificial intelligence growing at a breakneck speed. While science fiction movies often portray AI as robots having human-like characters, it will still take time to reach there.

Ever thought of a career in artificial intelligence?

According to NASSCOM, emerging AI jobs like data architect, ML speech vision, DevOps Engineer, applied scientist are bound to hit the top list. No wonder why IT professionals are focused on hopping into AI to future proof their career.

Why move your job?

This could become a common question among tech professionals. AI is reshaping the society as we know, the quicker you land your first AI job the better it will be for your AI career.

As Gartner says, AI may likely eliminate 1.8 million jobs by 2020, but yet it is on a track where 2.3 million jobs will be created. Doesn’t this map out AI career to be an ideal career path for professionals looking to relish challenges in the game-changing technology?

Practical tips to making a career switch in artificial intelligence: -

👉1. Solidify your technical skills

To get into an AI career, you need to have extensive knowledge in skills such as Python programming, developing well-engineered code and debugging them along with strong data-management skills.

👉2. Master skills in machine learning

Basics of machine learning and AI is a must-have skill for professionals looking to shift toward an AI career. The candidate must be able to learn the fundamentals of algorithms that help solve complex problems. Most tech professionals having data science skills could also pave their way toward becoming an AI professional.

👉3. Gain knowledge in your business domain

If you’re still skeptic in choosing the domain you’re looking to set your AI career in, in-depth digging in artificial intelligence is recommended. Identifying a complex problem and solving them by building a machine learning model is perhaps a major skill an AI professional needs to grasp. Knowledge in the business domain and having a clear understanding of how companies function in these areas is a must-have skill.

👉4. AI-oriented data science certification programs

With AI making headlines in the job market, candidates need to take up AI-oriented data science certification programs. Acquiring skills through AI-oriented certification program is one of the best ways to stay ahead in the tech curve.

👉5. Become a certified AI professional

Once you’re aligned with the basic skills and have gained confidence in this field, taking up a certification program in AI with some of the best AI certifications provided by multiple certification bodies is the best choice. While taking up these certification programs, ensure your skills are being implemented practically. Getting hands-on experience through projects gives you a clearer vision of how you’ll be solving real-time problems.

👉6. Get a good mentor

If you’re looking to start your initial phase in making building an AI career, it is mandatory to have a mentor who will be able to guide you throughout your journey. Given the heightened demand for AI professionals, transitioning into the AI field will future proof your career. Finding a mentor can be tough, you could take the help of a professional network like LinkedIn and connect with AI experts in this domain.

👉7. Enhance your soft skills

Just because you’re technically sound does not mean you do not require soft skills. Gaining expertise in machine learning and AI is not the panacea for every solution. You will need to converse with business leaders, stakeholders and even your subordinates who may not understand the technical words used. Being an AI expert or an AI architect has a long way to go.

👉8. Constant learning

Like many other fields, technology is ever-evolving. Success comes only to those who thrive to learn continuously. A saying by Zachary Jarvinen, (head of a technology strategy, AI, and analytics at OpenText), “Despite its evocative title, AI is remarkably similar to other fields in information technology, in that success comes through continuous learning, training, and great processes.”

While mastery could be the key components of a successful journey, it is also important to be learning new skills.

Heraclitus uttered a phrase 2500 years ago which says, “The only thing that is constant is change.”

Isn’t it amazing that this phrase still lives to be followed even today?