Want A Job In AI? Advice From The Founder Of The Ladders

One of the fastest growing career fields is AI. However, given its nacency, it is difficult for those interested to navigated the terminology and job search process. For marketers interested in understanding how to break into the field, I sought insight from Marc Cenedella, founder of Leet Resumes and The Ladders, and author of seven Amazon Careers #1 bestsellers.

To break into AI, there are two sides, suggests Cenedella. There are “the people who build AI and those who use AI. The people who build AI, like the team at OpenAI which built ChatGPT, are developers. They’ll have titles like ‘Software Programmer,’ ‘Data Engineer,’ and ‘Machine Learning Engineer.’

For those more likely to be on the side using AI as a tool. They’ll see job titles like ‘AI Prompt Engineer,’ ‘AI Integration Specialist,’ and ‘AI Content Reviewer.’”

With regards to where marketers might fit best, Cenedella suggests that they may be able to fill “AI Prompt Engineer” jobs in marketing-related fields. He also suggests that they might “design prompts to elicit excellent social media post copy or prompts to guide AI to create interesting art designs. They could also work as ‘AI Trainers.’ These professionals teach AI how to deliver better results within specific fields.

However, Cenedella believes it will be more common for marketing professionals to use AI within job descriptions rather than as job titles. “AI skill requirements will find their way into most jobs. For example, a Social Media Coordinator may see a requirement to understand and implement ChatGPT to create social media calendars. Eventually AI will be as common a workplace skill as email.”

In general, Cenedella indicates that companies want employees who are excited about learning and embracing new technology. “Prompt engineering is brand new. Nobody is an expert (yet), so this is a unique and remarkable opportunity.

Think about it like applying at the Wright Brothers’ airplane company in 1909. No one knew how to make airplanes – most people didn’t even know what airplanes were. The Wright brothers needed people who were enthusiastic about learning. Your ability to talk with infectious enthusiasm about the latest developments in AI will set you apart.”

Join the Discussion: @KimWhitler

Marc Cenedella, founder of Leet Resumes and The Ladders, is a nationally recognized thought leader on careers, resume writing, job search, career management and recruiting. He is the author of seven Amazon Careers #1 bestsellers, including Ladders Resume Guide and Ladders Interviews Guide. Hailing from Fredonia, New York, Marc holds an MBA with High Distinction from Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Scholar, as well as a B.A. in Political Science from Yale College.