There's never been a better time to pursue a tech career than today, all thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). Regardless of one's stance on its use, the list of industries adopting it will only grow longer over the years. Its advantages are too tempting to dismiss.
AI consists of multiple subsets, but the one seeing the most promise is perhaps machine learning (ML). If you're considering an AI-related career, here are several ways ML is disrupting your current job search in your favor.
Most Extensive AI Subset
AI consists of six subsets or categories, ML being the most extensive and interconnected. Under this subset are three subgroups, which include: (1)(2)
- Supervised learning - the model is trained using labeled datasets or variables, widely used for fraud detection, predictive analytics, and risk assessment.
- Unsupervised learning - the model is trained using unlabeled or random datasets, most common in developing e-commerce recommendation systems.
- Reinforcement learning - the model is trained using human feedback based on a preset metric, most common in video game development and task automation.
- Deep learning - although not a subgroup of ML, it's the result of combining ML with neural networks to create a model that simulates human-like decision making.
Each subset incorporates various model training methods (a topic for a future article). Still, the range of applications fuels the growth of tech jobs and their salary offers. When there's an increase in demand for efficient means of doing things, so does professionals to create the necessary models and systems.
Due to the complex nature of AI, ML technology projects are never a one-man job. Creating a model or system using ML, according to Google, requires a team that comprises: (3)
Java's Continued Relevance
The relevance of 30-year-old Java in the era of AI has been the subject of debate within the programming community. Some say that the iconic programming language (read: 'Java is found everywhere') can't compete with the likes of Kotlin and Scala.
However, many others insist that Java's decline has been exaggerated. Stack Overflow's latest Developer Survey of over 65,000 professionals states that Java consistently ranks among the top ten most popular programming languages. In 2024, it was the fourth most popular programming language to learn. (4)
The TIOBE Programming Community Index also speaks highly of Java. As of April this year, it ranks fourth among the top 20 programming languages (which make up over 80% of the market). It outranks JavaScript and SQL, which ranked first and fourth overall, respectively, in Stack Overflow's survey. (4)(5)
Experts compare learning Java to learning to operate a stick shift before an automatic one. As complicated as it may be, it makes learning more streamlined languages such as Python and JavaScript much easier. This is also a major advantage when clients want to switch back to Java from said streamlined languages.
As far as job opportunities go, Java jobs remain among the highest-paying in the tech sector. Senior-level positions pay up to almost USD$200,000 annually, but entry-level Java developer jobs also pay relatively well. These jobs also offer the choice to work onsite, remotely, or in a hybrid setting.
Long story short, Java is a gateway to further developing one's ML competencies and skills. Some even argue that Java alone is enough to create quality models, though there's always room for improvement.
An AI-Driven World is Inevitable
At this point, AI has penetrated almost every industry. McKinsey's latest Global Survey on AI revealed that three out of four companies have adopted the technology for at least one business function. Two of the most common functions employing AI solutions include: (6)
- Risk management - the ability to process vast amounts of data allows for more accurate predictions of how risk factors will impact a business.
- Data governance - precision workings enable a business to manage its valuable data according to existing data protection laws.
When you think about it, these functions somehow come together when faced with a major risk among businesses: cybercrime. Today, there's no shortage of AI-assisted cyberattacks hitting companies hard and costing them billions. One example involved a deepfake of a senior manager's likeness, costing the engineering firm they work for USD$25 million. (7)
Be it cybersecurity or workforce management, business AI is here to stay. The market for intelligent technologies will continue to grow, and that translates to the need for more ML professionals to develop them.
This is evident in the recent string of acquisitions of AI cybersecurity startups by major corporations. Among the latest is Palo Alto Networks' acquisition of Protect AI for over USD$500 million. Expansion by startups prior to acquisitions opens job opportunities. (8)
In Conclusion
The impact of ML on tech careers as a whole is clear as day. Going down this career path leads to an almost never-ending road to growth as an industry professional and, to some extent, a person. After all, becoming a good ML professional involves a desire to find new ways to solve old problems.
References
1. "Artificial Intelligence: The Milestone in Modern Biomedical Research", Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7426/2/4/49
2. "Types of Machine Learning", Source: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/machine-learning-types
3. "Assembling an ML team", Source: https://developers.google.com/machine-learning/managing-ml-projects/team
4. "2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey", Source: https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2024/technology
5. "TIOBE Index", Source: https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/
6. "The state of AI in early 2024: Gen AI adoption spikes and starts to generate value", Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai
7. "Arup lost $25mn in Hong Kong deepfake video conference scam", Source: https://www.ft.com/content/b977e8d4-664c-4ae4-8a8e-eb93bdf785ea
8. "Networks to acquire Seattle cybersecurity startup Protect AI", Source: https://www.geekwire.com/2025/palo-alto-networks-to-acquire-seattle-cybersecurity-startup-protect-ai/