Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Vlad Hu kickstarted his career as a software engineer and eventually established his own software agency. However, recently, freelance job opportunities as an artificial intelligence (AI) expert have taken center stage. Hu is not alone in this shift. The emergence of generative AI is rapidly reshaping the freelance tech job market, leading to a surge in AI-related job posts from employers and job seekers’ searches on career and freelance platforms such as LinkedIn, Upwork, and Fiverr.
Just three years ago, becoming an AI expert required in-depth knowledge of machine learning algorithms, general AI and technical skills, according to Hu, who now works on Fiverr in chatbot implementation projects.
Indeed’s data shows that generative AI-related job postings on its platform have increased by nearly 250% from July 2021 to July 2023.
On LinkedIn, which is backed by OpenAI’s primary investor, Microsoft, the popularity of keyword searches related to generative AI continues to grow since the public breakthrough of large language models in November 2022. From early April, the number of U.S. LinkedIn users mentioning gen AI keywords in their posts has seen a monthly increase of 25%. Additionally, AI-related keywords such as “ChatGPT,” “prompt engineering,” and “prompt crafting” have been added to profiles 15 times more frequently than at the beginning of the year.
“Many companies are exploring the integration of AI into their business platforms and collaborating with skilled freelance developers,” said a spokesperson from Fiverr.
Hu mentioned that businesses interested in incorporating ChatGPT or similar AI bots into their apps often reach out to him for understanding the technology. Fiverr has also witnessed a significant increase in demand for AI-related video creation in the past six months, along with a rise in firms hiring AI app development experts, according to the spokesperson.
LinkedIn predicts that the demand for freelance AI experts will continue to grow. A June survey conducted by LinkedIn revealed that 44% of U.S. executives plan to expand their use of AI technologies in the coming year, with 47% expecting an increase in productivity.
“AI is already transforming the workforce,” wrote Dr. Karin Kimbrough, chief economist at LinkedIn, in a recent report. The report also found that almost half of executives believe AI will boost productivity. “In the past year, professionals worldwide have rapidly adopted AI skills, which coincides with employers’ increasing search for talent proficient in utilizing new AI technologies to enhance productivity in their organizations.”
Freelancers skilled in AI have a valuable opportunity to tap into the market due to the scarcity of AI skills among existing industry professionals across various sectors. LinkedIn identifies the technology, information, and media sector as having the highest proportion of AI-proficient members, with just 2.2%. While other sectors like retail and financial services are experiencing rapid adoption of AI skills, the current employee proficiency remains relatively low.
Upwork, a freelance job platform that recently partnered with OpenAI to connect businesses with experts knowledgeable in large language models, reveals that experts market over 250 AI skills. Margaret Lilani, Vice President of Talent Solutions at Upwork, states that a strong foundation in computer science, knowledge of machine learning algorithms, proficiency in programming languages like Python, and experience in data management and analysis are often necessary for AI consulting. Many AI experts also hold relevant college degrees, such as computer science or engineering.
At Udacity, an online learning company, interest in AI-based courses has risen by 33% in the past year. In-demand courses include deep learning, AI programming with Python, AI for trading, machine learning DevOps engineer, computer vision, and natural language processing. “Approximately 20% of our current content development roadmap focuses on Generative AI and related content,” said Victoria Papalian, General Manager of Udacity’s consumer division.
Lilani advises individuals interested in the AI field to start by taking computer science classes to build a foundation in the programming languages essential for AI expertise. For high school students, this can help familiarize them with the fundamentals of AI. Additionally, independent methods of education like YouTube videos or AI-focused blogs are becoming increasingly popular among the workforce. Continuous learning of new concepts and tools, such as ChatGPT, will be crucial for professionals across industries to advance in their careers.
Hu suggests starting with the basics, including the use of OpenAI tools like ChatGPT, ChatGPT API, Dall-E, and Davinci. However, he emphasizes that proficiency in these AI areas is just the beginning. Understanding how to apply these tools to real-world problems is essential to unlock the full potential of AI. “Bridging the gap between technology and real-world problem-solving is what truly matters,” Hu concluded.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
