06-27-2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming one of the most critical innovations today. Defined as a broad set of technologies that allow computer systems to perform tasks that historically have required humans, AI is rapidly transforming the way industries boost productivity, envision innovative solutions and ultimately, increase the bottom line.
The rise of AI is perpetuating a wide variety of diverse AI careers — not just in the technology space, but in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, from marketing to finance and from sales to research.
In other words, nearly every single business is prioritizing the use of AI strategies, and as a result, AI skills are becoming increasingly sought after in all industries.
Below, we will explore the professional landscape of artificial intelligence and dive into the need-to-know strategies for how to get a job in AI in today’s increasingly competitive business landscape.
Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate, interact with customers, and adapt to an increasingly complex and data-rich world, making it a crucial strategic shift for the future of business. The dramatic increase in AI usage means significant growth in artificial intelligence careers.
What does the data tell us about the rise of AI careers, the explosive artificial intelligence job growth, and the critical need for professionals with AI skills?
The need for tech-minded professionals with AI skills also comes with lucrative benefits. According to Indeed, “half of the highest-paid skills in tech are AI-specific,” and specifically, generative AI is the highest-paid skill in tech today — boasting an average salary potential of approximately $174,000 per year.
From roles focused on data architecture to product management, below are some of the most critical jobs in artificial intelligence that are emerging across industries today.
Securing a career in AI requires strategic planning and academic study. You’ll need to develop foundational knowledge in technology and analysis before building complex, smart skills specific to AI practice.
Here are four practical steps regarding how to get a job in AI.
To be successful in any AI career, it’s imperative that you first build basic AI skills — including machine learning, data literacy and prompt engineering — and then prioritize learning in-depth, advanced AI skills. Because careers in artificial intelligence are ever-changing and complex, it’s also critical that you dedicate yourself to envisioning yet-to-exist innovations that will transform the field at large.
Here are some of the ways you can build sought-after AI skills that will make you a competitive candidate for diverse careers in AI:
Securing a career in artificial intelligence goes beyond technical skills; soft skills are also essential for success in any industry. Skills like interpersonal communication, collaboration, integrity, resilience and transparency are crucial to working with any team and thriving in any role.
For professionals seeking an AI career, creativity, empathy and adaptability are among the most important of soft skills:
Open-source contribution refers to the process of contributing to and improving software in platforms that are free and publicly available to modify. You can significantly impact your knowledge and skills by:
Sharpening your professional toolkit by developing technical and soft skills and familiarizing yourself with AI software is incredibly helpful as you pursue a career in AI. But more often than not, the AI field requires formal training in the form of a quality, forward-thinking academic degree program that’s specifically focused on emerging technological trends.
There are varied kinds of graduate degrees in AI to choose from, but it’s imperative that it's uniquely designed to give you the skills needed to work within existing systems and envision innovative solutions to emerging challenges — especially at the intersection of AI and business strategy.
Careers in artificial intelligence are exciting, diverse, and now more than ever, highly relevant. No matter the industry you’re passionate about, AI professionals are needed across the board to lead the charge in developing and refining AI technology.
Purdue University’s STEM-designated Master of Business and Technology prepares professionals seeking a career focused on technology, AI and business strategy.
Fueled by the innovation coming out of Purdue’s Mitch Daniels School of Business, the MBT program serves as a vibrant ecosystem for technological innovation. We employ expert faculty with on-the-ground experience and offer real-world training opportunities to make you competitive from the time you start the program and far beyond graduation.
Learn more about how the MBT degree will prepare you for a career in artificial intelligence; download our guide, The Tech MBA of the Future: Earning Your Master of Business and Technology.
If you’re ready to take the next step in securing a meaningful AI career, we invite you to request more information or today.
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
