The future is here. Experts are saying that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will supply ample benefits for people over the next decade, however, there are major concerns surrounding advances in artificial intelligence and its effect on humanity.
For the first time in history, our society has been introduced to digital life, which mimic human capacities in ways so advanced, it has managed to disrupt basic human activities. Expert systems have forced its way to over half of the world’s inhabitants, providing opportunities that were once deemed impossible.
However, with new possibilities, comes potential new threats. As AI continues to evolve, and it is rapidly doing so, more questions about the future of humanity will arise.
What the Experts are Saying
Around 979 technology innovators, developers, business leaders, researchers, and activists all answered a pivotal question that’s currently haunting society: will people be better off with AI? The slew of experts predicted that artificial intelligence will not only increase human effectiveness, but also threaten human autonomy and capabilities.
There are a wide range of possibilities at play here. Computers may exceed human intelligence in the next few years, posing a threat to their visual acuity, speech recognition, learning, the list goes on.
While there are fears, many experts revealed contributed optimistic remarks on health care to the conversation, suggesting that it is possible for AI to diagnose and even treat patients. Aside from this, they claimed that AI could assist senior citizens in living happier and healthier lives.
Outside of the healthcare space, many of these experts predicted that AI could assist in long-awaited changes in education systems.
While these experts are confident in the advantages of AI, many expressed concerns about its long-term impact on the elements of being human. When asked to elaborate, they shared worries along with potential solutions.
Bottom line is, there is something to be said for experts who pose concerns with artificial intelligence.
Career Paths in Artificial Intelligence
In the last two years alone, AI hires have increased by 32%. With that said, there is a fairly high talent gap, meaning there aren’t enough qualified artificial intelligence applicants to fill positions.
AI professionals are top earners, generating $100,000 on average every year. There are diverse growth opportunities within the AI sector, considering it is a rapidly evolving profession. As of now, AI jobs are extremely high in demand.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts computer science and information technology employment to increase by a whopping 11% in the next decade, adding around 531,200 new AI jobs in the industry. The World Economic Forum placed AI and Machine Learning Specialists as second on the list of AI jobs increasing in demand.
What AI Careers Can You Pursue Today?
While artificial intelligence is a new player in the professional sphere, there are still a multitude of opportunities out there, many of which require specific skills and experience. Let’s explore a few of them:
1. Data Scientist
Data scientists are responsible for collecting data and analyzing it for a wide range of purposes. They rely on a variety of tech tools, algorithms, and processes to garner knowledge from specific data and identify patterns. This is an AI job that is deemed a strong starting point for individuals pursuing life-long careers in AI.
Data scientists have basic responsibilities, as well as relatively advanced ones. The qualifications of a data scientist are:
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- Understanding of unstructured data and statistical analysis
- Experience with tools like Hadoop platform and Amazon S3
- Knowledge of Hadoop, MapReduce, Hive, etc.
- Advanced degree in mathematics, computer science, etc.
Today, the average salary of a data scientist is a whopping $105,000. Depending on level of experience, this amount can double for a director of data science position.
2. Business Intelligence Developer
Business intelligence (BI) developers process internal and external data to recognize trends. In a financial services company, for example, this could be someone closely monitoring stock market data to help make informed investment decisions.
This AI job as some similarities to a data analyst, however, business intelligence developers don’t create the reports themselves, unlike data analysts. In most cases, they are tasked with modeling, designing, and maintaining complex data in cloud-based data platforms for business users to effectively utilize the dashboards.
Business intelligence developers require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Companies prefer to hire individuals with hands-on experience in data warehouse design, SQL, etc. This one’s a given: exceptional technical and analytical skills are preferred.
Business intelligence developers take home anywhere from $86,500 to $130,000 every year.
3. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers utilize immense data tools and programming frameworks to produce scalable data science models that are equipped to handle terabytes of real-time data. Machine learning engineer opportunities are best for those with a background in applied research, software engineering, and data science.
Candidates are expected to have strong mathematical skills and an understanding of machine learning and programming skills in Python, Java, and Scala. Machine learning engineers make around $131,000 every year.
Tech giants like Facebook, Apple, and Twitter pay these professionals up to $200,000 annually.
Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Modern Society
This is a given. AI has become an intricate part of our daily lives in every aspect: professional, personal, and social. AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and it’s getting smarter by the day.
As artificial intelligence evolves, it is bringing more opportunities into the tech sector, making it an increasingly competitive space.
