How to Become an AI/ML Engineer
An AI/ML engineer is a highly skilled professional who specialises in building and implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models and systems. These engineers focus on creating algorithms that can learn from and make decisions based on data, improving systems and automating processes across various industries. AI/ML Engineers play a vital role in developing smarter technologies that can predict trends, automate tasks, and enhance the functionality of applications.
A Day In The Life
If you were an AI/ML Engineer, you’d spend your day…
Designing and building AI/ML algorithms and models for various applications
Preprocessing and analysing large datasets to train machine learning models
Conducting testing and fine-tuning algorithms to ensure optimal performance
Wanna see an AI/ML nngineer in action? Check out this video!
Is This Career Right for Me?
According to the Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits:
Challenges & Skills
No job is easy, but if you’ve got the right skills, you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way!
Challenges & Skills Needed to Overcome Them
Adapting to rapid technological changes
Skills: Continuous learning to keep up with new technologies and research in AI/ML
Managing large datasets
Skills: Understanding of storage solutions and efficient data retrieval techniques
Ensuring model accuracy
Skills: Attention to detail
Balancing Computational Resources
Skills: Knowledge of parallel computing, cloud computing, and optimising code for better performance
Explaining complex AI/ML concepts to non-technical audiences
Skills: Effective communication
Sound like you? Then you might just have what it takes to tackle these challenges and thrive as an AI/ML Engineer!
Career Pathway
Thinking long term? This career path shows you how you can grow your role (and salary!) in the world of information technology.
With every step, you’ll gain more skills, responsibility and opportunities. If you’re passionate about information technology, this career path could be your perfect match!
Global Opportunities
Pros in this field are in demand everywhere—your career could literally take you places!
Top countries hiring professionals in this field:
United States
The U.S. leads globally in AI, excelling in research, investments, and breakthroughs, with tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and NVIDIA driving innovation.
China
A major AI player, China dominates in AI patents and investments, with companies like Baidu and Alibaba leading advancements in e-commerce, surveillance, and automation.
United Kingdom
The UK ranks third due to its strong AI research and ethical focus, home to organisations like DeepMind, and AI applications in healthcare and finance.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what to expect and inspired you to explore a path that fits your strengths and passions. Good luck—and have fun discovering your future!
Students
© 2025 Afterschool. All Rights Reserved.
