5 in-demand jobs requiring AI skills

Here are five key roles that are essential in today's AI-driven world.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, often referred to as the intelligence revolution, reshaping industries and influencing the future of humanity. A growing number of organisations are integrating AI into their workflows, with 38 percent already using generative AI and 42 percent considering its adoption according to a survey by Deloitte.

In the skilling sector, AI has been a game changer, offering personalised learning experiences, adaptive content, and automated assessments that make skill development more efficient and accessible. By helping individuals reskill and upskill, AI platforms prepare workers to navigate the ever-evolving job market. A recent study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reveals that nearly 40 percent of global employment is tied to AI-related roles.

These jobs are increasingly found on popular platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Naukri.com among others, demonstrating the surging demand for AI talent across various industries.

Here are five key roles that are essential in today’s AI-driven world as mentioned by Udai Singh, Head - GenAI Initiatives, NIIT Limited:

1. AI Specialist

AI specialists are among the most in-demand professionals in today's market according to a 2023 study by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). According to the report, India will require 25,000 to 30,000 AI specialists over the next five years. An AI specialist is a professional who works with AI models to produce solutions for real-life situations through designing, testing and optimising models.

One distinctive feature of an AI Specialist’s role is their focus on model development and deployment, bridging the gap between raw data and practical AI solutions. They also play a key role in training other employees on how to use AI tools and systems effectively.

2. Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning is a subset of AI that focuses on the creation and management of machine learning algorithms. Unlike an AI specialist, who may be more involved in the overarching design and implementation of AI models, the Machine Learning Engineer is responsible for building and optimising systems that process large volumes of data.

Their work centres on enhancing the performance of models through a focus on creating systems that recognise patterns, improving algorithmic over time through training. With recent transformations in AI, the machine learning engineer job outlook is brighter than ever and the demand for AI and ML specialists is expected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2027.

3. Data Scientist

According to India Big Data Technology Market Analysis, Data science is a massively expanding field in India. The total market size for Big Data in India will grow to $3.38 billion by 2029, growing at a rate of 7.66 percent CAGR. A data scientist Job entails analysing and interpreting data so that it can be used to make informed decisions in an organisation, ensuring its success.

Data scientists are primarily concerned with interpreting and analysing data using various tools, including machine learning and AI, but their key output is actionable insight rather than AI-based systems.

Their role is distinguished by their focus on extracting knowledge from data across multiple sources and communicating these findings to inform business strategy. In industries such as finance, technology and healthcare data scientists play a crucial role. To pursue a career in this field, proficiency in AI and related disciplines is essential.

4. AI Research Scientist

AI research scientist is a professional who focuses on pioneering new AI models and techniques. While an AI Specialist might focus on applying existing models to solve specific problems, the AI Research Scientist works at the cutting edge of technology, developing algorithms such as deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision. They play a critical role in advancing the field of AI itself by investigating emerging techniques and developing prototypes.

Their work primarily is research-oriented, focusing on theoretical advancements in AI rather than the practical application of existing models making them essential in industries such as robotics, automation and intelligent decision-making systems.

5. Business Intelligence Analyst

A business intelligence analyst is a professional who gathers business-related data such as revenue, sales and customer engagement and then presents the information clearly and concisely to stakeholders suggesting actionable insights to improve an organisation’s success. A BI Analyst differs from the other roles as their primary focus is on interpreting business data to drive strategic decision-making rather than building or researching AI models.

They are commonly employed in industries such as IT, banking and finance, media, and manufacturing. Key skills for success in this role include the ability to interpret large datasets, effectively communicate insights, and identify which data is most relevant to improving business outcomes.

These roles are crucial in various industries, from education technology and finance to healthcare and manufacturing, reflecting the expanding impact of AI across the professional landscape.