Engineers are in high demand right now, particularly those specializing in artificial intelligence. Intending to improve and simplify processes that humans typically perform, artificial intelligence (AI) is continuously evolving.
Therefore, AI engineers are needed to assist in that endeavor, which raises the following straightforward question, “How to become an AI engineer?” And most importantly, “How long does it take to become an AI engineer?” Stay with us as we explore the steps to becoming an AI engineer and the advantages that come with it.
What Is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is the development of computer systems that attempt to emulate or simulate human behavior. To put it in another way, AI aims to simplify the world for people to live in. Just like humans learn from their past actions, AI also learns from past data and activities, which may be either positive or negative.
AI systems gather a large amount of data, analyze those data for patterns, and then use those patterns for future outcomes. AI focuses on developing three cognitive skills: learning, reasoning, and self-correction.
What Is an Artificial Intelligence Engineer?
AI engineers are the brains behind artificial intelligence systems. An AI engineer uses AI learning techniques to develop applications and strategies that can assist various organizations in boosting productivity, and revenues, making better decisions, and, most crucially, lowering costs.
By extending the usage of AI in the real world, AI engineering focuses on various tools and systems. So, know that every time you use Netflix, Spotify, or even YouTube, you engage with the results of artificial intelligence engineering.
How to Become an Artificial Intelligence Engineer
If you’ve reached this point, you probably already know what artificial intelligence engineering is but are wondering, “How can I become an AI engineer?” Below, we’ve listed eight steps you can follow to pursue a career in AI engineering. Let’s get started.
Plan your career path
Planning your career path is the first step if you are confident that AI engineering is your path. Some of the steps that you can take to prepare for a career in AI engineering are given below:
- Find out what professions in AI engineering are currently available.
- Discover the AI engineering jobs that are now in high demand.
- Choose a few occupations that fit your interests, objectives, and talents.
- Research the pay and potential perks of the position.
- Put together a career action plan.
Enroll in a degree program
After researching various occupations and choosing one, you should try enrolling in a degree program. Depending on your chosen career, this degree program may be a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s. Before registering, you should also review the university requirements to ensure you meet the standards for admission to that particular college.
Gain internship experience
The next step is obtaining an internship because it will enhance your resume, add to your work experience, and help you finish your educational requirements. The internship may be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time. However, the main purpose of the internship is to help you advance your career by gaining additional experience.
Pick your specialty
After finishing an internship and studying different areas of artificial intelligence engineering, you should focus on one area and specialize in that. Choosing your specialty can be difficult and time-consuming. You should try to focus on the one that best fits you and, most importantly, the one you enjoy learning and working in. Artificial Intelligence is a vast and interdisciplinary field, with several areas that you can specialize in. For ex: Machine Learning, AI for Education, AI for Finance, AI for Web Development, AI for Cybersecurity, etc.
Get licensed/certified
After all the steps mentioned below, we suggest getting licensed in your preferred area of AI engineering. To get certified, you must pass an exam that a professional organization administers. Obtaining a license or certification gives more value to your resume and the company trying to hire you.
Continue your education
Even though continuing your education after earning your bachelor’s degree may take some time, your efforts, perseverance, and hard work will be rewarded with several doors leading to rewarding opportunities. You can become more professional in your area and, most significantly, your income will increase due to continuing your education. Check out the best Swiss universities where you can get a master’s degree in AI.
Build your portfolio
One of the most significant barriers to achieving your ideal career may be a lack of effort in developing your portfolio. Portfolios are an excellent way to show off your abilities and achievements, including certifications, personal information, career aspirations, work history, education, recommendations, and training.
Apply for jobs
What’s left for you to do after completing all of the processes above is to begin looking for employment prospects. Applying for a job can be a bit overwhelming. However, if you have gone through the steps we’ve mentioned, you do not have anything to worry about. Click here to learn all you need to know about finding a job in Switzerland.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Artificial Intelligence Engineer?
Time is of the essence, especially when it comes to becoming an AI engineer. You have two options from which you can choose; a four-year engineering degree in AI or a three-year degree in AI. Consider the employment requirements before earning a degree because most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s and some even a master’s.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer Salary In Switzerland
One of the things that make most of us smile is our salaries. According to SalaryExpert, the average base pay in Switzerland is 126,414 CHF, with an average hourly rate of 60.78 CHF. Depending on your experience, your salary may range from 88,361 to 156,588 CHF.
Should You Become an Artificial Intelligence Engineer?
AI is continuously improving, and for AI to improve, the demand for people increases, and consequently, the salaries increase too. However, it is entirely up to you whether you want to be an artificial intelligence engineer. All we can say is that although getting a degree in AI is not a piece of cake, it definitely is a rewarding career from which you will benefit for a long time.
The Bottom Line
Artificial intelligence holds great promise, and many are working to advance it. Since there is a continuing market for this industry, this is a fantastic chance for you to seize. You should be sure to take all the necessary steps to prepare for your future profession if you are confident that you want to work in artificial intelligence engineering.
