A disruptive new industry has arrived on the scene...artificial intelligence. Or is it really new? AI has technically been in existence since the 1950s when it was discovered and coined, and we have been using it in some way or another for various technology-controlled aspects of our lives.

However, since the advent of ChatGPT in late 2022, there has been an unprecedented interest and excitement across multiple sectors that have been affected, in some ways comparable to technology booms in the past.

Millions of jobs have—and are predicted to be—created, with the McKinsey Global Institute forecasting the creation of up to 50 million new jobs across sectors globally by 2030. Upwork saw an over 1,000% increase in AI job postings in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, while demand for roles mentioning AI or generative AI on LinkedIn has doubled over the past year.

Some roles that are now available include postings for AI research scientists, AI ethics consultants, machine learning engineers, AI engineers, AI product managers, and even AI management consultants, boasting salaries starting from $104,000, with an average salary of $151,668 according to current figures at Salary.com. With artificial intelligence impacting several sectors and industries, automating millions of jobs, boosting economies, and creating new jobs that previously were unheard of, there has never been a better time to consider securing your job future in AI, especially if you're concerned it might impact your job.

Here are five steps to securing a role within the industry while it is at its peak of growth:

Obtain Specific Technical Knowledge

To land a role working with AI, it is important to understand the technology behind it. The specifics will vary, of course, depending on which role you plan to pursue, but generally, you'll need a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, programming, and data science, which you can usually gain through a degree. A few of the technical skills that are in demand include programming languages such as Python, R, Java, Scala, TypeScript, and C++; machine learning algorithms and frameworks, for example KNN, linear regression, Naive Bayes, Keras, PyTorch, and Theano; data engineering, processing, warehousing, and database modeling; and any AI-specific knowledge of applications, for example, IUI (Intelligent User Interfaces).

Don't Forget To Polish Your Non-Tech Skills

While hard skills and knowledge are important, never underestimate the value of soft skills to help you stand out as a candidate in the tech world. Non-tech skills that are particularly useful include clear communication to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences and stakeholders, critical thinking and problem-solving, logical reasoning, adaptability, and curiosity.

Obtain Certifications

Gain a competitive advantage by becoming a specialist and honing your expertise. Seek certifications and short courses delving into AI specifics, data science, or machine learning, and fine-tune your selection as relevant to your unique career goals.

Nothing Beats Real-World Experience

While you study, practice on projects to perfect and hone your skills further. This will uncover key areas for development and improvement, which you can then ask your tutor to help you with, or seek further training. The real-world experience you gain will also help provide a boost to your resume and will be viewed as an asset by potential employers.

Maintain Relevance

Technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and so will your AI career. This indicates that what may be current today may lose its relevance through becoming obsolete or updated a year from now. Stay abreast of trends in new technologies through reading business and tech publications, reading or listening to the latest industry-related books on Audible, or tuning into a podcast. Another way to stay in-the-know is through actively expanding your professional network, connecting and seeking advice and mentorship from others who are innovative thinkers and already work in the industry. They can help you with providing career advice specific to your journey.

If you have a keen interest in technology, science, or data, or mathematics, now is the time to consider solidifying your career by switching careers and undertaking training to join this rapidly expanding industry as it gains worldwide adoption. Through gaining technical knowledge and certifications, developing your soft skills, practicing your skills in the real world, and staying relevant within the industry, you can forge a successful career within artificial intelligence.