AI tools are spreading into most industries. Knowing how data, automation and AI fit into a job helps you use them well and judge their output.
How to start building it
- Learn the basics of data: how it is collected, cleaned and analyzed
- Try AI tools on low-risk tasks and check their output carefully
- Learn your field's rules on privacy and data security before you use AI with real information
Careers that rely on artificial intelligence
Data Scientist
Turn data into insights and predictions that guide decisions.
- Typical training: 4–6 years
Software Developer
Design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day.
- Typical training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio
Computer Systems Analyst
Bridge business needs and technology by designing better computer systems.
- Typical training: 4 years
Statistician
Design studies and analyze data to answer questions in health, business and science.
- Typical training: 2 years after a bachelor’s
Database Administrator
Keep databases fast, secure, backed up and available.
- Typical training: 4 years plus experience
Operations Research Analyst
Use math models to help organizations make better decisions.
- Typical training: Entry-level with a quantitative degree
General and Operations Manager
Keep a business running day to day, from staff and budgets to results.
- Typical training: 5+ years of experience
Office Clerk
Handle the everyday tasks that keep an office running.
- Typical training: A few weeks on the job
Majors that build artificial intelligence skills
Training that builds artificial intelligence
A self-paced online course on what software developers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: programming languages such as Python, JavaScript or Java, data structures and algorithms, and version control with Git
Why it fits: Artificial intelligence is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what computer systems analysts do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: requirements gathering, process mapping, and system design
Why it fits: Artificial intelligence is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what data scientists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: python or R, SQL, and statistics
Why it fits: Artificial intelligence is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what operations research analysts do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: optimization, simulation, and statistics
Why it fits: Artificial intelligence is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what database administrators do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: SQL, database platforms (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL), and backup and recovery
Why it fits: Artificial intelligence is central to this job.
A self-paced online course on what statisticians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: statistical methods, experimental design, and r and SAS
Why it fits: Artificial intelligence is central to this job.
Artificial intelligence skills: frequently asked questions
Why are artificial intelligence skills important?
AI tools are spreading into most industries. Knowing how data, automation and AI fit into a job helps you use them well and judge their output.
How can I improve my artificial intelligence skills?
Learn the basics of data: how it is collected, cleaned and analyzed. Try AI tools on low-risk tasks and check their output carefully. Learn your field's rules on privacy and data security before you use AI with real information.
Is artificial intelligence a hard skill or a soft skill?
Artificial intelligence is usually considered a hard or technical skill: it can be taught, practiced and shown through specific tasks, tools or certificates.
Which careers need artificial intelligence skills?
Careers that rely on them include data scientist, software developer, computer systems analyst, statistician, database administrator, operations research analyst, general and operations manager, and office clerk.
Which college majors build artificial intelligence skills?
Majors that list them among their core skills include Artificial Intelligence.
How do I show artificial intelligence skills on a resume?
Give specific examples: a situation, what you did, the tools or methods you used and the result. Add related training, certificates or projects.
How long does it take to build artificial intelligence skills?
You can learn the basics in weeks with focused study and practice. Strong skills come from using them regularly over months and years, on the job, in classes or in projects.
Can I learn artificial intelligence skills online?
Yes, you can start online. Career Education Institute trainings that build them include Software Developer Training, Computer Systems Analyst Training, and Data Scientist Training. Practice with real tasks makes them stick.