Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence brings significant value to organizations of all sizes across various industries. Learn how to take full advantage of these benefits, be it in your career or within your organization, with online short courses designed to suit your needs regardless of your technical expertise.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work and, when utilized effectively, has the potential to revolutionize the workplace as we know it. By 2030, AI could inject $13 trillion into the global economy, a boost of 16 percent compared to today’s economic output.1 However, it is only possible to take advantage of AI’s potential benefits when professionals have the skills and know-how to do so.
When organizations effectively implement AI solutions, it can bring tremendous business benefits with it, such as greater customer engagement, more empowered employees, improved operations, and a strong competitive advantage.2 Additionally, research reveals that there is a correlation between an organization’s success at adopting AI and its internal training practices. Organizations that are adopting AI most effectively are those that show a strong preference for giving internal employees in strategically significant roles the opportunity to learn AI skills rather than recruiting talent externally. In contrast, organizations that aren’t as successful in their AI implementation rely less on training their existing employees and more on hiring new workers.3 It follows that if organizations wish to make the most of the business opportunities that AI offers, they should invest in upskilling their people and provide them with the opportunity to earn a certificate from a leading institution as proof of their newfound skills.
Due to the rapid advances being made in AI and the changing nature of the jobs related to it, the skills needed by organizations to move AI projects from ideation to implementation are in short supply, resulting in the emergence of career opportunities for professionals both with experience in AI and those without.4 Continuous learning offers a new approach to professional development as existing employees are able to upskill through online courses, enabling them to progress in their careers and add value to their organizations. Comparatively, not learning how to use AI in business could have profound repercussions: Research shows that 75 percent of business leaders believe that if they don’t learn how to scale AI, they could close their doors in the next five years.5 And organizations that experience the value and growth that AI brings are four times more likely to invest in embedding AI in their core business culture through continuous learning.6
What is artificial intelligence?
AI software learns automatically from patterns or characteristics in data by introducing large amounts of data to fast, iterative processes and intelligent algorithms.7 AI is an overarching field of study that covers many theories, methods, technologies and subfields, such as automation, robotics, natural language processing, and deep learning. Here is a brief summary of these fields:
Machine learning
Machine learning is the study of algorithms, neural networks, and statistics used by computer systems and programs to uncover insights in data without having been instructed where to look or what conclusion to reach.8
Automation
Automation is the use of technology and software to control, monitor, or replace mundane, repetitive tasks that were historically executed by people, but that can be carried out more accurately, economically, and effectively by machines.9
Robotics
Robotics is the study of electrically powered mechanical parts governed by computer software that are designed, built, and operated to perform a job that replaces or mimics human actions.10
Natural language processing
Natural language processing (NLP) is a subfield of linguistics and artificial intelligence that deals with the natural communication abilities of humans. It involves the study of natural language data and the development of algorithms that allow computers to understand natural language utterances and to produce natural language responses.11
Deep learning
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn in a way similar to the way humans learn. These networks are designed to be able to learn progressively more complex concepts, making them well-suited for tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing. Deep learning has proven to be very effective in tasks such as speech recognition, where traditional machine learning methods have struggled.12
The above fields of artificial intelligence are becoming more and more important in our lives, and there is no doubt that this technology will continue to develop and grow in the future. If you want to learn more about artificial intelligence, be sure to check out GetSmarter’s best artificial intelligence courses from high-ranking universities. These online courses can teach you everything you need to know about this exciting and rapidly-growing field.
Jobs in artificial intelligence
As far as careers in AI go, the US ranks highest for hiring and developing AI talent, with Brazil, Canada, and Australia seeing an increase in AI jobs of 250–300 percent in the past two years.13 The UK shows similar upward trends, with a continued demand for contract and permanent positions citing AI skills as a prerequisite.14
Here are some AI jobs, and a brief summary of their responsibilities:15
- AI developer: Maintains, implements, and improves AI solutions
- AI engineer: Develops AI solutions to large-scale problems, and connects software developers with research scientists
- Algorithm developer: Develops algorithms to solve specific business needs
- Machine learning engineer: Supports AI projects by using data science and applied research to build machine learning platforms
- Data scientist: Translates and tests ideas based on customer requirements into practical, small-scale demonstrations for feasible, business-wide solutions
- Data engineer: Organizes structured and unstructured data, builds data models, and interprets complex data sets
- Machine learning scientist: Develops innovative machine learning technologies
- Machine learning data developer: Applies various neurolinguistic techniques to areas in AI, such as classification, data and knowledge extraction, disambiguation, and sentiment analysis
The rise of AI in business has led to the creation of many new jobs, such as AI architecture and machine learning engineering. However, machine learning, automation, and AI also help professionals in existing careers – both technical and nontechnical – work more effectively by taking over repetitive, monotonous tasks and giving them more time to carry out higher-level functions.16 Business leaders especially need a solid understanding of AI for strategic purposes. This would indicate that learning AI skills, even in their simplest form, would also be a good investment for those outside typical AI job roles.17
The applications of artificial intelligence
The applications of AI in business continue to grow as quickly as the tech is developed. Consumer-facing businesses use AI to automate customer support and create a more personalized shopping experience, and the financial sector uses AI and machine learning to forecast the most favorable stock investments.18 Logistics-oriented organizations are investing in the development of autonomous cars and drones that are able to share learning through AI in a bid to reduce delivery cost and time. The health-care and medical sector is increasingly adopting AI for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions.19 AI-enabled wearable consumer tech is used for the early detection of conditions such as heart disease, while surgical robots are able to assist surgeons or even perform surgeries themselves. The applications of AI in other sectors – such as real estate, security and surveillance, social media, and travel – all continue to develop in the quest to assist people through machines.
AI is being used more and more in business for a plethora of reasons that are increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and automating processes. The trend is evident all over the world, with many countries showing an uptake in AI jobs.20 Business leaders need to be aware of these changes and learn at least the basics of AI so they can make informed strategic decisions about the future of their companies. Because AI skills are in high demand, it would be a wise investment for anyone looking to further their career in any field to gain some basic knowledge of this exciting technology.
The skills needed for a career in artificial intelligence
The skills required for a career in AI depend largely on the readiness of an organization and the context of work. However, there are some traits that those with careers in AI have in common, such as the ability to solve complex problems, as well as decision-making skills, critical-thinking skills, and creativity.21 Additionally, AI professionals have learned the technical skills needed to design, maintain, and implement technology and software programs effectively, as well as necessary soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence to work well in a team and translate highly technical information in a simple, intelligible way.
Our artificial intelligence courses empower professionals to utilize AI in a number of daily business operations, such as data exploration, agile development, and multidisciplinary teamwork.22
Whether you’re interested in machine learning in business, want to harness programming languages like Python or R, or would like to expand your understanding of data science, GetSmarter has a course that will provide you with the skills needed to incorporate AI in your career, regardless of your level of readiness or technical background. Enter the exciting world of AI and discover how to formulate a high-level AI strategy or successfully support the launch of your organization’s next AI project.
Through its collaboration with leading institutions around the world, GetSmarter delivers premium online short courses designed for professionals at any stage of their career. The flexible learning model and 24/7 support means that you can learn to harness AI in business in your own time and at your own pace. At the end of the course, you’ll earn a certificate of completion as recognition of your industry-relevant skills. Register for one of our artificial intelligence courses today and reap the benefits of extensive knowledge and skills that are in high demand both now and in the future.
Sources
1Bughin, J. et al. (Sep, 2018). ‘Notes from the AI frontier: Modeling the impact of AI on the world economy’. Retrieved from McKinsey.
2(Feb, 2020). ‘The 4 key benefits AI provides your business’. Retrieved from BusinessTech.
3Brown, S. et al. (Sep, 2019). ‘The analytics academy: Bridging the gap between human and artificial intelligence’. Retrieved from McKinsey.
4Milano, M. (Mar, 2019). ‘The digital skills gap is widening fast. Here’s how to bridge it’. Retrieved from World Economic Forum.
5Awalegaonkar, K. (Feb, 2020). ‘Scaling AI: how to make it work for your company’. Retrieved from Accenture.
6Brown, S. et al. (Sep, 2019). ‘The analytics academy: Bridging the gap between human and artificial intelligence’. Retrieved from McKinsey.
7(Nd). ‘How artificial intelligence works’. Retrieved from SAS. Access April 15, 2020.
8(Nd). ‘How artificial intelligence works’. Retrieved from SAS. Access April 15, 2020.
9Nadhan, E. et al. (Jan, 2020). ‘What is automation? It depends on who you are’. Retrieved from Thrive.
10(Nd). ‘What is robotics?’. Retrieved from BuiltIn.
11(Jul, 2020). ‘Natural language processing (NLP)’. Retrieved from IBM.
12(Mar, 2021). ‘Deep learning’. Retrieved from TechTarget.
13Perisic, I. (Feb, 2020). ‘The case for responsible AI design’. Retrieved from LinkedIn.
14(Apr, 2020). ‘Artificial intelligence (AI), UK’. Retrieved from IT Jobs Watch.
15Morgan, L. (Jul, 2019). ‘Artificial intelligence jobs in 2019’. Retrieved from Datamation.
16McKendrick, J. (Aug, 2018). ‘Artificial intelligence will replace tasks, not jobs’. Retrieved from Forbes.
17Marria, V. (Jan, 2019). ‘The future of artificial intelligence in the workplace’. Retrieved from Forbes.
18(Mar, 2019). ‘10 powerful examples of AI applications’. Retrieved from Medium.
19(Nd). ‘No longer science fiction, AI and robotics are transforming healthcare’. Retrieved from PWC.
20(Mar, 2021). ‘Demand for AI skills in jobs’. Retrieved from OECD.
21Marr, B. (Apr, 2019). ‘The 10 vital skills you will need for the future of work’. Retrieved from Forbes.
22Fountaine, T. et al. (Aug, 2019). ‘Building the AI-powered organization’. Retrieved from HBR.
Register for an artificial intelligence course
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work and, when utilized effectively, has the potential to revolutionize the workplace as we know it. By 2030, AI could inject $13 trillion into the global economy, a boost of 16 percent compared to today’s economic output.1 However, it is only possible to take advantage of AI’s potential benefits when professionals have the skills and know-how to do so.
When organizations effectively implement AI solutions, it can bring tremendous business benefits with it, such as greater customer engagement, more empowered employees, improved operations, and a strong competitive advantage.2 Additionally, research reveals that there is a correlation between an organization’s success at adopting AI and its internal training practices. Organizations that are adopting AI most effectively are those that show a strong preference for giving internal employees in strategically significant roles the opportunity to learn AI skills rather than recruiting talent externally. In contrast, organizations that aren’t as successful in their AI implementation rely less on training their existing employees and more on hiring new workers.3 It follows that if organizations wish to make the most of the business opportunities that AI offers, they should invest in upskilling their people and provide them with the opportunity to earn a certificate from a leading institution as proof of their newfound skills.
Due to the rapid advances being made in AI and the changing nature of the jobs related to it, the skills needed by organizations to move AI projects from ideation to implementation are in short supply, resulting in the emergence of career opportunities for professionals both with experience in AI and those without.4 Continuous learning offers a new approach to professional development as existing employees are able to upskill through online courses, enabling them to progress in their careers and add value to their organizations. Comparatively, not learning how to use AI in business could have profound repercussions: Research shows that 75 percent of business leaders believe that if they don’t learn how to scale AI, they could close their doors in the next five years.5 And organizations that experience the value and growth that AI brings are four times more likely to invest in embedding AI in their core business culture through continuous learning.6
What is artificial intelligence?
AI software learns automatically from patterns or characteristics in data by introducing large amounts of data to fast, iterative processes and intelligent algorithms.7 AI is an overarching field of study that covers many theories, methods, technologies and subfields, such as automation, robotics, natural language processing, and deep learning. Here is a brief summary of these fields:
Machine learning
Machine learning is the study of algorithms, neural networks, and statistics used by computer systems and programs to uncover insights in data without having been instructed where to look or what conclusion to reach.8
Automation
Automation is the use of technology and software to control, monitor, or replace mundane, repetitive tasks that were historically executed by people, but that can be carried out more accurately, economically, and effectively by machines.9
Robotics
Robotics is the study of electrically powered mechanical parts governed by computer software that are designed, built, and operated to perform a job that replaces or mimics human actions.10
Natural language processing
Natural language processing (NLP) is a subfield of linguistics and artificial intelligence that deals with the natural communication abilities of humans. It involves the study of natural language data and the development of algorithms that allow computers to understand natural language utterances and to produce natural language responses.11
Deep learning
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn in a way similar to the way humans learn. These networks are designed to be able to learn progressively more complex concepts, making them well-suited for tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing. Deep learning has proven to be very effective in tasks such as speech recognition, where traditional machine learning methods have struggled.12
The above fields of artificial intelligence are becoming more and more important in our lives, and there is no doubt that this technology will continue to develop and grow in the future. If you want to learn more about artificial intelligence, be sure to check out GetSmarter’s best artificial intelligence courses from high-ranking universities. These online courses can teach you everything you need to know about this exciting and rapidly-growing field.
Jobs in artificial intelligence
As far as careers in AI go, the US ranks highest for hiring and developing AI talent, with Brazil, Canada, and Australia seeing an increase in AI jobs of 250–300 percent in the past two years.13 The UK shows similar upward trends, with a continued demand for contract and permanent positions citing AI skills as a prerequisite.14
Here are some AI jobs, and a brief summary of their responsibilities:15
- AI developer: Maintains, implements, and improves AI solutions
- AI engineer: Develops AI solutions to large-scale problems, and connects software developers with research scientists
- Algorithm developer: Develops algorithms to solve specific business needs
- Machine learning engineer: Supports AI projects by using data science and applied research to build machine learning platforms
- Data scientist: Translates and tests ideas based on customer requirements into practical, small-scale demonstrations for feasible, business-wide solutions
- Data engineer: Organizes structured and unstructured data, builds data models, and interprets complex data sets
- Machine learning scientist: Develops innovative machine learning technologies
- Machine learning data developer: Applies various neurolinguistic techniques to areas in AI, such as classification, data and knowledge extraction, disambiguation, and sentiment analysis
The rise of AI in business has led to the creation of many new jobs, such as AI architecture and machine learning engineering. However, machine learning, automation, and AI also help professionals in existing careers – both technical and nontechnical – work more effectively by taking over repetitive, monotonous tasks and giving them more time to carry out higher-level functions.16 Business leaders especially need a solid understanding of AI for strategic purposes. This would indicate that learning AI skills, even in their simplest form, would also be a good investment for those outside typical AI job roles.17
The applications of artificial intelligence
The applications of AI in business continue to grow as quickly as the tech is developed. Consumer-facing businesses use AI to automate customer support and create a more personalized shopping experience, and the financial sector uses AI and machine learning to forecast the most favorable stock investments.18 Logistics-oriented organizations are investing in the development of autonomous cars and drones that are able to share learning through AI in a bid to reduce delivery cost and time. The health-care and medical sector is increasingly adopting AI for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions.19 AI-enabled wearable consumer tech is used for the early detection of conditions such as heart disease, while surgical robots are able to assist surgeons or even perform surgeries themselves. The applications of AI in other sectors – such as real estate, security and surveillance, social media, and travel – all continue to develop in the quest to assist people through machines.
AI is being used more and more in business for a plethora of reasons that are increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and automating processes. The trend is evident all over the world, with many countries showing an uptake in AI jobs.20 Business leaders need to be aware of these changes and learn at least the basics of AI so they can make informed strategic decisions about the future of their companies. Because AI skills are in high demand, it would be a wise investment for anyone looking to further their career in any field to gain some basic knowledge of this exciting technology.
The skills needed for a career in artificial intelligence
The skills required for a career in AI depend largely on the readiness of an organization and the context of work. However, there are some traits that those with careers in AI have in common, such as the ability to solve complex problems, as well as decision-making skills, critical-thinking skills, and creativity.21 Additionally, AI professionals have learned the technical skills needed to design, maintain, and implement technology and software programs effectively, as well as necessary soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence to work well in a team and translate highly technical information in a simple, intelligible way.
Our artificial intelligence courses empower professionals to utilize AI in a number of daily business operations, such as data exploration, agile development, and multidisciplinary teamwork.22
Whether you’re interested in machine learning in business, want to harness programming languages like Python or R, or would like to expand your understanding of data science, GetSmarter has a course that will provide you with the skills needed to incorporate AI in your career, regardless of your level of readiness or technical background. Enter the exciting world of AI and discover how to formulate a high-level AI strategy or successfully support the launch of your organization’s next AI project.
Through its collaboration with leading institutions around the world, GetSmarter delivers premium online short courses designed for professionals at any stage of their career. The flexible learning model and 24/7 support means that you can learn to harness AI in business in your own time and at your own pace. At the end of the course, you’ll earn a certificate of completion as recognition of your industry-relevant skills. Register for one of our artificial intelligence courses today and reap the benefits of extensive knowledge and skills that are in high demand both now and in the future.
Sources
1Bughin, J. et al. (Sep, 2018). ‘Notes from the AI frontier: Modeling the impact of AI on the world economy’. Retrieved from McKinsey.
2(Feb, 2020). ‘The 4 key benefits AI provides your business’. Retrieved from BusinessTech.
3Brown, S. et al. (Sep, 2019). ‘The analytics academy: Bridging the gap between human and artificial intelligence’. Retrieved from McKinsey.
4Milano, M. (Mar, 2019). ‘The digital skills gap is widening fast. Here’s how to bridge it’. Retrieved from World Economic Forum.
5Awalegaonkar, K. (Feb, 2020). ‘Scaling AI: how to make it work for your company’. Retrieved from Accenture.
6Brown, S. et al. (Sep, 2019). ‘The analytics academy: Bridging the gap between human and artificial intelligence’. Retrieved from McKinsey.
7(Nd). ‘How artificial intelligence works’. Retrieved from SAS. Access April 15, 2020.
8(Nd). ‘How artificial intelligence works’. Retrieved from SAS. Access April 15, 2020.
9Nadhan, E. et al. (Jan, 2020). ‘What is automation? It depends on who you are’. Retrieved from Thrive.
10(Nd). ‘What is robotics?’. Retrieved from BuiltIn.
11(Jul, 2020). ‘Natural language processing (NLP)’. Retrieved from IBM.
12(Mar, 2021). ‘Deep learning’. Retrieved from TechTarget.
13Perisic, I. (Feb, 2020). ‘The case for responsible AI design’. Retrieved from LinkedIn.
14(Apr, 2020). ‘Artificial intelligence (AI), UK’. Retrieved from IT Jobs Watch.
15Morgan, L. (Jul, 2019). ‘Artificial intelligence jobs in 2019’. Retrieved from Datamation.
16McKendrick, J. (Aug, 2018). ‘Artificial intelligence will replace tasks, not jobs’. Retrieved from Forbes.
17Marria, V. (Jan, 2019). ‘The future of artificial intelligence in the workplace’. Retrieved from Forbes.
18(Mar, 2019). ‘10 powerful examples of AI applications’. Retrieved from Medium.
19(Nd). ‘No longer science fiction, AI and robotics are transforming healthcare’. Retrieved from PWC.
20(Mar, 2021). ‘Demand for AI skills in jobs’. Retrieved from OECD.
21Marr, B. (Apr, 2019). ‘The 10 vital skills you will need for the future of work’. Retrieved from Forbes.
22Fountaine, T. et al. (Aug, 2019). ‘Building the AI-powered organization’. Retrieved from HBR.
