Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary force in recent times, transforming sectors and redefining business roles across the world. In India, such technological transformation is especially evident, with a vast majority of professionals attesting to the need to update and incorporate AI into their toolkit.
Current research identifies this trend: an astonishing 96% of Indian professionals are now using AI tools in their working environments, beating those in the U.S. (81%) and the U.K. (84%). Such massive roll-out lends support to the critical role AI takes in leading the charge on productivity and efficiency across industries.
The need for AI skills is also underscored by the projected growth in the industry. According to estimates, India’s AI market size will be $8.30 billion by 2025. This growth is generating a jobs boom, with an estimated 2.3 million AI-related jobs to be generated in the next three years.
With the increasing demand for AI professionals, learning AI skills is no longer an advantage but a necessity for career success. Professional AI courses provide structured learning pathways, enabling one to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this new environment. For Indian professionals, registering for such training programs is a strategic move to secure and boost their positions in an AI-driven future.
1. Test your existing skill level and set targets
Before one can enrol for AI courses, one must:
- Test what you already know: Think about what you already know about programming languages, data analysis, and machine learning. For instance, if you already know Python or R, then you will be able to understand AI algorithms better. Or, if you are new to coding, you can begin with starter courses so that you can develop a good foundation.
- Outline your goals: Decide what you wish to accomplish by learning about AI. Don’t want to switch to a career in AI? Instead, enhance your current career with AI or simply satisfy your curiosity. Keeping your goals in mind will help guide your course selection and level of commitment.
2. Discover credible institutions and courses
India offers several AI courses for working professionals.Some of the leading programs are:
- IIT Kanpur’s e-Masters in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: This program has a full course with basic as well as advanced concepts of AI. Designed for working professionals, it is adaptable with weekend-only live interactive classes and self-study.
- BITS Pilani PG Certification in AI and ML: This is intended for working individuals with an engineering background or with backgrounds in fields allied to engineering. It looks into the practical uses of machine learning and AI. Practical experience is emphasised so that the participant can apply acquired concepts in his/ her profession.
- Universal AI University’s B.Tech in AI & ML: It is India’s first AI-specific university, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs integrating AI into various fields. Their program balances experiential learning with application and makes the students prepared for real challenges.
3. Familiarise yourself with eligibility criteria and prerequisites
Each program has some conditions:
- Education background: Most of the courses require BE/B.Tech or equivalent degree with work experience in related fields.For example, the BE/B.Tech or equivalent with commensurate work experience is required by the BITS Pilani course.
- Work experience: Some courses, like the M.Tech in AI and ML at BITS Pilani, require one year of work experience in the same field so that the participants learn how to implement course content in real-life scenarios.
- Technical skills: It is generally recommended to have exposure to programming languages, particularly Python. If you are not exposed to Python, learn the basics to develop this essential skill.
4. Assess course flexibility and structure
Working and learning entails selecting flexible courses. You, being a working professional, need to take into consideration the following while selecting courses:
- Mode of delivery: Choose programs that are either hybrid or online in nature. For example, IIT Kanpur’s e-Masters program has live interactive sessions on weekends only and self-study, and thus, you can control your time at your own convenience.
- Duration and pace: Consider courses like the six-month AI course for working professionals, which offers a formal but flexible timetable to enable you to manage work and study in a proper way.
5. Consider accreditation and industry acceptance
Purchasing courses from accredited institutions guarantees that your certification is of high standard and is acceptable:
- Accredited courses: Universal AI University and other such universities are accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and they have adhered to education standards.
- Industry collaborations: Industry-driven courses, such as IBM’s SkillsBuild platform, offer practical experience and are welcomed by employers. Industry collaborations are likely to unlock real-world projects and case studies, enhancing your learning journey.
6. Review course content and specialisations
Having your curriculum aligned with your professional goals is also important. Ensure that:
- Core subjects: Ensure essential topics such as machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics are included. A strong understanding of these areas is a necessity for any practitioner of AI.
- Specialisations: If specialised domains appeal to you, look for programs with natural language processing, computer vision, or AI ethics modules. Specialisation can set you apart in the job market and be fitting for particular career aspirations.
7. Think about the cost of investment and ROI
Consider cost factor and accruing benefits through the means of benefit from taking advantage of AI training judiciously:
- The study cost: Compare study program cost and review scholarships or education subsidies provided by the employer. Companies can fund your learning entirely or in part if it aligns with your job position.
- Career growth: Consider the possible pay increase, career growth opportunity, or career switch when becoming certified. Studies have established that individuals who are aware of AI are compensated more, therefore making it worthwhile.
8. Begin applying
After selecting the perfect course:
- Gather papers: Update resume to include current work and relevant experience. Seek out educational transcripts from past workplaces. Letters of recommendation will be needed in certain programs; meet with managers who are able to verify experience in the workplace.
- Apply within deadlines: Be in touch with application deadlines and provide all the due material in advance. Missing a deadline could set your enrollment back several months or even a year based on the program intake schedule.
Wrapping it up
With the use of AI in every industry, from NBFCs and banks to online marketplaces and MNCs, employees now have to be AI-savvy. Taking an AI course as a working professional may look daunting initially. But with a strategic approach to this reskilling/upskilling option, you can improve your chances of employment and career development. With the step-by-step guide provided above, you can confidently go for this opportunity and future-proof your career.