Machine learning opens a window to mid-career job opportunities

With more and more companies across all industries embracing automation and leveraging data to grow, a career in machine learning (ML) looks promising. Considered a branch of artificial intelligence, this field has emerged as an attractive career path not only for beginners but also for mid-career professionals.

Machine learning is gaining importance in areas such as customer insights and personalization, operational efficiency, fraud detection and security, customer service and support, sales and marketing, human resources, product development, forecasting and financial management, says Anesh Korla, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Encora, India.

ML engineers, data scientists, AI research scientists, and product managers are some of the roles experiencing an increase in demand.

Om Prakash Shanmugam, senior vice president of engineering at VideoVerse, says there are many opportunities for mid-career professionals looking to move into machine learning roles. While deep technical knowledge was once required to get started with AI and ML, recent advancements have democratized access to the field, allowing people with basic skills to fill in-demand positions, he explains.

AI engineers, data scientists, AI creative professionals, data annotators, and AI security engineers are some of these in-demand positions. Hinting at the salary structure for these positions, he says it is Rs 2.5 to Rs 10 lakh per annum, depending on experience and specialization.

Skills to master for a smooth transition

For a smooth transition into machine learning roles, Korla says people need both technical and non-technical skills. These include mastery of programming languages ​​like Python, R, and SQL for data manipulation, building data science models, and performing exploratory data analysis. In addition to this, he says, machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras, experience in handling and processing data using tools, and a strong foundation in statistics and mathematics can be highly beneficial in understanding and developing ML algorithms. Familiarity with cloud platforms and knowledge of MLOps tools can be equally crucial for deploying models and managing data at scale. In Prakash’s view, mastery of mathematics, logical problem solving, and reasoning is essential for mastering ML concepts. Also, as many ML responsibilities involve data processing, the ability to crunch numbers and extract insights using Excel is crucial. People can also learn programming languages ​​like Python and SQL for complex data analysis and manipulation tasks. For roles such as fast-paced engineers and creative AI professionals, strong English language skills are vital, he adds.

Courses to follow

To advance in your career, the importance of continuous learning and upskilling cannot be overemphasized. Prakash says that for taking up machine learning roles, there are plenty of courses and tutorials on YouTube, Udemy, edX, and similar platforms. However, for those especially interested in rapid engineering, he recommends Deeplearning.ai’s “ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers” and Openart.ai’s “PromptBook.” Those planning to learn how to build advanced AI models should start with fast.ai’s and Realpython.com’s courses for Python basics, he adds.

Opportunities for mid-career freelancers in ML

The machine learning industry is experiencing high demand for freelancers and contract workers, especially in mid-career roles, says Prakash.

According to him, there is a growing need for freelance ML engineers due to advancements in AI. Currently, over 76% of B2B and B2C companies in India are developing AI-powered solutions, driving demand for skilled talent for such roles.

To avail freelance opportunities, people can check out online platforms that specifically cater to machine learning opportunities for freelancers, such as Upwork, Freelancer, Guru, and AI-focused platforms like ai-jobs.net. These platforms connect skilled professionals with companies looking to leverage AI and ML expertise on a freelance basis, he adds.