Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) focuses on designing and building software and hardware systems that analyze data, learn from experience, and make autonomous decisions to solve complex problems. As a scientific and experimental field, AI spans everything from abstract logic to physical robotics, and can be applied across a variety of industries—from smart consumer devices to self-driving vehicles.
Sample Occupations
- Software Engineer (AI/ML Focus)
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Applications Engineer
- Junior Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Data Analyst
- AI Security and Risk Analyst
- Machine Learning Security Specialist
- Prompt Engineer/LLM Specialist
- AI Research Assistant
- Robotics Software Engineer
- Autonomous Vehicle Test Engineer
- Computer Vision Specialist
- AI UX Researcher/Designer
- Human-Robot Interaction Analyst
- Conversation Designer/Voice User Interface Specialist
- AI Ethics Analyst
- AI Compliance/Governance Coordinator
- Machine Learning Operations Engineer
- AI Solutions/Product Support Specialist
Types of Employers
- Cloud Service Providers and Enterprise Software Companies
- AI Research and Product Labs
- AI Tooling and Open-Source Ecosystems
- Chipmakers and Hardware Designers
- Edge Computing and IoT Developers
- Cybersecurity Firms
- Big Tech Consumer Platforms
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Hospital networks and health systems
- Medical device manufacturers
- Commercial and Investment banks
- Insurance Providers
- FinTech Startups
- Automotive Manufacturers
- Aerospace and Defense Contractors
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Retail and Direct-to-Consumer Brands
- Streaming Platforms and Video Game Studios
- Federal Agencies and National Laboratories
- Smart City and Urban Planning Departments
Preparing for your career in
Build strong foundational knowledge and skills in the following: applied mathematics, core computer science and data-first engineering, machine learning, systems thinking, ethics and governance.
Focus on soft skills: communication with various stakeholders, critical thinking and problem solving, learning agility, and adaptability.
Be a continual learner: be an active participant in the AI ecosystem, study AI research and trends, be a consumer of tech news, and continue to hone your skillset.
How do I know if it's right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.