The Al Career Roadmap: Here's How to Get Started in the Field of Al

Jan 1 / AI Degree

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, touching every industry and redefining how we live and work. From healthcare breakthroughs to smarter cities and entertainment recommendations, AI is everywhere. It's no wonder so many people are eager to pursue careers in this exciting field.

But let’s face it: starting a career in AI can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? What do you need to learn? How do you compete in a field that’s advancing so quickly?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step roadmap to kickstart your AI career this new year. This plan will give you clarity, confidence, and direction. Let's begin!

“AI is one of the most important things humanity is working on. It is more profound than, I don’t know, electricity or fire.” 
       - Sundar Pichai

Why Choose a Career in AI?

AI is more than just robots and self-driving cars. It’s about creating technology that can solve problems, make decisions, and even learn. Careers in AI come with exciting challenges, the opportunity to work on groundbreaking innovations, and rewards like high salaries and job security.

The roles available in AI are diverse, from data scientists and machine learning engineers to AI researchers and ethicists. The field is booming, and businesses worldwide are looking for talented individuals who can make AI work for them. With applications spanning industries like healthcare, education, retail, and logistics, AI professionals are truly shaping the future.

Moreover, AI is a field that rewards creativity and critical thinking. Whether you’re designing a chatbot to improve customer experiences or developing algorithms that predict weather patterns, your work will have a tangible impact on the world. The potential for personal and professional growth is immense, making AI one of the most exciting career choices today.

Your Step-by-Step Roadmap to a Career in AI

Step 1: Get Familiar with AI Basics

Start by understanding what AI is and how it works. This doesn’t require any technical skills—just curiosity. Explore articles, videos, or podcasts about:


  • What AI is and how it’s used in the real world.
  • Basic concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing.
  • Why AI ethics and fairness are so important.


The goal here is to build a solid understanding of the field and spark your interest. Take your time to absorb the foundational concepts and think about how AI can align with your career goals or personal interests.

Step 2: Learn to Code

Programming is the backbone of AI. If you’re new to coding, start with Python—a beginner-friendly language that’s widely used in AI. Focus on the basics:

  • Variables and functions.

  • Loops and conditionals.

  • Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and TensorFlow for data analysis and machine learning.

Don’t worry if this feels daunting. The key is to start small, practice regularly, and build your confidence step by step. Consider joining online coding challenges or working on mini-projects to reinforce your skills.

Step 3: Brush Up on Math

AI relies on math to build models, analyze data, and make predictions. While you don’t need to be a math genius, you’ll benefit from understanding:

  • Linear algebra (vectors, matrices).

  • Probability and statistics.

  • Basic calculus (gradients, derivatives).

You can find free resources online to help you refresh your math skills or learn them from scratch. Interactive tools and tutorials make these topics more accessible than ever, so don’t hesitate to dive in. Remember, a strong foundation in math will empower you to tackle more complex AI concepts with confidence.

Step 4: Get Hands-On with AI Tools

AI tools and platforms make it easier to build projects and solve problems. Start experimenting with popular ones like:

  • TensorFlow and PyTorch for machine learning.

  • Kaggle, a platform for datasets and AI competitions.

  • GitHub, where you can collaborate on projects and share your work.

The more you practice with these tools, the more confident you’ll feel tackling real-world problems. Explore online tutorials and workshops to understand how these platforms work and how to use them effectively.


Step 5: Work on Simple AI Projects

There’s no better way to learn than by doing. Begin with small, manageable projects to apply what you’ve learned. For example:

  • Build a chatbot that responds to basic questions.

  • Create a recommendation system for movies or books.

  • Develop a model that recognizes images of cats and dogs.

These projects will help you build a portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers. A well-documented portfolio not only highlights your technical abilities but also demonstrates your problem-solving skills and creativity.


Step 6: Join Communities and Network

AI is a collaborative field, and being part of a community can accelerate your growth. Join forums, attend webinars, and participate in AI hackathons. Networking will help you learn from others, stay updated on industry trends, and discover opportunities you might not find otherwise. Engaging with communities can also help you find mentors, collaborators, and even job leads.


Step 7: Earn Certifications

Certifications can validate your skills and make you stand out in a competitive job market. Look for programs that combine theory with hands-on projects and offer credentials recognized by employers. Certifications not only boost your resume but also give you the confidence to tackle more complex AI challenges.


How AI Degree Can Help You Get There Faster

Embarking on a career in AI is exciting, but it can also be a lot to manage—balancing coding, math, projects, and certifications all on your own. That’s where AI Degree comes in, providing a structured, flexible program to guide you every step of the way.

What is AI Degree?

AI Degree is an all-in-one, online education program for aspiring AI professionals. Designed by top AI experts, it offers everything you need to build a successful AI career, from foundational concepts to advanced skills.

Here’s why AI Degree stands out:

  1. Learn at Your Own Pace: Whether you’re a beginner or working professional, study anytime, anywhere—even from your phone.

  2. Comprehensive Curriculum: Dive into 42 courses covering everything from Python basics to advanced AI systems.

  3. Hands-On Learning: Build real-world AI projects and gain experience through internships with partner companies.

  4. Affordable & Accessible: 10,000 Scholarship grants covering up to 100% of tuition make it possible for anyone to pursue AI education.


What You’ll Learn in AI Degree

The curriculum takes you from zero to hero in AI, starting with beginner-friendly courses like Python for Data Science and progressing to advanced topics like deep learning, AI ethics, and cloud platforms.

What You’ll Build:

  • Chatbots, image recognition systems, and more.

  • Projects that mirror real-world challenges, giving you valuable experience for your portfolio.

  • Connections with industry experts and other learners worldwide

“As a technologist, I see how AI and the fourth industrial revolution will impact every aspect of people’s lives.”
- Fei-Fei Li