How to Get a Job in AI Without a Degree: 5 Entry Level Jobs

CareerFitter > Career Advice

Key Takeaways

AI and machine learning are set to create millions of new jobs

You can break into AI without a degree by honing essential technical and practical skills

While degrees can boost your AI career, many entry-level positions are accessible through online courses and certifications in data analytics, programming, and machine learning

Artificial intelligence technology and machine learning are expected to offer an estimated 12 million more jobs than they will replace. AI job opportunities will require almost 97 million specialists in the AI industry by 2025.

The statistics and on projected best future careers suggest that more AI roles than ever will become available on the job market in the coming years. Yet many people interested in AI professions are curious about how they can enter them. Often, AI jobs require degrees, but this isn't always the case if one possesses the right technical skills and practical skills to meet a position's needs.

Read on for detailed information on how to get a job in AI without a degree and the relevant skills you could need to secure an entry-level position and begin a new and exciting career.

What is AI: The Difference Between AI And Machine Learning

When considering a job in AI, you'll likely come across other industry phrases like machine learning (ML). Although the two are often spoken about together, they are different things. So, getting a job in machine learning does not necessarily mean you have a job in AI, and vice versa. Yet machine learning is part of AI.

If you are interested in a career in AI you are looking to secure a position in making machines think like humans. AI jobs focus on teaching technology to process large amounts of data and theoretical knowledge to better serve human interests.

So, how are artificial intelligence and machine learning different? Simple. AI can perform basic tasks that usually need the help of human intelligence, whereas ML is used to train machines to perform data analysis rather than being programmed.

How to Get a Job in AI Without a Degree: Actionable Step-By-Step Guide

Getting a job in AI might not be the easiest task, but it isn't an impossible endeavor. To apply for AI jobs or AI projects, you can consider the following steps that will help you get job interviews for certain AI roles.

These steps will not only play a vital role in whether you will obtain a job interview but also help you break into the AI community, which will connect you to like-minded individuals and some of the top industry professionals.

Step 1: Research Entry level positions

Many AI projects and AI roles are available on the market today, and statistics have projected an estimated job growth of 21% between now and 2031. Your first step is to research entry-level positions in the type of AI job you want and see what they require.

Information systems analyst, junior data analyst, data science analyst, and junior computer science roles are entry-level positions you could consider that sometimes don't require degrees. These positions will help you develop fundamental concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities and provide deep learning opportunities within AI, which will help you advance.

After developing these AI skills throughout your career, you can eventually study through university or online courses to get the certificates needed for advanced positions. Alternatively, you could apply for senior-level positions within the role you've decided to take without needing a degree, as you will have earned the necessary experience.

Step 2: Consider Educational Opportunities

Many higher-end jobs in AI technology require a degree. While a traditional degree may be advantageous for helping build a strong portfolio, it is not necessarily needed for many entry-level positions. However, it might be a good idea to consider undertaking a degree while you gain experience through an entry-level job.

Degrees and relevant certifications in an AI job are often advantageous. Data analytics, machine learning engineering, mathematics, computer science, and natural language processing degrees allow individuals to earn more. With a degree, you will gain access to jobs such as senior machine learning engineer, senior artificial intelligence engineer, or senior software engineer.

To begin with, you can apply for entry-level roles without a degree if you have some of the skills mentioned below. Educational opportunities can follow later once you've found a role you enjoy:

• Mathematics: Working on problem-solving and algorithms is a key part of AI projects, and you will need at least a basic understanding of math if you want to succeed.
• Machine learning (ML): This valuable skill will open doors for you in terms of job opportunities. Machine learning engineers are highly sought after as ML is one of the most essential parts of AI.
• Programming languages: Developing skills in programs such as Java and Python is essential. These coding languages are easy to learn for beginner programmers and are foundational assets to learning more advanced programming languages and fulfilling entry-level AI job tasks.

Step 3: Search Places To Apply On Online

Now more than ever, individuals are interested in developing their skills in AI and searching for potential employers who offer the opportunity to enter the field and gain key skills without requiring a degree.

If this sounds like you, consider the following avenues when searching through the job market for roles in artificial intelligence:

• Job Boards: These platforms share multiple available jobs from various companies, locations, and industries. AI job platforms often allow users to filter these boards to meet their specific requirements, so you will find a few options that meet your needs.
• Company Websites: If you have a specific company you want to work for, try looking through its career page or jobs page. It may offer open AI positions that you are looking for.
• AI Communities: Connecting to people within the AI field and industry will help open doors to available positions. AI communities also help you stay informed on the latest advancements and technological releases in the industry and get you into exclusive events. You can try social media platforms like Facebook, Discord, and Twitter for AI communities and jobs.

Step 4: Interview Preparation

One of the last and most important steps is to ensure you are prepared for an interview when you are inevitably called for one. Before attending, ensure you've updated your knowledge on all the latest terms, trends, and news in the AI industry and positions you've applied for. This will make you feel more confident and make you stand out against the competition.

To prepare for an interview, look for common interview questions and practice a few mock interviews alone or with someone who can help you. If you have a portfolio, be sure to present your portfolio during the interview to increase your chances of being a prime candidate.

5 AI Entry-Level Jobs

You are now prepared with everything you need to know before applying for an AI job. Below, we will tackle some of the key AI jobs that require little to no qualifications that potential employers may be offering.

AI Writer Or Editor

AI writers and editors are increasingly used for content creation, and platforms like Gemini, Google Bard, and ChatGPT aid in quick content creation. From blogs and articles to Instagram descriptions and Facebook posts, AI makes completing these tasks seamless, but human prompts and actions are still needed, which is why there are AI writer and editor positions.

Ideally, employers will be looking for candidates with experience in content creation and engagement, as this skill will help provide the right prompt for the AI program.

Salary Information: Generally, AI writers and editors earn between $57k and $70k per year.

AI Learning Specialist

AI tools have become popular in the business world and are constantly used to improve productivity and efficiency. As a result, businesses require an AI learning specialist to help them educate and train their employees to use these AI tools. AI learning specialists don't need degrees but must have a strong knowledge base.

Ideally, potential employers will be looking for candidates with experience in communication skills and writing and a wealth of information about recent and past educational methods.

Salary Information: Generally, AI learning specialists earn between $40 and $50 per hour.

AI Policy Specialist

AI is still in its early development stages, and it often raises concerns of copyright infringement and other concerns that lawmakers will need to control so that businesses can use it without facing legal issues.

This puts AI policy specialists in high demand. Those in this position will develop policies that ensure a business remains compliant with AI regulations. Employers will be looking for candidates who are well-learned in the policy and legislative process and have good communication and writing skills.

Salary Information: The average salary range for this role is usually $118k to $145k per year.

Social Media Strategist

Social media and AI are slowly becoming more integrated, and AI is one of the best tools for content creation. In recent years, as AI usage has increased, a social media strategist's key role has become more focused on the bigger picture rather than pooling content.

Usually, an employer will look for candidates adept at social media engagement, strategies, and social media-focused content creation with AI tools to keep the AI on track with the right prompts.

Salary Information: The usual expected salary range goes from $57k to 70k per year.

Prompt Engineer

Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini require the right prompts to obtain your desired results. A good prompt can be the difference between poorly written and on-point, well-written blogs.

A prompt engineer is usually required to ensure the desired outcome is always reached. A prompt engineer will personally develop, create, and manage a sequence of prompts and follow-up commands that can be provided to a team to create the desired content.

If you are looking to apply for this type of role, most employers will be looking for candidates who are familiar with AI platforms and have some knowledge of their functionality.

Pro tip: You can even use ChatGPT to create resumes and cover letters which will help you more effectively present yourself and make the job hunting process more efficient.

Salary Information: Most prompt engineers will earn an estimated salary range of $100k to 150k per year.

The Wrap-Up On Getting An AI Job

Many people fear that AI will cause problems and replace many jobs. However, it is obvious that AI is the solution to job scarcity in some arenas and can open up a whole new set of umbrella jobs and professions that will need to be filled by humans.

If you aren't sure what field would best suit you while searching for an AI job, consider taking a career test to put you on the right path to success.

FAQs About How to Get a Job in AI Without a Degree

Can I get into AI without a degree?

While a degree could lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying careers and create a good foundation, most entry-level AI jobs don't require a degree. They focus more on growing practical experience and AI skills through AI projects.

How to get an AI job with no experience?

If you are applying for AI jobs without experience, networking is the key to success. Attending industry events, joining online community forums, and discussing with professionals in the field will get you noticed and help you find opportunities where degrees aren't needed.

Is it hard to get a job in artificial intelligence?

It isn't difficult to get a job in artificial intelligence; however, having a foundational understanding of science and math is key to opening up job availability. In addition, most AI jobs require degrees, but a few entry-level positions don't if you meet other requirements or have relevant courses and certifications.

Can you work remotely in AI?

Most of the tools required for AI work don't require an employee to work in an office, so you will see that most AI jobs have work from home options.

How much do AI workers get paid?

The amount paid to AI workers varies according to their secured job. However, the estimated amount that can be earned is up to $136,620 per year, if not more.