7 Machine Learning Jobs You Can Find in Multiple Industries

Machine learning (ML) is an application of artificial intelligence (AI), used to improve machine learning processes without extensive programming involved. This process contributes to the ease of use in everyday life, including social media platforms, customer service interaction, speech and image recognition, and data analytics. Some of the benefits companies get from utilising ML include automating tasks, improving databases, working with data more efficiently, and adhering to a large range of applications across many sectors. 

Because it reduces human interactions by teaching machines to learn on their own, machine learning has become a popular tool utilised in many industries, with a variety of career options available. 

Required qualifications for machine learning jobs

Most jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to machine learning, such as computer science, statistics, or mathematics. Some potential employers may want you to have an advanced degree in a subject related to the machine learning area you're pursuing. Many businesses are looking for a particular set of skills that match the job, so it’s helpful to have a clear idea of the career you want to pursue. 

With the required analytic skills needed to work in machine learning, a wide range of career options are available, with many remote job opportunities. Several industries that hire for machine learning include:

• Finance

• Business

• Genetics

• Health care

• Retail

• Education

7 machine learning jobs

Machine learning offers many career options from which to choose where skilled professionals are in high demand, and the salary is lucrative. Read on to discover seven options to consider. 

1. AI ethicist 

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹23,73,000 (AI specialist) [1]

Ethics plays a fundamental role in AI and the future impact it will have on society. An AI ethicist ensures that systems are used in moral and autonomous ways by protecting privacy and preventing discrimination and other social injustices. Using AI ethicists to instill transparency into programs helps companies avoid any potential legal issues surrounding data collection. An AI ethicist reduces ethical risks and bias. AI ethicists are responsible for informing corporate leaders of any non-technical AI issues that may be inadvertent. In addition to providing corporate heads with this information, they should also make them aware of any risks these issues can cause. 

Requirements: In addition to a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as philosophy, ethics, computer science, or a related area, advanced education specific to ethics can be advantageous. Though not a requirement, real-life experiences can be beneficial, such as internships, research projects, or previous jobs in the technology field, as well as a certification or training program that focuses on expertise in ethics, technology, or a related field. 

2. Automation engineer

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹7,40,000 [2]

If you have impeccable technical skills, an automation engineer might be a great career choice for you. As technology continues to grow, so does the need for engineers who can automate more tasks. The job of an automation engineer is to improve computer processes, automating areas of the system’s technology so it requires less human interaction. Many automation engineers work in fields that use machines to perform particular functions. 

Requirements: Most automation engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. It can be helpful to attend an engineering university that focuses on areas such as statistics, databases, and robotics. You should have a general knowledge with an emphasis on electronics and electrical systems. You can increase your chances of acceptance into an engineering university by taking the Joint Entrance Test (JEE). Choose a specialty to narrow down your options, and highlight the necessary skills for that position on your CV. 

3. Business analyst 

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹8,80,70 [3]

A business analyst plays a crucial role in the operations of a company. The responsibilities in this role include raising revenue, boosting efficiency by improving processes, and finding any issues or needs that may occur. Business analysts act as a go-between, connecting business and technology teams. They play a major role in collecting and analysing business operations, finding issues, and discovering ways to rectify them. This requires necessary steps, including: 

• Interaction with others. Gathering all possible information from clients, stakeholders, and employees to learn more about any issues.

• Examine possible occurrences. Conducting a comprehensive study on possible outcomes if certain procedures are put into place to ensure the success of the company.

• Solve problems as they arise. Understanding the issues an organisation is experiencing to find solutions that help revenue grow.

• Implement changes. Resolving problems and clarifying to other employees what you expect from them to fix the issue. 

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, accounting, marketing, computer science, or a related field is a requirement, and a master’s degree is preferable. Most business analysts have a background in IT and possess an MBA. Also, consider enroling in business analyst certification courses, such as a certified analytics professional (CAP) or an entry certificate in business analysis (ECBA), to broaden your career and salary options. 

4. Business intelligence developer

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹7,12,500 [4]

A business intelligence developer creates a company’s intelligence tools and drafts reports that are used by business analysts and other data analytic management. They develop interfaces to break down complicated information into easy-to-understand data interaction tools. Their role is imperative in transforming the data they analyse into understandable and functional insights for decision-makers. 

Requirements: Employees should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering. Most potential employers also seek out candidates with superb problem-solving skills and the intellectual ability to excel at the role. 

5. Data analyst

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹7,50,000 [5]

Data analysts are in demand in a variety of industries. They analyse all relevant information and data needed to make important business decisions, such as developing products and entering new markets, discovering investment opportunities, and gaining new clients. A data analyst is responsible for conducting research to find information from all relevant sources, cleaning unrefined data, and reducing errors or duplicates found in the machine learning process. This information is then passed along to management to use as a framework when making business decisions. By collecting, verifying, and analysing data, analysts identify patterns that can help improve businesses in the future.

Requirements: Most employers require a candidate with a bachelor’s degree focusing on computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, or statistics. Many employers look for a potential data analyst with a postgraduate degree in big data analytics, data science, data analytics, or business analytics.

6. Database administrator

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹7,70,000 [6]

A database administrator (DBA) organises, maintains, and stores company data using database management systems. A DBA’s major responsibilities are to control the company database and decide which employees have access to which information. They also protect all data from unauthorized use. This position plays a pivotal role in the IT department of any sector. DBAs are responsible for creating a data model, separating business parts of data management from the technology to create a model that can translate the technical jargon.

Database administrators are an integral part of the IT team. With the fast pace of evolving technology, DBAs are in demand to manage the large amount of information being generated. Their responsibilities include creating models to help the organisation work more effectively and working with those models to process data. Other DBA tasks range depending on the job but can include one or more of the following:

• Create procedures for storage and maintenance

• Design and implement database security procedures

• Configure software server

• Perform server maintenance

• Create strategies to back up and recover databases

Requirements: Database administrators generally hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. Before earning a degree, it’s necessary to clear the 10+2 board examination with subjects like physics, maths, chemistry, and computer science. Some colleges may also require a college entrance exam. 

7. Data engineer

Average annual IN salary (Glassdoor): ₹11,00,000 [7]

Although they do not have direct involvement in building AI models, data engineers play a key role in the development of infrastructure for organisations’ machine learning processes. Data engineers also use coding for data systems by implementing a variety of learning languages. 

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in data engineering, big data analytics, computer engineering, or a related field is usually required. A master’s degree is also recommended. For a competitive edge, a secondary certificate can also demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in data engineering. Database engineers should also have a deep knowledge of analytics software. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a tool used by DBAs to interact with data, so proficiency in this programming language is imperative. 

Machine learning job outlook 

The field of machine learning is becoming one of the most sought-after areas of employment. With the growing need for qualified professionals in the field comes an increase in demand for skilled candidates. Companies are looking for candidates who possess digital skills and work well in a data-driven culture. The AI market in India is estimated to reach 7.8 billion USD by 2025 [8]. 

What skills do I need for a job in machine learning?

Because ML is growing and changing so rapidly, it is important to keep up with technology by constantly improving your job-specific technical skills and interpersonal skills. A job in machine learning requires a range of both technical skills and interpersonal skills. 

Technical skills:

• Data evaluation: Determine patterns or predictive abilities in a data set by focusing on its underlying structure.

• Software engineering: Develop software solutions and understand how programming languages work.

• Machine learning algorithms: Be knowledgeable about supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning or neural networks and understand libraries that create ML models, such as TensorFlow or Kera.

• Data modelling: Model data so you can see any patterns that may arise, and then assess the patterns to ensure your algorithms work with the information you obtain.

Interpersonal skills:

• Effective communication: Possess the ability to explain data models to non-technical members of your team, which can help prevent any issues and keep everyone on the same page so the business runs more efficiently.

• Teamwork: Listen to and show recognition for team members’ thoughts and ideas.

• Problem-solving: Be prepared for any problems that may arise and brainstorm ways to solve them by understanding how to break down problems into smaller parts. 

Getting started in machine learning with Coursera

As technology continues to grow in India, so do opportunities. Having the skills needed for machine learning is imperative for getting a job in this industry. Develop practical machine learning skills with the Machine Learning Specialisation created in collaboration with DeepLearning.AI and Stanford Online. This three-course programme on Coursera provides a broad understanding of the field, and it’s a great place to start building your career in machine learning.