Why is AI Important?

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence is a technology that can mimic human intelligence to solve problems, make decisions, and generate ideas. AI systems learn by processing enormous volumes of training data and identifying patterns.

This learning process allows the models to react in a human-like way to user prompts. For instance, processing example texts allows AI chatbots to have natural-sounding conversations with customers. Meanwhile, image recognition tools learn to identify picture subjects accurately by learning from examples.

The most common types of AI include:

• Machine Learning: Machine learning programs use algorithms to analyze training data and learn from patterns and correlations, enabling them to perform specific tasks. A model improves with experience, so accuracy increases as it learns from past data.
• Deep Learning: Deep learning networks have complex artificial neural networks, similar to a human brain. These networks can spot complex patterns and provide insightful responses. Therefore, they can tackle tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as reading medical images or identifying potential threats on satellite pictures.
• Natural Language Processing: Natural language processing (NLP) is a type of machine learning that allows computer programs to understand and use human language. NLP programs train on vast quantities of natural language data to enable them to communicate in a human-like way.

While many of us associate artificial intelligence with Chat GPT, AI technologies are already embedded in many everyday tools. From checking your commute time on a web mapping platform like Google Maps to perfecting your grammar with text editing software, chances are you already use AI in your day-to-day life.

How AI is Shaping the Future of Work

The demand for AI skills has exploded in recent years, and it’s likely to continue as more and more businesses embrace artificial intelligence solutions. The number of employers looking for AI-literate employees quadrupled between 2010 and 2019, and AI skills are becoming essential across a wide range of industries, making them a valuable asset for advancing your career and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

AI-related jobs typically pay 11% more than non-AI roles within the same company. Skills with AI are particularly useful if you plan to work in the information, professional services, administrative, or finance sectors.

AI adoption offers several potential benefits. It helps automate repetitive processes like data entry to improve operational efficiency. AI can also process and analyze large data sets rapidly, enabling it to identify patterns and make reasoned predictions to aid robust decision-making. For some businesses, using tools such as call bots and chatbots helps streamline customer interactions to boost engagement and satisfaction.

Numerous businesses have used AI to improve customer experiences and drive growth. For example, J.P. Morgan and Chase developed the award-winning OmniAI platform to deliver accurate financial insights. The model can perform deep, comprehensive analyses of vast data sets, reducing operational costs and enabling faster solution development.

The Role of AI in Society

AI has the potential to automate non-routine tasks and solve some of the world’s most complex problems. For example, AI technologies can model climate change predictions, improve energy grid efficiency, and even help you reduce your household energy consumption through smart home heating systems. Other applications include analyzing data during clinical trials and optimizing journeys to reduce the load on transport infrastructure.

However, calculating the impact of AI on global challenges is complex, and even seemingly perfect solutions can have unintended outcomes. For instance, improving your home’s efficiency may encourage you to spend more time in your perfectly heated house, increasing your use of energy-hungry appliances.

Accounting for unforeseen effects is just one potential pitfall of relying on AI. Poor data protection practices increase the risk of privacy violations, while training models on biased data could lead to discrimination. This is why ethical practices are essential for responsible AI development.

Career Opportunities in AI

There are numerous AI-related career paths. AI engineers create tools and systems to solve real-life business problems, while data scientists answer crucial business-related questions by forecasting results. Alternatively, you could work as a machine learning engineer, working alongside data scientists to create models capable of analyzing large data sets.

Whichever route you take, you’ll need essential skills to thrive. High-demand skills include:

• Programming languages
• Data modeling
• Analytics
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Knowledge of AI ethics frameworks
• Natural language processing
• Machine learning
• Deep learning

The right education helps you develop the skills you need to succeed in AI-related roles. CSU Global offers various courses to prepare you for a career in AI, including an Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, an Azure AI automation undergraduate certificate,and  an undergraduate specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics that can be integrated into several of our bachelor’s degree programs.

Learning AI is Critical for Professionals Today

With over 90% of employers planning to implement AI solutions by 2028, entering the workforce with excellent AI skills will likely boost your opportunities. Even if you don’t plan to work directly with AI, becoming AI literate could help you future-proof your career. While AI automation is predicted to replace up to 25% of current jobs, it will also create roles in areas such as cybersecurity, ethics, and data analysis.

Future-proofing your job prospects is particularly important in industries with high AI adoption rates. Industries with high AI exposure include:

• Finance
• ecommerce
• Healthcare
• Education
• Insurance
• Legal services

Learning with CSU Global lets you stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market. Our industry-aligned AI courses ensure you gain the skills employers look for and learn to apply them to a range of real-life situations.

Prepare for the Future With AI Training

Whether you’re planning your AI career or want to reskill to meet changing workplace challenges, our AI-related programs help you stay at the forefront of artificial intelligence developments. Browse our online degrees and certificates to learn more about how CSU Global can support you with high-quality AI education.