AI (Artificial Intelligence), Data Science and Machine Learning have shown us how it can bring about a change in the growth of a company. However, in order to harness its true potential, more AI professionals are required. There is a huge dearth of AI experts as the field requires millions of roles, but only 3,00,000 are currently engaged.
According to an AI expert associated with MyAssignmenthelp, mastering the art of coding in Python is essential in order to understand complicated topics like Big Data and AI. Nevertheless, let us delve deep into the current situation as to why there is a talent shortage in AI.
Why Is There a Shortage of Talent in AI?
First, let us understand why AI is required? Well, the companies are always vying to compete with each other and in the course of their action; they have created a huge cobweb of leads, deals, contacts, etc. Millions of data need to be monitored per second, which is why AI is in so much demand.
Not only companies. The demand for AI and Cloud Computing has increased exponentially in the medical, military, colleges, etc. in a decade. Where is it not being implemented today? However, in order to handle AI, skilled professionals having knowledge and experience in Python programming, Cloud Computing, Deep Learning are required.
Now that you have an idea of the huge requirement of AI experts, it is time to discuss why the companies are unable to search for skilled personnel. After some investigation, certain reasons that were found out have been stated below:
- Lack of Proper Knowledge
Most professionals do not have a solid grasp of Python programming, which is considered as the base for understanding AI topics like Fuzzy Systems, Artificial Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, etc. If one wishes to land a successful job in high-profile IT companies, foundational knowledge on class, objects, loops; CGI, Socket, GUI programming; Multi-Threading becomes crucial.
- No Upskilling
Technology is constantly evolving. Most professionals are under the impression that once they complete a course in AI, they don’t need to upgrade themselves. However, they are making a mistake. Even the most qualified expert need to study every day and gain further insight into the Machine Learning process, Analytics, Data Sciences, etc. to stay on top of things.
- Insufficient Money and Benefits
If you think lack of knowledge is the sole reason behind the talent scarcity in the AI field, you haven’t heard of the other profound problems. Certain professionals have stated that the big tech giants are not offering them generous compensation for their services. Moreover, they have expressed their grievances towards the lack of benefits like perks, etc.
- Insurmountable Pressure
AI professionals have a tough time monitoring a huge database of data for 8 hours each day. Sometimes, the pressure becomes insurmountable as data mining tasks have to be completed within a short notice. Unable to bear the burden, most professionals suffer a mental breakdown and quit their jobs.
These are the most prevalent reasons as to why there is a talent shortage in AI. However, companies are taking steps to change the equation and soon, the skill gap will be taken care of.
Steps that Need to be Taken to Fix Talent Shortage
In order to fix the talent shortage problem in AI, not only do the companies need to intervene but also the schools and colleges need to provide the preliminary programming knowledge so that the students can excel later in the corporate sector.
1. Proper Education Plan and Courses
Most schools and colleges have taken the initiative of enhancing the resources for digital, technical and math education. The institutions are conducting talent hunt programs to encourage young learners to take up computer science. In fact, to fill the huge deficiency in talent, tech giants like Amazon and Google are investing internationally in advanced courses.
Moreover, non-tech students are also being encouraged to pursue programming and go for advanced AI and Machine Learning courses through e-learning. Customized courses available at deeplearning.ai and Andrew Ng have been instrumental in providing authentic courses and shaping the career of thousands of students.
2. Authentic Training at Companies
Most companies have started offering training to the AI personnel for upgrading their skills. Professional experts are being appointed to share their insights into the Data Mining, Analytics, and Neural Networks concept. Following the training session, the employees are made to solve certain assignments to check their progress.
In fact, the mid-size business and small firms rely on the free courses provided by Google, Microsoft like Analytics Academy, Microsoft Personal Program, etc. The open-source programs have allowed companies to gain exposure to innovative aspects that are being used by other flourishing companies on a large scale.
3. AI Automation
If you think that un-manned operations are a thing of the future, you couldn’t be more wrong. You will be surprised to find out that AI itself can be a solution to the scarcity in the talent pool. Do you know that Google is developing AutoML, which can create other AI systems that would act as a replacement for professional experts?
Have you heard about AlphaGo computer programs developed by DeepMind Technologies that play board games? It is hard to fathom how far technology has come along. And it’s only the beginning. More sophisticated programs are currently in the development phase, courtesy Deep Learning and AI. Thus, automation will end the talent shortage in AI in the near future.
4. Proper Management of Work
Proper management of work in companies is the key to talent recruitment and retention. If the companies wish to retain the skilled AI professionals, they need to cut down the immense amount of pressure bestowed upon them. Moreover, the organizations need to provide them with a decent salary, with added benefits like leave relaxations, medical urgency, incentives, etc.
As you can see, plans are already being deployed to address the issue, and if everything goes as per the plan, the talent dearth in AI will end soon. However, it is imperative that the students receive proper education in the programming language, especially Python, from schools. Gradually, they will get accustomed to the intricacies of the AI by the time they reach university or college.
Author Bio: Gracie Anderson is a computer science expert, having received his Ph.D. from one of the most reputed colleges in Australia. She is an active blogger sharing knowledge on AI and Python. Apart from this, she is also the managing head at MyAssignmenthelp where he supervises the Python programming assignments solved by the experts.