How to Become an AI Consultant? Check Skills, Salary, Qualifications and More

Businesses in nearly every sector are changing because of AI, meaning more workers must have AI expertise.

Upwork reports AI consultants’ average hourly pay is $51, and annual income is around $110,000. The required skills to become an AI consultant include technical skills like coding and programming, knowledge of machine learning, data science, etc., and formal education in computer science, or any other related field with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Accessibility of experiences, networking, and constant learning are some of the things that are found essential for anyone to make it in this ever-evolving field.

There is a huge need for AI consulting services right now. According to the latest research study, the demand for Global AI Consulting Services Market is expected to grow from $64.3 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.2% during the forecast period 2023 to 2028.

AI consulting entails the involvement of an organization with the aspect of AI to help them harness it for greater productivity and potential profitability via analysis and self-running.

Who is an AI Consultant?

An AI consultant focuses on helping an organization select, purchase, and implement AI solutions into its business.

They analyze the customers’ necessities, design specific AI plans, and develop technologies to enhance class operations and decisions.

Currently, there is a need for AI consultants, which will only rise as surveys indicate the likelihood that there will be 40 percent more AI-related job prospects by 2025. Moreover, for organizations that applied AI, the average increase in productivity was recorded to be 40%.

AI consultants support companies in closing the gap between what technology can do and what it should be doing.

How does AI Consulting work?

The below points will explain clearly how AI consultation works:

• AI consulting firms assist organizations in deciding whether they are prepared to start implementing AI, determining which processes might benefit from AI, and implementing AI solutions appropriate to their needs.
• It comprises the preliminary organizational AI assessment that estimates the firm’s processes, issues, and AI opportunities to develop an appropriate AI concept based on its objectives.
• The roles that pertain to an AI consultant consist of determining functional AI technology and tools, designing AI models, and integrating them into current systems.
• In addition, they provide assistance and training from time to time to ensure that the established firms do not deviate from the right path and get the best outcomes from the adopted AI.
• In this respect, there is always a concern that the AI consultants are updated with the most current technology availability and recommendations for the organization’s advantage.
• AI consultants improve the operational mode, creativity, and capability of building durable, long-term success for a corporation by defining AI and implementing it.

Definition With an Example

AI consulting is aimed at enabling businesses to incorporate AI into their activities. For instance, an online selling firm may appoint an AI specialist to analyze customer information and enhance the stock acquisition system. The consultant would assess clients’ needs, propose solutions to the company’s needs in the application of AI in predictive analysis, and develop an engagement plan. 

This may involve AI training the corporation’s personnel and developing performance benchmarks. Applying tailored AI solutions to achieve the business’s objectives aims to enhance decision fluency, productivity, and revenue streams.

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Also Read: Who is the Father of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Know All Details Here

What skills does an AI consultant need to have?

To be an efficient AI consultant, you need to possess specific characteristics concerning technical and interpersonal skills.

Technical Skills

• Programming Proficiency: It is also important to have a basic knowledge of one or multiple programming languages, such as Python, Java, C ++, etc. These languages are used in designing algorithms and deploying machine learning models into their proper applications. Understanding the applications of tools such as TensorFlow or PyTorch increases the ability to develop AI solutions.
• Mathematics and Statistical Knowledge: Math skills, numerical and linear algebra, calculus, and statistical expertise are crucial. They represent the base of many AI algorithms, helping to comprehend the data and model performance more easily.
• Machine Learning Expertise: Some of the knowledge required when it comes to machine learning includes knowledge of learning approaches like supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and others. In this aspect, consultants are in a position to apply the most efficient approaches based on the sequence for specific business challenges.

Interpersonal Skills

• Communication: This includes technical expertise in areas such as cognitive computing, machine learning, and natural language processing, among others, but also soft skills, especially the ability to convey a simplified and, most importantly, very precise impression of the various AI concepts to lay stakeholders. In particular, communication influences successful inter-group work and ensures compliance with the company’s goals.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Thus, an AI consultant must be skilled at critical thinking to reveal organizational problems. This includes asking the right questions to develop proper solutions that meet the client’s expectations.
• Team Collaboration: The need for interdisciplinarity within groups cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, AI consultants often utilize engineers, marketers, and other specialists to implement AI strategies.

Also Read: How To Make a Career in Artificial Intelligence?

What are the Qualifications of an AI Consultant, and How Much Do They Earn?

Another important professional role for firms is hiring AI consultants to help integrate these technologies correctly. Some of them just have the essential education, with or without related experience, to qualify them for the job.

Qualifications

• Educational background: A degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, or statistics, up to a bachelor’s degree, is necessary. Most consultants have a master’s degree, which might increase their chances of getting a job and developing expertise in specific areas like machine learning or data analysis.
• Certifications: Thus, specific professional orientations, like the Certified AI Consultant (CAIC) or other AI and machine learning certificates, can help confirm skills and knowledge in this area.
• Experience: Field work is crucial. Many of them need at least several years of experience in similar positions, for instance, data analysis or software engineering, to guide firms through implementing AI strategies.
• Technical Skills: AI solution development in technical skills means using coding languages such as Python and R and comprehending AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Earnings

The earnings given to a machine learning expert depend upon his experience, location, and the type of project he is involved in. On average, freelancing ML consultants earn around $200,000 annually; however, established professionals and experts in the most popular subfields claim their salary ranges between $100,000 and $150,000.

You can do AI consulting if you love it and are highly dedicated. To succeed in this tremendous field, you must first build a solid educational foundation, gain practical exposure, and learn technical skills through practice, in addition to always learning.

Also Read: How to Become a Data Scientist?

Step-by-step Process of Becoming an AI Consultant

Below are the steps to becoming an AI consultant:

Educational Foundation

Firstly, as an academic qualification, one must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science or mathematics, among other relevant fields. This usually takes about four years. Alternatively, for people already with qualifications in AI and machine learning, it will make them employable within weeks of fast-tracking entry into consultancy.

Gain Relevant Experience

Practical experience is mandatory. Get involved in internships while still at school, cooperative education programs, or any other programs focused on artificial intelligence like those available at companies operating in this sector, for example, DARPA’s initial deployments into military systems during the 1970s. You could try learning more about open-source AI projects, get involved in hackathons or create a portfolio that shows your capabilities.

Improve Technical Expertise

For example, Python, R, or Java are coding languages you must be familiar with while working with AI-based architectures like TensorFlow and PyTorch. Managers should consider data pre-processing, model selection, and model evaluation to improve the likelihood of successful AI solution development.

Specializations & Certifications

Natural language processing and computer vision are some of the subfields that demand specific expertise. Suppose one wishes to be recognized as an expert in this field by potential clients. In that case, one should consider obtaining Google or Microsoft certifications.

Create Your Professional Network

Artificial intelligence is a highly networked industry. Networking with these experts through attending conferences within this industry, connecting with them on social media platforms, and joining online communities about AI and data science can help you get closer to them. Form a community around forums, social media platforms, or professional associations. Through networking, one can get into mentorship programs and opportunities for collaboration, which eventually help an AI consultant internalize market-oriented needs towards commercialization of their products.

Continual Learning

Once you have established professional contacts through different media channels, it is necessary to acquire new knowledge about AI development via continuous learning, workshops, seminars, and training. This will enable you to adapt to changes in the market and maintain your consultancy position on artificial intelligence.

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Conclusion

An AI consultant requires education, technology, knowledge, skills, and work experience. You can become an instrumental specialist in this rapidly evolving industry by having specific licenses and diplomas focusing on critical issues and updating your knowledge stream. Networking alongside practical experience will improve job opportunities. This career is highly paid because many organizations need AI professionals. It has the potential to make a big difference across sectors.

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