As technology embeds itself into every aspect of our lives, machine learning has emerged at the centre of India’s digital transformation. From the use of virtual personal assistants in everyday life to the adoption of image recognition software, technologies driven by machine learning are deeply embedded in our daily lives. Machine Learning is being used for a wide range of functions within the business domain, including market research, search engine optimisation, traffic forecast, customer service, data management, risk mitigation, big data analytics, AI algorithms, and fraud detection. In fact, the market for machine learning is expected to grow to $30.6 billion by 2024 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 42.8%.
In India, the highest investments among the various AI technologies are in the field of machine learning applications. The reason behind these high investments is the growing popularity of ML applications across business functions like finance, accounting, general management, IT, operations, and administration. In fact, NITI Aayog has noted that India can add 1.3% to its GDP annually through machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Opportunities and Challenges For Aspiring ML Professionals
An increase in the applications of machine learning across several fields and increasing investments have led to an ever-rising demand for machine learning experts. For instance, the job title ‘Machine Learning Engineer’ topped LinkedIn’s rankings for Emerging Jobs between 2012 and 2017, with a growth rate of 9.8.
However, the increasing demand for jobs in machine learning is faced with a shortage of talent. Machine learning is still a novel field in India, and as such, there is a severe shortage of upskilled professionals within this domain. A recent survey by O’Reilly Media has shown that the shortage has subsequently slowed down AI adoption in enterprises. The reason for the shortage of talent can be attributed to two causes. Firstly, companies hiring machine learning programmers are often biased towards the academic pedigree of the job applicant. Programmers aiming to opt for machine learning jobs often find that the jobs have entry barriers that are biased towards students from prestigious universities like IITs. Secondly, most programmers lack an in-depth knowledge of machine learning that can be applied within business contexts. They lack the industry training and specific skillsets required to succeed in corporate roles.
Currently, programmers who are trained in Python have to let go of several career advancement opportunities as they aren’t upskilled in Python enough to build Machine Learning algorithms on a vast number of datasets, and in doing so, automate processes. Despite Python being an approachable and well-known language, very few programmers possess ML skills, such as using the TensorFlow framework to build several neural networks or explore more advanced techniques. To tackle this issue, IT professionals and companies are investing in upskilling through executive education programmes that are specifically tailored to train working professionals in Machine Learning Ops within industrial contexts.
How Executive Education is Helping IT Professionals
For people who have completed their education in IT-related fields and are in the mid-stages of their careers, it can be pretty inconvenient and financially draining to pause their jobs to pursue graduate degrees that would train them in machine learning. This is one of the primary reasons upskilling in an advanced domain like Machine Learning proves to be an arduous task for programmers with a few years of industry exposure. However, executive education programmes from India’s top-tier institutes are changing that.
Executive certificate programmes offer learners the opportunity to develop new skills while continuing their jobs. They allow experienced programmers to advance their careers and take up new opportunities. Besides potential salary increments and job promotions, a certificate programme from a top-tier university also offers learners access to alumni benefits and networking opportunities within their fields.
Consider the case of IIT-Roorkee’s six-month Certificate Programme in Machine Learning (CPML). The programme facilitates a deep immersion into the world of machine learning by training IT professionals in the latest industry practices and tools associated with machine learning. The curriculum, which is comprehensive and hands-on, is powered by robust pedagogical tools that gamify learner experience. With 250+ recruiters and 11,000+ learners placed, IIT-Roorkee provides lucrative career opportunities for its students. The institute further provides learners with access to an AI-powered resume builder, an online portfolio builder, interactions with industry experts, and LinkedIn profile reviews to prepare them for potential job opportunities.
One of the major reasons that IIT Roorkee’s CPML resonates with IT professionals is the elevated academic pedigree associated with the IIT brand. Possessing an ‘IIT’ certification in the tech domain can open new career opportunities due to the academic repute of these tech institutes. Therefore, a certificate programme from a top-tier tech institute can propel a person’s career and help them stay ahead of the curve.
To know more: https://timestsw.com/technology/courses/iit-roorkee-post-graduate-certificate-program-data-science-machine-learning/
Machine learning in business helps in enhancing business scalability and improving business operations for companies across the globe.
