Here's how you can become an AI consultant: the steps to take.

Education First

Traditional career paths are a thing of the past now! The booming field of AI is creating nearly 100 million new jobs by 2025, & consultants who bridge the AI gap are in high demand. While a solid education in computer science, data science, or math is a plus, clients care more about your ability to implement AI for real-world results. So, take courses that combine theory with practical applications, like building an AI-powered tool. Even better, pursue a master's or PhD with a focus on AI to truly deepen your expertise & become an indispensable consultant, like designing an AI system to predict disease outbreaks for a healthcare company. The future of work is being written now, and with the right skills and focus, you can be a part of it.

Gain Experience

Don't rely on textbooks alone! Real-world AI experience is a must. Bigger companies and startups with solutions engineering roles offer the best environment to dive into real, even small-scale, AI projects. Focus on booming sectors like healthcare or finance to maximize your impact. Remember, AI is about problem-solving, so embrace failures as learning opportunities and collaborate with online communities to grow. Most importantly, understand how AI translates to business value. For instance, building a recommendation engine for an e-commerce platform can significantly increase sales by personalizing product suggestions. This hands-on approach will turn you from an AI bookworm into the right expert.

Specialize Wisely

Consider AI not just predicting problems but also creating entirely new things! The possibilities are endless, but with AI being such a vast field, specialization is required. Find your niche, whether it's making chatbots that answer customer service questions or building AI tools to help moving companies—the choice is yours. The key is to focus on areas where your interests align with market needs. Our AI startup, Yembo, was born when I identified a need in the moving industry. Therefore, look around and see where AI can solve common problems—that's your chance to make a real impact.

Build Credibility

"The future of AI is not just about the technology itself but also about the ethics behind it," as Marie Curie mentioned. Building trust and showcasing your ethical AI practices is the secret to attracting the right clients. There are multiple ways to establish yourself as a thought leader: present at conferences, share your knowledge through webinars and discussions, and even build an online community.

But credibility goes beyond theory. Your portfolio should showcase real-world impact through AI pilot projects. Use storytelling to highlight the problem you solved, the solution you designed, and the positive outcome. Adding a "lessons learned" section to each project demonstrates your ability to learn from experience and adapt.

Master Soft Skills

How can you be a great AI consultant if you can't communicate? It's all about translating complex AI jargon into clear, actionable insights for non-technical clients. Think storytelling and data visualization to make those insights engaging.But communication is a two-way street. Actively involve clients in the process, listen to their needs, and be prepared to adjust your approach. Don't be afraid to say no if a project doesn't align with their goals. Remember, building trust is key! This means clear and consistent communication throughout the project, ensuring everyone is on the same page before moving forward. Tailoring your communication to the client's background, whether a complete AI newbie or a pro, is essential for collaboration.