Artificial intelligence (AI) enables computers to imitate human-like intelligence. Artificial intelligence has been around since the 1950s, and the field has dramatically evolved since then. Access to more and better information (data) and improvements in computing have helped advance the field. AI technology enables software, apps, and machines to learn, think, and correct themselves the same way humans do. Humans must first set up the system and develop the set of rules to be followed (algorithms), then computer programs use algorithms to analyze data, find patterns, and act on what they discover. AI programs become more accurate as they receive and process more data. A large part of AI involves machine learning, which allows computers to understand and copy human behavior by finding data patterns. In short, AI technology helps us do our jobs better and easier.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is useful for a variety of tasks across many industries. It powers virtual assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, and helps computers understand which emails are spam. Machines already handle monotonous jobs. You may have used AI when contacting a customer service representative using a website chatbot or when searching for a term on Google, and the search engine finished the word for you. AI also helps online stores and streaming services provide personalized recommendations. In healthcare, artificial intelligence can help doctors find potential medical issues faster, including tumors, broken bones, and genetic conditions. AI also helps wayfinding apps route drivers around high-traffic areas, financial institutions flag potentially fraudulent credit card transactions, and retailers keep track of their stock more efficiently. If you have a robot vacuum, a self-driving car, or play chess against a computer, that’s artificial intelligence, too.

To learn about artificial intelligence (AI), you should love math and science. You should have a basic understanding of computer science and statistics. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are necessary, as is a curious, innovative spirit. You should be interested in learning how things work. It also helps if you understand how information (data) is collected, stored, and analyzed and how humans can use AI to improve our quality of life. Other skills include an interest in or understanding of software engineering, data structures, algorithms, natural language, computer programming, computer architecture, probability, and data modeling. You should be able to work at a fast pace. As in most fields, a willingness to learn, ask questions, and work both independently and in teams are important traits.