Are you fascinated by the growing field of artificial intelligence (AI)? Do you aspire to become an AI engineer at a leading tech company in India?
With the increasing use of AI in various industries, the demand for skilled professionals has skyrocketed. In this article, we'll guide you on how to become an artificial intelligence engineer and explore potential career paths and opportunities.
Who is an artificial intelligence engineer?
As an AI engineer, your role will involve designing, testing, and implementing programmes that enable machines to perform human-like tasks such as natural language processing, visual perception, decision-making, and speech recognition.
With AI transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, education, and retail, the job prospects for AI engineers are vast.
By pursuing a career in artificial intelligence engineering, you can contribute to developing cutting-edge technology solutions that positively impact society.
Job Roles of Artificial Intelligence Engineers
Artificial intelligence engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying AI-enabled software or systems. They create intelligent machines that can work and learn like humans.
Their key responsibility is to come up with innovative solutions by applying the principles of machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
As an AI engineer, you can specialise in different job roles, such as:
To succeed as an AI engineer in India, you will need a mix of technical skills such as Python programming, machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks and neural networks along with soft skills like communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
Skills Required for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Programming languages such as Python, Java or C++
- Knowledge of machine learning algorithms
- Understanding of deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow or Keras
- Statistical analysis skills
- Database management skills
Job Potential and Opportunities in AI Engineering
The field of artificial intelligence offers immense potential for growth in India. According to a recent report by Analytics India Magazine, there will be 40% growth in demand for AI professionals over the next few years.
As an AI engineer, you will have plenty of opportunities across various industries like finance, healthcare, e-commerce, transportation and logistics.
Some leading companies hiring AI engineers in India include TCS Innovation Labs, Amazon, IBM, Accenture and Deloitte. The salary range for AI engineers in India varies depending on the location and experience level.
Here's a quick look at the salary range across different cities in India:
With the right mix of technical skills and industry knowledge combined with education and certifications, you can achieve great success as an artificial intelligence engineer.
However, the salary may vary based on various factors, such as experience, skills, and location.
Leading Companies Hiring AI Engineers
- Accenture
- IBM
- Amazon
- Microsoft
Educational Requirements for AI Engineers
To become an artificial intelligence engineer, you can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in computer science, software engineering, or information technology that offer specialisations in AI-related fields.
Some popular undergraduate degrees include B.Tech. or BE in Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, or Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Postgraduate degrees such as an MTech or MS in Artificial Intelligence or Data Science can help you acquire the advanced knowledge and skills required for an AI engineer role.
Popular Degree Options for AI Engineers
- B.Tech/BE in Computer Science Engineering
- B.Tech/BE in Information Technology
- M.Tech./MS in Artificial Intelligence
- M.Tech./MS in Data Science
Eligibility Criteria for Admission
- Minimum 50–60% aggregate marks in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
- Bachelor's degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50–60% aggregate marks
Certifications and specialisations
Certifications are an excellent way to gain knowledge and expertise in specific areas of AI. Certifications are generally shorter than a degree programme and focus on teaching skills that are in high demand by employers.
The cost of certification courses for AI engineers can vary depending on the provider and duration, but they usually range between ₹10,000 – ₹50,000.
Upskilling to Boost Career Prospects
Upskilling is essential in the field of AI, as technology is evolving at a rapid pace. By upskilling yourself, you can stay updated with new technologies and trends, which ultimately helps boost your career prospects.
- Several online learning platforms offer various certificate courses on artificial intelligence that are designed for working professionals who want to upskill themselves in their free time.
- Apart from basic certification courses, several specialisation courses are also available, which focus on advanced topics like deep learning algorithms and neural networks.
- The cost of certification or specialisation courses varies from platform to platform. Some of the courses are available for free, while others can cost anywhere between ₹5,000 to ₹100,000 depending on the course provider.
Mapping Out Your Career Path
As an AI engineer, you can progress to become a senior machine learning engineer, data science manager, or even director of artificial intelligence at a company.
Experienced professionals with expertise in AI can explore options like entrepreneurship, where they can start their own AI-based business or work as consultants offering specialised services to companies.
At WiZR, we understand the importance of upskilling for your future success. Speak to our experts today to learn more about financing options that can help you achieve your career goals.
FAQs
1. Which AI job roles get the highest salaries?
AI Architect, Senior Principal Engineer, Director of Machine Learning, and Head of Artificial Intelligence are some of the highest-paying AI job roles in India.
2. Can I pursue a career in AI engineering without a degree?
Yes, you can pursue a career as an AI engineer without a degree if you have relevant skills and certifications. Upskilling courses and bootcamps can help you acquire these skills.
3. What are some real-life applications of AI?
AI is applied across various industries such as healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and automotive. Some examples include virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, self-driving cars, fraud detection systems in banking, and medical diagnosis tools.
4. Can artificial intelligence engineers work as freelancers?
Yes, freelance opportunities are available for AI engineers with relevant skills and expertise. Freelance projects can range from building chatbots for businesses to developing predictive models for financial institutions.
5. Who earns more: AI engineer or ML engineer?
Both professions offer high earning potential; however, senior-level salaries for ML engineers tend to be slightly higher than AI engineers.
