How Do You Get Into Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Getting into artificial intelligence (AI) may seem difficult, but it differs from traditional software and doesn't always require a technical background. There's no single path into the field, said David Humphreys, director of AI integration at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Traditionally, careers in AI have stemmed from computer science degrees, but that's changing. As AI continues to evolve, so do the routes into the industry, he said.

While technical roles still require knowledge in computer science, Humphreys said, there’s growing room for people from humanities, communication or business backgrounds who bring different perspectives to how AI is used.

How Do You Begin a Career in AI?

Starting a career in AI depends on what part of the field you're interested in. Technical roles like machine learning or deep learning engineering require a strong foundation in computer science, math and statistics, Humphreys said.

If you're interested in developing AI systems, he said, then focusing on technical skills and programming fundamentals can be a strong place to begin.

But not every AI role requires building models from scratch. If you're more interested in how AI impacts people, fields like communication or sociology can one day be valuable starting points, he noted.

“You need to think about what part of AI interests you,” Humphreys said. “Is it using it? Is it making creative output with it? Is it using it to be more productive? Or is it actually building an AI from the ground up?”

AI microcredentials could also be a path to a career. “Microcredentials are short, skills-based learning programs,” Ben Tasker, associate dean of AI and data science at SNHU, said. “They're designed for workforce individuals who need to quickly upskill without going through a full degree program.”

There are also online AI courses that can give you knowledge about AI fundamentals, ethics and practice.

How Do You Get Into AI With No Experience?

Gaining hands-on experience is an important first step if you're new to AI. Try experimenting with free tools like ChatGPT and explore tutorials online to build your familiarity, he said.

“Learning can be fun,” Tasker said. “I started by asking AI to plan trips for me or suggest meals for my diet."

Don't be afraid to start small. Many skills you already have could be transferable as AI continues to expand into different fields, Humphreys said.

Examples of AI Career Paths

Humphreys said he entered the AI field through a nontraditional path, with a background in communication, journalism and film.

He earned an undergraduate degree in communication and journalism before attending graduate school for film, he said. "My interest in technology and openness to learning new tools helped me shift into AI work."

Tasker's path to AI hadn't been intentional. "While working at a hospital, I realized there had to be a better way to automate their spreadsheet-heavy tasks," he said. "I accidentally stumbled into AI about 10 years ago when I started in a data analytics career."

That led him to earn a master’s degree in data analytics and data science. This opened the door to management roles where he saw how AI could help people work more efficiently and intervene faster to support student success, Tasker said.

Mae Mullen '19, an organic marketing and AI strategist at SNHU, developed her interest in AI through a love of science fiction and early experiences with chatbots like Cleverbot. She became more involved with AI during the COVID pandemic by playing AI Dungeon, a game powered by an early version of OpenAI’s GPT model.

Today, she uses tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM daily in her work, relying on AI for research, communication and trend tracking, she said.

How Do You Start Learning AI as a Beginner?

The best way to start learning AI is to experiment. Open a tool like ChatGPT and start getting familiar with it, Humphreys said. From there, you can explore free resources like YouTube tutorials or beginner-friendly courses online, he said.

“There’s a ton of free courses that are available,” Humphreys said. “I would encourage people to just play around with it.”

Getting comfortable with the tools is often more important than understanding every technical detail at the start. You don’t need to be an expert to begin, he said, just have an interest and a willingness to learn.

Another way you can start learning AI is by exploring it through your own interests. Find ways to use AI with your hobbies, Mullen said.

“The more you connect AI to things you already enjoy, the easier it becomes to build real skills,” she said.

Can You Teach Yourself AI?

You can teach yourself AI, depending on what area you want to enter. For technical roles like building AI models, you’ll eventually need to learn coding, system architecture and other foundational knowledge, Humphreys said.

But not every job in AI requires formal training. If you're interested in using AI tools rather than developing them, he said, self-guided learning through tutorials, articles and hands-on practice can be a good starting point.

Think of AI as a personal assistant that helps you work faster and smarter, Mullen said. “The more you use it, the more you figure out what it can do for you," she said.

AI is a broad field, and employers are starting to recognize different kinds of skills. Not everybody needs to be building AI to be employed in AI, Humphreys said.

How Do You Get Your First Job in AI?

To land your first job in AI, start applying and find a way to stand out. If your background is the same as hundreds of other applicants, it becomes harder to get noticed, Humphreys said.

You can stand out by combining your technical skills with experience in other fields, extracurriculars or different ways of thinking. These additions show you're adaptable and can apply AI in unique ways, he said.

As AI continues to reshape industries, employers may prioritize creativity, communication and human-centered skills — qualities that are harder for AI to replicate. It's a fast-moving field with room for many backgrounds, Humphreys said, and if you stay curious and keep learning, you will have a better chance at finding your place in it.

"AI is likely to impact most jobs in some way," Tasker said. "Building your AI skills can help you adapt and stay competitive as the market continues to change."

Ollie Burkett is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where he is pursuing his Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.