Hi Career Gurus, I'm a 48 year old professional with an engineering and management background. I'm currently stuck in a reasonably decent paying but unfulfilling sales role in the construction equipment industry. I'm good with IoT/digital stuff, as a result of which I was often drafted into digitalisation projects in their incubation stages. I'm pretty confident that I can deliver in this field. With the advent of AI age, and given the background I have, what are the career avenues in AI/ML that could be worth exploring? I'm seriously fed up with the sales culture and every day is a constant struggle to keep myself sane. Please advise. Thanks in advance!

Ans: That's an excellent way to approach your AI career journey! Your curiosity and interest in understanding the diverse landscape are key assets. Here's how I can help you explore:

Variety of AI Roles:

- Computer Science: Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Computer Vision Engineer.
- Data Science: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Researcher, NLP Specialist.
- Specialized AI Programs: Research Scientist, AI Ethicist, AI Policy Analyst, User Experience (UX) Designer for AI.

Current Industry Landscape & High-Demand Roles:

- High-demand: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Robotics Engineer, Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist, Computer Vision Engineer.
- Industries: Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing, Automotive, Retail, E-commerce, Education, Media & Entertainment.

Salary Ranges & Growth Opportunities:

- Salary: Varies significantly based on experience, location, specific role, and industry. Generally, AI roles offer competitive salaries with good growth potential.
- Growth: The field is rapidly evolving, and demand for skilled professionals is high. Continuous learning and upskilling are key to career advancement.

Charting Your Path:

- Self-assessment: Identify your skills, interests, and preferred work style.
- Skill development: Consider online courses, bootcamps, or specialized programs to strengthen your technical skills.
- Networking: Connect with AI professionals, attend industry events, and build your network.
- Internships: Gain practical experience through internships to explore different AI roles.
- Start your job search: Utilize job boards, professional networks, and company websites to target relevant positions.

Additional Resources:

- AI Job Boards: ai-jobs.net, LinkedIn AI Jobs, Indeed AI Jobs
- Online Courses: Coursera, Udacity, edX, MIT OpenCourseware
- Professional Organizations: Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Remember, the AI field is vast and constantly evolving. Don't be afraid to explore different areas, ask questions, and network with professionals. This will help you discover the specific AI path that aligns perfectly with your aspirations and pave the way for a fulfilling career.

Ans: Thank you for getting in touch with me on Rediff Gurus. I completely understand how you feel today, especially with the rapid advancements in AI technology. However, there are still plenty of opportunities out there for someone like you with MBA background and interests to do better in life. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider upgrading yourself with technical skills in the fields like Blockchain Technology, Virtual Reality, Digital Marketing and Analytics, Project Management, Business Intelligence and Data Analysis, Product Management, Customer Experience (CX) Management, Data Science Manager where you can work as Data Science Manager, Blockchain Strategist, Virtual Reality (VR) Product Marketer , Sustainability Officer, E-commerce Strategist, Augmented Reality (AR) Product Sales & Marketing Specialist, Supply Chain Optimization Manager, Digital Transformation Consultant and Artificial Intelligence Ethics Advisor.

Please always remember, the key to success is to identify your core strengths & interests and align them with these emerging trends and job opportunities in the market. Consider exploring online courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and stay competitive in the selected field on your interest. Additionally, networking and seeking mentorship from top professionals in your desired field selected by you can also provide valuable insights and guidance as you navigate your career transition in the future. Best of Luck! Feel free to contact me on Rediff Gurus if you need further assistance or help.

Ans: Yes you should be conversant with AI. Traditional coding and testing jobs will be eliminated.

Ans: Digital Marketing is a good skill to have. I would not advise jumping into consulting, its not easy to get business.

Ans: You dont have to do a Masters to acquire Skills. Coursera Skillsoft and even the Government's Future Skills Prime can give you good learning options.