Freelance job and career platforms have seen a remarkable surge in requests and searches regarding AI jobs. Indeed reported a 250% growth in generative AI-related job postings between July 2021 and July 2023. Furthermore, LinkedIn stated that job listings in English containing references to OpenAI's "GPT" or "ChatGPT" have increased 21-fold since the well-known language model was first made available to the public in November 2022.
Vlad Hu initially entered the software engineering sector and eventually created his own software agency, however, over the last year, the larger opportunities have been as a freelance artificial intelligence expert. He is not the only one; the ascendence of generative AI is rapidly changing the freelance tech job market, with both employers and job seekers making use of career and freelance platforms such as LinkedIn, Upwork, and Fiverr to search for or post AI-related jobs. Hu noted that three years ago, becoming an AI expert would require a deep knowledge of machine learning algorithms and other technical skills. Data from Indeed indicates that generative AI-related job posts have increased by nearly 250 percent since July 2021 to July 2023. Additionally, LinkedIn (owned by Microsoft, the main investor of OpenAI) has observed that since the language model was first released to the public in November 2022, the number of U.S. LinkedIn members that use keywords related to gen AI is increasing at a rate of 25 percent per month. In June, many members were including AI-related terms such as "ChatGPT," "prompt engineering," and "prompt crafting," in their profiles fifteen times more frequently than they were at the start of the year. A spokesperson from Fiverr has commented that “many firms are looking for ways to incorporate AI into their business platforms and are hiring freelancers to help them do that.”
Hu noted that plenty of businesses have approached him with an intention to incorporate ChatGPT or similar AI bots into their apps. According to a Fiverr spokeswoman, the interest in AI-assisted video creation has had an extensive surge over the past six months, along with the demand for AI app development professionals. Moreover, a survey conducted by LinkedIn pointed out that 44% of American executives plan to amplify their utilization of AI technologies over the upcoming year, with 47% of them convinced that it would increase their productivity. "AI is already changing the workplace," commented Dr. Karin Kimbrough, LinkedIn's Chief Economist, in a recent study which revealed that almost half of executives believe AI will make a positive contribution to productivity. "In the last year, we've noticed that tech-savvy professionals around the globe are quickly embracing AI abilities; this growth is closely linked to employers increasingly looking to hire personnel with knowledge of how to make use of novel AI solutions to elevate efficiency in their offices."
Independent AI consultants have the chance to take advantage of the deficiency of AI-based qualifications amongst existing employees, across distinct sectors of the economy. In the U.S., for example, the technology, information, and media domain has the most advanced users of artificial intelligence, at 2.2%. Other domains such as retail and financial services are also going through a rapid development of AI proficiency, even though the existing employees have very limited understanding of this field. Upwork, a freelance job platform which recently made a deal with OpenAI to link businesses with proficient AI users, claims that 250 AI-related skills are presently being offered by specialists. Margaret Lilani, Upwork's VP of Talent Solutions, explained that multiple paths lead to success in AI consultancy, although a robust understanding of computer science, adeptness in machine learning algorithms, proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and experience in data management and analysis are all usually required to complete a project. In addition, many AI professionals have related educational qualifications, such as a Bachelor's or a Master's in fields like engineering or computer science. But, as Lilani noted, "ultimately, demonstrating the skills, capabilities, and expertise to handle a specific project is what will make you successful in this sector."
Udacity also observes an increase of 33% in the interest for AI-based courses over the past year, including deep learning, AI programming with Python, AI for trading, machine learning DevOps engineer, computer vision, and natural language processing. Victoria Papalian, the General Manager of Udacity's consumer division, reported that about 20% of their current content development plan is directed towards Generative AI and related topics.
Aspiring AI professionals may benefit from getting an early start by taking courses in computer science. According to Lilani, such courses give students an excellent foundation in the programming languages required for AI expertise, especially those in high school. She added that other independent methods of education, such as YouTube videos and AI-focused blogs, are becoming more popular in the industry. Additionally, knowledge of tools like ChatGPT is important for everyone as they advance in their careers. Hu suggested that beginners should familiarize themselves with OpenAI's tools, like ChatGPT, ChatGPT API, Dall-E, and Davinci, before proceeding further. Yet, as Hu pointed out, efficiency in these areas is not enough. To make the most out of AI, users need to understand how to use the technology in business.
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