Artificial intelligence is no longer a new technology but has become one of the leading drivers of innovation in industries within India. The AI market in India is expected to grow at 25%-35% by 2027, and the demand for AI professionals is likely to double by the same year, according to a study by Deloitte India and NASSCOM. The use of AI-powered solutions in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce industries means professionals will have to reskill to remain in the competition.
For professionals, and executives, the right selection of AI courses is vital to maintain pace with the emerging automated and data-driven career landscape. This article provides information on how Indian professionals can choose and join AI courses to advance their careers.
Embracing the demand for AI skills in India
The adoption of AI in India is growing at a pace never seen before, with organisations in various industries making investments in automation, data analytics, and machine learning solutions. The Indian AI market is expected to expand at a huge scale, opening thousands of employment opportunities, as per recent reports.
Organisations are looking for talented AI professionals who can bring innovation and efficiency to their respective business segments. AI professionals can look forward to jobs like AI engineers, machine learning experts, and data scientists.
To remain competitive in this changing job market, professionals need to proactively upskill and reskill.
Learning an AI course is a window for gaining industry-based skills, improving career opportunities, and shifting careers to trending options. For switching careers from other professions or for advancing existing competencies, proper AI course selections play a key role in professional development.
Determining career goals and evaluating knowledge available
Prior to choosing an AI course, professionals should determine their current levels of expertise and professional goals:
- Beginners: If you are a beginner in AI, this is where you should obtain introductory courses on machine learning, data science, and neural networks.
- Intermediate learners: As a programming background holder, you can opt for courses in AI model building, deep learning, and statistical learning.
- Experienced professionals: AI professionals can benefit from advanced courses in computer vision, AI ethics, and reinforcement learning.
Having a career direction will reduce the most suitable course choices, making the learning worthwhile and useful.
Course curriculum and practical exposure analysis
A good AI course should be in balance between theory and practical exposure. While considering AI courses, remember:
- Deep curriculum: The curriculum should cover significant AI topics like supervised and unsupervised learning, deep architectures, and natural language processing.
- Practical experience: Practical sessions, real-world examples, and real-world implementations of AI will make learning more effective.
- Industry alignment: Training using AI software such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenCV is particularly useful for real-world applications.
Choosing the right learning mode
Trainers should select a learning pattern that fits their schedule and time:
- Online education: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer flexibility so that the learners are free to study at their own pace.
- Classroom training or virtual: Live interaction through well-structured education is offered through classroom or virtual instruction.
- Hybrid learning: Some courses incorporate self-directed learning along with periodic live instruction for an ideal learning process.
Verification of accreditation and value of certification
The credibility of an AI course heavily depends on its industry accreditation and recognition. Completing your certification from a well-known institution can enhance career opportunities. Look for courses from:
- Indian premier institutions: IIMs and IITs provide executive AI courses that are tailored for working professionals.
- Foreign universities: Sites such as Coursera and edX collaborate with leading institutions to offer globally accepted AI certifications.
- Industry-sponsored programs: Google, IBM, and Microsoft certifications hold great value in the employment market.
Examining course duration and cost
AI courses are available in different lengths and costs, and therefore, it would be better to pick one that would accommodate your budget and time to the greatest extent:
- Short courses: Three weeks to three months and ideal for working professionals who require specialised AI skills on a priority basis.
- Long courses: Postgraduate diplomas or master’s degrees involve thorough training but are time-consuming.
- Cost considerations: Keep an eye on fees and seek scholarship programs or company-sponsored learning centres.
Best AI courses for Indian professionals
There are several institutions and portals that offer AI courses to Indian working professionals. Some of the recommended ones are:
- IIT Kanpur’s eMasters in AI and Machine Learning: A working professional-friendly course with flexibility.
- Coursera AI Specialisations: Courses of top international universities, with a certificate upon completion of the course.
- Scaler AI and ML Program: Formal program with a focus on applied learning of AI.
- GeeksforGeeks AI Courses: Offers tutored learning streams for newbies and seasoned professionals.
Summing it up
Picking the appropriate AI course is an important decision for Indian professionals so that they enhance their professional stakes in the age of AI. Depending upon the subject of the course, accreditation, study mode, and industrial applicability, professionals can make a well-informed choice that strengthens their skills and career opportunities.
As AI is spearheading the industry revolution in various organisations like Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and segments like online marketplaces, upskilling in AI is a necessity for professionals to be on the same level as the competition. As AI is spearheading the future forward, investment in appropriate learning platforms will ensure long-term professional success.
